6 ways to experience the beauty of Kenyan culture – from the great outdoors to UNESCO heritage towns, vibrant markets, local food and nightlife.
About the author: Lisanne of Africa Originals is on a mission to inspire everyone to visit Kenya one day.
Straddling the Equator on the easternmost corner of Continental Africa, Kenya is a (not so) small yet culturally diverse country.
Its expansive savanna grasslands are home to incredible wildlife while its scenic coastal beaches lend an enchanting contrast to the dry heat that characterises the savanna.
Yet, while the land on which Kenya lies is beautiful beyond doubt, it is rivalled by the depth, diversity, and nuance of the 42 tribes that live within its borders.
Kenya’s cultural landscape is a mixture of language, dress, food and music; a multicoloured quilt that is the very fabric of Kenya’s social set-up.
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6 things to do in Nairobi for Kenyan culture
1. Go on a wildlife safari
To understand the land, its history and its people, you cannot ignore the amazing variety of wildlife that Kenya harbours and that has shaped society into what it is now. From the old days when lions and leopards used to roam truly free, to the National Parks that have been formed to protect both wildlife and the people, nature is intrinsic to Kenyan culture.
The best way to experience Kenya’s great outdoors and wildlife is by going on safari. This is true for everyone: catching a glimpse of the Big Five and riding on the endless plains is as much a cultural experience for Kenyans as it is for visitors.
Planning a safari in Kenya is exciting given the abundance of options. Safaris can be done as a self-drive experience, as a guided walking tour, in a van, on horseback, or even in a hot air balloon.
One of the places tourists should make an effort to see is the Maasai Mara. Covering 1,510 square-kilometres, the Mara offers countless attractions, including the Great Migration (one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders).
Another destination to add to your itinerary is Nairobi National Park. Situated on the outskirts of Nairobi, it is the only wildlife park in the world located within a city’s limits. It’s by no means small, though – the park is big enough to hold giraffes, buffalo, rhinos, zebras, lions, and even leopards. To get around the park, tourists can either opt to join a tour or have a self-drive experience.
2. Visit a Maasai market
A visit to one of the Maasai markets is the cherry on top of a trip to Kenya. The most popular Maasai market is located in the middle of the Nairobi CBD, directly opposite the Kenya International Conference Centre, but its location changes throughout the city depending on the day of the week.
Vendors, mostly Maasai men and women, sell handmade traditional jewellery, souvenirs, and artefacts such as soapstone chess boards, necklaces, beaded leather sandals, key holders, bags, wall hangings and more.
It’s important to note that prices may be slightly inflated. Hence respectful bargaining is recommended in order to get the best price. Keep smiling, and you can agree on a deal that satisfies both parties.
3. Eat Nyama Choma
If a trip to the Maasai market is the cherry on top, then eating nyama choma is the whole dessert. Translated literally, nyama choma means ‘roast meat’. The meat of choice is often goat or beef roasted over an open flame.
It’s usually served with ugali (maize flour meal) and kachumbari (salsa). Ugali is a bit of an acquired taste, so it might not be very palatable for a first-timer.
An important part of Kenya’s culinary heritage, nyama choma is usually eaten communally and prepared to order. In restaurants, a table of two or more people will order their preferred choma, roasted as per the client’s specifications. It’s brought out still smoking on a wooden board and shared with everyone.
Nyama choma is a big part of Kenyan culture and traverses ethnic groups, classes, social standing, and gender. In this way, it is perhaps the greatest indication of social cohesion in a society or a party of friends.
For many Kenyans, Carnivore Restaurant and Njunguna’s Place are the greatest choma joints in Nairobi.
4. Take public transportation
In Kenya, public transport transcends simply moving commuters from one point to another. It is a way of life and a means of expression. The public transport sector is its own living, breathing part of the urban lifestyle and has acquired the venerated designation ‘matwana culture‘, celebrating Kenyan creativity in the transport sector.
The backbone of the public transport industry is the matatu. A matatu is an old minibus whose exterior is often decorated with eye-catching graffiti. Their interiors are also fitted with LED lighting and speakers to keep passengers entertained during their commute.
However, Nairobi’s traffic jams necessitated a quicker and more efficient means of transport – enter boda bodas. Positioned strategically across the city, these motorbikes will take passengers to their destination of choice for a small fee.
Kenya’s public transport system does not run on a specific schedule. Rather, there are strategic pick-up and drop-off points for different locations around the city. Generally, PSVs plying these routes charge anything from Ksh 20 (20 cents) to Ksh 150 ($1.50) for a trip. It’s important to remain alert while travelling in matatus as pickpockets are known to steal wallets and phones from unsuspecting passengers.
Commuters can also use apps such as Safeboda, Uber, and Taxify, which are inexpensive and offer more convenience in terms of comfort and time.
5. Visit the ancient town of Lamu
A trip to Kenya would be incomplete without seeing the coast, and a visit to Lamu is the perfect starting point. Lamu Island is a popular tourist destination for both foreigners and Kenyans. Its Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili town in East Africa.
Established circa 1370, Lamu Island is Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited town. Guests looking to retrace the steps of earlier inhabitants, including Portuguese explorers, Omani Arabs, and Turkish traders, can visit Lamu Fort.
The Fort was constructed in the early 1800s by Fumo Madi ibn Abi Bakr, the then Sultan of Pate, to serve as a defensive stronghold. It’s currently a museum and space for community events.
Because of its magnificent Swahili architecture, with interesting ornaments, Islamic influences and narrow alleys hiding tiny shops and restaurants, Lamu is the perfect place for a visitor to walk around and discover by foot.
Lamu also offers tasty, colourful and spicy Swahili cuisine. The Swahili people, Lamu’s primary ethnic group, are praised nationwide for their culinary skills. Tourists should visit The Mangrove Restaurant, which offers excellent food and a welcome respite from the coastal heat.
To further cool down, Shela beach is a 12-kilometre stretch of white sand that’s perfect for sun-lovers and anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in the port town.
6. Experience Nairobi nightlife
After a day outdoors, the best way to unwind is by experiencing Nairobi’s music and nightlife.
Nairobi’s party scene is one of the best and most popular in all of Africa. It’s very diverse; you’ll find people from all over the world enjoying the various relaxing lounges and upbeat nightclubs. Kenyans very much like to socialise over a drink and it’s easy to mingle and get to know the locals in a bar setting.
Nairobi nightlife is a high energy activity. It’s characterised by quintessentially fast-paced contemporary African tunes, nyama choma, and Smirnoff or Tusker. Usually groups of four or five go out together, moving from one venue to another as the night progresses.
One of the most popular bars in Nairobi is 1824 The Whiskey Bar. It has great music, themed nights, outdoor seating, and a great live band. Another top location is the Alchemist in Westlands. Its laid-back style, live bands, great food and even better drinks make this venue appealing to the masses.
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