"KENYA, JAMBO" Kenya by Acirfa

Kenya Travel Guide: 4,268 reviews and 11,448 photos

Culture

Kenya has it's very own culture.

Nairobi, the Capital of Kenya (Translated from it's Masaai name, means 'place of cool waters', hence the Brits chose it to site the base camp for the railway line from Mombasa to Lake Victoria.), is like any other city of the world, thriving and bustling with business and technology, however, leave it and just a few hours out of town life is lived in a traditional way.

Cattle are cared for by young herders and warriors dress in their distinctive red Maasai or Samburu robes. Animals are kept in boma's to protect them from wild animals during the night.

Modern and traditional live side by side here in Kenya. It could be somewhat sad, as anywhere in the world, to watch the traditions of the people dying and being replaced by modern techniques, however, these people do have an ability to bring with them into the future their customs and not leave them to the past. This is what makes their culture so special and unique.

You may board a modern day matatu and find sitting there a Maasai or Samburu warrior with his elongated ear lobes and spear, who is tuned in fully to the World football match that is taking place and being aired on the radio. This is evidence of their ability to bring the present and past together.

Kenyans are used to change and embrace it well. This is probably down to their long history of new cultural influences impressed upon them, both from nomadic people and sea borne traders.

The Language

As in many of the East African countries, ie., Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and South Africa, Swahili is spoken. This language is taught and is used as a common denominator amongst the tribes, allowing them to interact easily.It is a Bantu dialect which has been altered by the intergration of words from other languages, particularly Arabic and some Portuguese is obvious too.

'Swahili' means "the coast" and was introduced by the Arabs and used to describe the coastal people.

Aside from Swahili, the people also speak English and their own local language too.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Happy, friendly, polite people, natural and relaxed
Cons:Beach boys and hawkers, just becomes a little of a nuisance after a while
In a nutshell:Wild, free, big sky, relaxed and no problem (Hakuna Matata)

Last visit to Kenya: Aug 2006
Intro Updated Oct 21, 2006
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Reviews (30)

Fort Jesus Things to Do (10)

Fort Jesus overlooks the entrance the Old Port of Mombasa and was built by the Portuguese in 1593. It was erected to... more travel advice

Taita Hills Hotels (12)

A lovely location set in the bush at Taita Hills in Tsavo West. Perched on stilts this hotel is made for game viewing,... more travel advice

Lake Nakuru Things to Do (10)

Lake Nakuru, another of the Rift Valley lakes, is a wonderful place to visit. It is about a two hour rough ride from... more travel advice

Collecting our tickets at Mombasa station - Kenya

Colonial Train Things to Do (10)

Ghosts in the darkness, recall the movie? Well it was based on the story of the many Indian workers that were taken by... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Hawkers
Nightlife (2)
See All Local nightspot
Restaurants (2)
See All Beach Bar

What to Pack (1)
Helpful Hints
Transportation (1)
Matatus
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Comments (23)

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Wafro Oct 28, 2011 at 12:10 AM

As you said, we have much in common.
Great pics and complete information is all we need to revisit on of the most beautiful countries of E.Africa.
:))
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amna07 Nov 9, 2010 at 1:42 PM

Really loved the picture,im kenyan leaving in England,soon i will be running tour company in kenya end of this year, karibu tenaa, asante.
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balhannah Apr 15, 2010 at 1:04 AM

Love the little Lion Cub! Have enjoyed reading these pages, and from them, it sounds like you had a wonderful time. The balloon flight must have been fanstastic, and the hotels sound good too!
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Pinat Jul 23, 2009 at 11:26 PM

Kenya, my dream country: I liked your tips, especially the ones on hotels. Hope to go there some day. Greetings from Ankara, Turkey...
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hindu1936 Apr 18, 2009 at 11:00 PM

Certainly appreciate the tips based on other than just tourist insights. Just hope we get the chance to use them. thank you again
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easterntrekker Jan 31, 2009 at 7:16 PM

I keep going back to your pages as we plan our own trip. Really love the picture of the cub on the first pages. Too adorable!!
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diosh May 9, 2008 at 3:58 PM

My friend stayed at the Serena a fortnight ago!I loved my short stay in Kenya 4 years ago.
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goutammitra Oct 30, 2007 at 7:48 AM

I revisited your Kenya page. If possible I would like to visit Masaimara someday!
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Suzze Sep 19, 2007 at 1:25 AM

Well done Donna on being in the top 5! Brilliant pages.....you deserve it x
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Orkaena Sep 16, 2007 at 8:09 AM

Such a beautiful -almost poetic- description of the Maasai culture! I'm really engaged with the text, very well done.