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"KENYA, JAMBO" a Kenya Travel Page by Acirfa

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"KENYA, JAMBO" a Kenya Travel Page by Acirfa

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Acirfa    
Whether rich,poor,educated or not,colour,status or nationality, the purpose of life is to be happy


Real Name: Donna
Lives In: West Horsham, UK
Member Since: May 13, 2005
VT Rank: 574

 

Page Views: 2,043            Last Visit to Kenya: August, 2006      

KENYA, JAMBO

by Acirfa - last update: Oct 21, 2006

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.

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

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)"
Acirfa's Kenya Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 10 - Photos: 18
 
Restaurants
Tips: 2 - Photos: 4
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 12 - Photos: 27
 
Nightlife
Tips: 2 - Photos: 3
Off The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
Tips: 2
 
Transportation
Tips: 1
Local Customs
 
Packing Lists
Tips: 1
Shopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

Acirfa's Kenya Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
KenyaJuly, 1999 6
Kenya Revisited - 2006August, 2006 8
A Brief History of KenyaAugust, 2006 
The Lost Tribe of IsrealJuly, 1999 2

Comments for Acirfa about Kenya
Pinat Fri Jul 24, 2009 07:26 UTC
 Kenya, my dream country: I liked your tips, especially the ones on hotels. Hope to go there some day. Greetings from Ankara, Turkey...
hindu1936 Sun Apr 19, 2009 07:00 UTC
 Certainly appreciate the tips based on other than just tourist insights. Just hope we get the chance to use them. thank you again
easterntrekker Sun Feb 1, 2009 03:16 UTC
 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!!
diosh Fri May 9, 2008 23:58 UTC
 My friend stayed at the Serena a fortnight ago!I loved my short stay in Kenya 4 years ago.
See More Comments

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