Historical & Cultural Sites in Kenya

Bomas of Kenya is a cultural tour of Kenyans ethnic groups (Mijikenda, Luo, Taita, Embu, Maasai, Kikuyu, Kamba, Kalenjin, Luhya, Kisii, and Kuria) just a few of the native represented at the venue. Its located 10km from the city centre and just a 1km off the game- filled Nairobi national park. The word “boma” means “homestead”, and here you find replicates of traditional villages that provide interesting insight about each tribe’s societal structure. It is a display of different aspects of Kenyan culture, this is clearly demonstrated through traditional dances, music, song, and folklore. You cannot afford to miss the most exciting traditional dances and acrobatic show which start at 2.30pm to 4.00pm during weekdays and 3.30pm to 5.15pm weekends and public holidays.

Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre is a programme of The Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya. It is located 8km from Mombasa town and 4km from Nakumatt Nyali along Mombasa -Malindi highway. These native Kenyans will prove to you that disability is not inability with their amazing job of artifacts, jewellery, carvings and clothing. Cultural dances from different ethnic groups around the area t will leave you asking for more! Make an effort to buy souvenirs to promote the organization, remember charity is a touch of gold to someone. This Cultural Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 0800 hours to 1245 Hours and 1400 Hours to - 1700 Hours.

The Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1593-1596 to the designs of Giovanni Battista Cairati to protect the port of Mombasa and to secure the safety of Portuguese living on the East Coast of Africa, is one of the most outstanding landmarks of the 16th century. The Fort's layout and form reflects the Renaissance ideal that perfect proportions and geometric harmony are to be found in the human body. It has had a long history of hostilities from the interested parties that used to live in Mombasa. Perhaps no Fort in Africa has experienced such turbulence as Fort Jesus.

Between 1837 and 1895, the Fort was used as barracks for the soldiers. When the British protectorate was proclaimed on the 1st of July 1895, the Fort was converted into a prison. The huts were removed and cells were built. The Fort became a Museum in 1962. Feel welcomed to visit the port and museum any day of your choice between 8:00am and 6:00pm.

The Gedi ruins are one of Kenya’s great mysteries. Set in an idyllic location near the Indian Ocean, and buried deep in a lush forest (Arabuko Sokoke forest), the town was thought to have been founded in the early15th century. This historic and archeological site is located 94km from Mombasa town and about 10 miles south of Malindi. Gedi was a small town built entirely from rocks and stones, which was inhabited by Swahili people of East Africa early twelfth century. Gedi's population and prosperity peaked during the fifteenth and into the sixteenth century until it and many other coastal sites began to decline in the late-sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The presence of Portuguese and their attempts to monopolize trade, drop in the water table of the weels, Wazimba raid along the coast in 1589, Galla migrations and raids from Somalia are believed to be some of the factors that led to the abandonment of Gedi. Left standing today are numerous coral-brick houses, a palace as well as an impressive mosque. However, it is not only the quality of the ruins that will amaze you but the advanced nature of the settlement. Gedi was in many ways, a very advanced city with streets, running water and flushing toilets! Correcting the assumption that Africa was far behind the rest of the world before colonialism. The Gede Ruins National Monument & Museum is open to public daily from 7 am to 6 pm.