Bomas Cultural Dance Show from Nairobi: 42 ethnic groups

Mud huts, traditional dances, and 42 ethnic groups in one afternoon

Bomas of Kenya is a government-run cultural village near Nairobi where you tour traditional homesteads representing all 42 of Kenya's ethnic groups, then watch live performances of dance, music, song and acrobatics in a central arena. Hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi, a professional English-speaking guide, and entrance are included. The tour runs three hours total, with performances on weekdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and weekends from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m.

The experience

The village itself spreads across many acres, organized by region so you walk through clusters of traditional homesteads (mud huts, granaries, livestock enclosures) each one built to show how a specific ethnic group actually lives. A guide leads you through, explaining the layout and the differences between regions: the arrangement of a first wife's hut, a second wife's hut, and the family structures that shaped daily life. Bomas was established in 1971 after Kenya's independence to preserve and promote the country's cultural heritage, and it remains run by the Kenyan Government.

After the village tour, you move to the main arena for the performances. Traditional dancers, musicians and storytellers take the stage in succession, each act drawing on the customs of different ethnic groups. Acrobatic shows are part of the lineup, and the performances give you a direct sense of the music, movement and folklore that define Kenyan life across the country's regions. The show is the reason most visitors come, and it fills the second half of the afternoon.

Beyond the main attractions, the site includes a wooden play area for young children and a small cluster of craft shops if you want to browse or buy before heading back. Hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi are included, as is the entrance fee and your guide's commentary throughout the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi.
• professional English-speaking guide throughout.
• entrance fee to Bomas of Kenya.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sabilom Kenya Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary and the performances without translation. This works for any English speaker but is essential if you don't speak Swahili.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What are the performance times at Bomas?

Weekday shows run from 2:30 to 4 p.m., while weekend and public holiday performances start at 3:30 p.m. and finish at 5:15 p.m.

How many ethnic groups are represented at Bomas of Kenya?

All 42 of Kenya's ethnic groups are represented through the traditional homesteads and the live performances you see during the tour.

What does the tour include from start to finish?

Hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi, a guided walk through the traditional village, entrance to Bomas, and the live performance show are all included. A professional English-speaking guide leads the entire experience.

How long is the full tour?

The tour takes three hours total, combining the village walk and the afternoon performance.