1. Lake Turkana

When you venture up North, you will stumble upon an arid region known as Turkana. Lake Turkana is the biggest attraction in this vast area. This alkaline water body is the life line of a region that is mostly populated by the nomadic Turkana people. Another interesting fact is that Lake Turkana is home to the endangered El Molo people. A tribe that is quite literally disappearing before our very eyes. There is almost nowhere else in Kenya that you can experience the Turkana and El Molo culture as you can at Lake Turkana. 

2. Loita Plains, Narok

The Maasai are world-renowned for simply refusing to let their culture be eroded by western influences and beliefs. If you want to experience the best of this majestic, yet adorably head-strong culture, you should take a trip to Narok. Taking a guided tour in the Loita Plains will give you an insight on how traditional Maasai live (Manyattas, spears and fearless warriors who do not flinch at the sight of a lion and a nomadic lifestyle).

3. Lamu

Lamu is like the pretty little bow that wraps up an entire Muslim region. This semi-remote location has seen very little impact from the outside world and cultures. A traditionally Muslim town, Lamu is as beautiful as it is authentic. As an ‘outsider’ you will be surprised to find that Dhows and donkeys are the only mode of transportation here. Spend your time walking through the narrow streets, mingle with the locals and when you get tired of that, take a dhow to some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches on nearby islands such as Kiwayu that make up the Lamu Archipelago. You can also swim with the dolphins in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

4. Nyanza Province

This is a predominantly Luo region. It is home to attractions such as Kit Mikayi, Kisumu City and Lake Victoria among many others. Taking a trip to this region will give you a clear insight on how traditional Luo’s live. Although Kisumu City is slowly becoming metropolitan, it is still predominantly Luo. You will experience the heat, take a cruise on Lake Victoria, and see traditional fishermen go about their business and all around soak in some Luo culture.

 5.The Bomas of Kenya

If you are in a hurry and you want to experience a cross-section of all the cultures that Kenya has to offer, you simply must visit the Bomas of Kenya on Lang’ata Road in Nairobi. You will get to see almost everything that the different Kenyan cultures and traditions are made of. From mud thatched houses, to traditional cooking stoves and beautiful dances. The Bomas of Kenya is like the entire country bundled into one lovely compound.

6. National Museums of Kenya & The National Archives

Right in the city of Nairobi, these two destinations act as a collection point for everything that Kenya has to offer. At the National Archives, you will find records on all the tribes, traditions and Kenyan ways conceivable. At the National Museums of Kenya, you will get to see some of the best art and show of culture from various local tribes and artists. Visiting these two places is like taking a ‘crash-course’ in ‘Kenyan’!

7. Samburu

The Samburu are one of the closest relatives of the Maasai. Like the Maasai, the Samburu have not allowed western influences to erode their original culture.  Like the Maasai, they speak Maa and arrived in Kenya from what is now South Sudan.  Their dancing style is similar to the Maasai and also involves dancing high in circles. The Samburu are also nomadic pastoralists and depend on their animals for survival. The Samburu feed on cow milk, meat and blood. They will only sell their animals on special occasions or to get money.

8. Mombasa

Apart from enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Indian ocean, Mombasa is one of the best places to experience the Swahili culture in all its variations. The culture of residents of Mombasa was deeply influenced by the Arab and Persian traders who first visited the coast of East Africa over 400 years ago. They intermarried with the locals resulting in the birth of the Swahili culture. The Arabs, Persians and Europeans left behind stunning architectural wonders which are separate attractions of their own. Fort Jesus for example was built in 1593 by the Portuguese to secure the coastal area and control the lucrative trade with the mainland

9. Machakos

The Kamba are one of the prominent and more assertive tribes of Kenya. Most of them live in Machakos town. This town is now a major tourist attraction and lot of development work was undertaken in recent years. A full national park was established in Machakos recently where tourists who are interested can spot some of Kenya’s famous wildlife. 

10. The Carnivore Restaurant

If you are in Nairobi and do not have enough time to visit the villages upcountry, you can simply attend the Theme nights at the Carnivore restaurant. There is also a theme night for each of the major tribes (Kikuyu, Luo, Kamba, Luhya and Kalenjin) in Kenya. Only one tribe is featured in a night to show off their traditional music, dance, foods and local brews. All in all, visiting the theme nights at the Carnivore restaurant offer unique opportunities to learn about the culture of the different tribes without having to travel upcountry.