Cultural Visits

Lamu Island

Lamu island

Dunes, endless beaches, a medieval stone town rich in history is what welcomes you to Lamu.

Lamu’s narrow streets are navigated not by vehicle but either on foot or on donkeys which are the only mode of transport in the town. The Portuguese, the Turks and the Omani Arabs all had their turn on the island and evidence of their influence can be seen on the island.

The people of Lamu hold their customs and traditions dear. The Swahili were the first to settle on this island and though there might be influences from the former visitor i.e. Turks etc, the culture here is predominantly Swahili.

People here lead a very relaxed and carefree life. Spend a few days here and every aspect of life slows down to a carefree stroll. Slow down and spend a few days in Lamu. It will be good for your soul.

Western Kenya

Kit Mikayi

One Of the least known or visited parts of Kenya. Diverse in its ecosystem from highlands to rainforests. This region is rich in culture and history. The two main communities living here are the Luhya and the Luo. Both of these boast a rich culture and traditions. When in western kenya ask about the many myths that the old men are always eager to tell about. Talk to the right old man and beautiful huge gravity defying rock formations such as "Kit Mikayi" in Seme come with a story behind it. Other popular myths here include that of "Lwanda Magere" the great luo warrior whose body was impenetrable to the enemy spear. Or Gor Mahia the great witchdoctor who could easily take the form of any animal he pleased.

The Luhya also have an equally rich culture with their many rights of passage and unique ceremonies such as burial, circumcision and bull fights. The bull fights take place often and are quite a spectacle to watch.

The architecture here is quite interesting with people living in huts of mud and cow dung with straw roofs.

Apart from this there is the Rich Kakamega Forest to be explored. There is an excellent network of trails and the National Park has at your disposal highly skilled Naturalists and guides. Ruma national park is located south of the lake. The Mount Elgon national park is also accessible from here.

For those keen to strap on a back-pack and take a hike, the cherangani Hills are perfect for this. Good birding can be done here. The Saiwa Swamp National Park, which permits walking and is equiped with forest trails as well as boardwalks is the other option for trekkers.

Lake Victoria

"Visit with the Luo"

Fishermen in Lake Victoria

This lake forms a natural boundary between the 3 East African nations of Kenya Uganda and Tanzania.

Lake Victoria is in the heart of Africa and is the source of the Nile River which runs up north to Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea. The question of the lake being the source of the River Nile puzzled many in the west before it was confirmed by the explorer John Speke in 1858.

It covers a total of (69,485 sq Kms) and is by far the largest fresh water lake in the world. Lake Victoria is rich with fish and provides a livelihood for the many Luo fishermen who live around the lake. Fishing is a thriving industry here and delicacies such as the (Mbuta or Nile Perch and Ngege or Tilapia) are in plenty.

Sport fishing is possible on the lake. Huge Nile perch are a frequent catch from the lake.

Kisumu town is a quiet port town on the lakeshore. The third largest town in Kenya.

Places of interest that are accessible from Kisumu include Ruma National park, the Kakamega forest, The Mfangano and Rusinga Islands on the lake and many more.

Lake Turkana

"The Northern Frontier"

A massive inland sea to the Northern frontier of Kenya. At (6,405sq km) of water mass this lake is the largest desert lake in the world.

The Turkana people here live a semi-nomadic life while the El-Molo who also happen to be the smallest tribe in Kenya survive by hunting and gathering.

The area around the lake is rich in pre-history and numerous focil finds have been unearthed in this region leading some to refer to it as the cradle of mankind.

Turkana Tribemen

The communities that call this remote location home live a life virtually untouched by civilization. For those interested in anthropology or those keen to see life in Africa as it was before civilization diluted its essence, Turkana, though quite a remote location with the harshest of climates will richly reward.

The Local fishermen on the lake do not only fish for the Nile Perch and other fish that are found in the lake but also go for the big catch. The Nile Crocodile.

The lake itself can be explored by short treks along the shores or by the use of boats which are on hire.

Maasai Land

"Visit with the Maasai"

The Maasai

Mention Kenya and the word Maasai quickly comes to mind for those with the slightest appreciation of African culture. Dressed in their splendid red cloth the Maasai effortlessly stand out in a crowd. Lovers of culture and tradition, they will walk the streets of Nairobi dressed as seen in the picture on the right. They mingle with the businesspeople and foreigners in the streets oblivious to the fact that they stand out so much here in what we now call civilization.

Ears pierced, lobes hanging, an artificial toothbrush made from a twig always sticking out of the mouth, home made sandals from old car tyres and braided hair that dance from the left to the right shoulder blade as he struts passed. The Maasai is truly a spectacle to behold.

Away from the city, the Maasai leads a semi nomadic life which revolves around cattle. The Maasai is a pastoralist moving from place to place as the environment dictates but basically in search of pasture for the herd to graze.

Cattle play a significant roll in almost all the rites of passage for the Maasai. They believe that all the cattle under the sky belong to them and so if you own a dairy farm in England or America, know that you are indebted to the Maasai!

They live in huts which are the responsibility of the women to construct. The huts are made of long twigs tied together with reeds and the walls and roof reinforced with a mixture of cow dung and mud. Their staple food is meat and they are known to drink lots of milk and blood as well. Time spent here would prove a good investment when the occasion calls for a drink with friends. Lots and lots to talk about!.