9 Cultural Experiences in East Africa
9 Cultural Experiences in East Africa : East Africa as a region is gifted with breathtaking scenery, wildlife, landscape, gorgeous beaches and world-class safaris and fascinating cultures.
Different communities in East Africa have different beliefs and practices and they express their traditions through dances, sculpture, music and different forms of Art.
As you are planning to visit East Africa, here are the top 9 cultural experiences to enjoy during your safari visit.
- Jacaranda Workshop, Kenya
The Jacaranda Workshop is the best site to visit if you are a lover of jewelry and accessories, during your cultural visit in Kenya. Jacaranda Workshop is situated in Nairobi and is a not – for – profit initiative that creates lovely handmade jewelry that can purchase and take home.
The organization provides employment, training and other assistance to artisans with mental or physical disabilities. During your visit to the workshop you can meet the individuals who shape the beads or paint them giving soul as well as beauty.
- Browse Maasai Markets
The Maasai Market in the capital city of Nairobi,- the capital city of Kenya is an ideal location for you to find a variety of beautiful items ranging from clothes, fabrics, paintings, drawings, woodcarvings, soapstone products, jewelry and much more.
The Maasai Market shifts venue every day so it is a good idea to speak to your tour consultant at Focus East Africa Tours to find out the schedule for the week ahead so you can fit in a visit during your city tour.
- Camel Trekking in Laikipia
A walk alongside the camels while being led by a Samburu guide from the Samburu region is a must have cultural experience during your visit to East Africa for a safari.
This experience will give you more insights into the Samburu cultures from the local delicacies, clothes worn to their social and tribal beliefs. When the terrain gets rocky and doesn’t easily facilitate camel walking, you can also ride on these hardy and well – cared for desert creatures.
Camel Trekking range between three days to two weeks and allow you to explore this unique region of Kenya – Samburu region.
The Samburu County is a county in the former Rift Valley Province, Kenya.
- Camel races in Northern Kenya
Camel races in Kenya are done in Northern Kenya called the Maralal Camel Derby where both local and international competitors take part in this fun race. The atmosphere around the town on race day is astounding and if you are looking for a competitive and electric experience during your African Vacation then adding this experience to your list.
- Annual Event: Maasai Olympics
The Maasai Olympics is one of the top cultural experiences to have in East Africa, the Maasai warriors hunt for prizes and trophies and as a way of showcasing their strength.
The Maasai Olympics are head every year in Amboseli, Kenya, the Olympics was began as a local initiative to eliminate lion hunting from the Maasai culture and has taken on a grand event of its own. This event is characterized with a lot of energy and vigor channelized into the event by the strong Maasai people. You will witness a variety of indigenous and traditional Olympic sports played during the Maasai Olympics.
- Coffee Plantations Visit, Tanzania
Visiting the beautiful coffee plantations of Tanzania will provide with a unique experience for all your sense, as you take a walk into the breathtaking plantations where coffee is grown in Tanzania, you will learn about the entire from planting to ready to drink coffee. The most famous coffee lodge in Tanzania to visit for a tailor – made coffee tour from coffee planters and experts is Arusha Coffee Lodge which is located within one of Tanzania’s largest Coffee estates.
- Visit to Shanga, Tanzania
If you wish to appreciate art in all varied forms then visiting Shanga in Tanzania is a perfect site to visit, this site is similar to Jacaranda and this is a social enterprise employing people with disabilities.
All products made at this site are from recycled materials, visiting Shanga allows you to interact with the artisans and watch them in action. Shanga also offers workshops where you can learn glass bowling and make your own necklace and other beautiful ornaments.
- Cultural Experiences in East Africa, Tanzania
Your African safari to Tanzania offers you a chance to spend time with the Amini Life in West Kilimanjaro, have time with one of the local families and have a unique and very special access to the traditions of Maasai and Meru people.
This visit offers you a chance experience the authentic cultures and traditions of the Maasai people, you will be entertained by local dances and drama, taste some of the local food and interact with the local people.
- Medical Walk, Tanzania
If you love and appreciate home remedies for cures, then visiting Tanzania will give you a deeper insight with one or two traditional natural remedy tips from the people living in Isoitok, Manyara.
You will head out on a natural medicinal walk with the Maasai, learn all about the varied and native root and plant extracts that are being used today by the locals to treat several diseases. Medicinal walks are usually arranged early morning so that you can walk through terrains without the heart of the African sun to make your experience uncomfortable.
