Kenya Local Customs

  LIVE WITH THE MASAIS : A experience for...
by samitbabu
 
  • LIVE WITH THE MASAIS : A experience for a Lifetime
      LIVE WITH THE MASAIS : A experience for...
    by samitbabu
  • Photo capturing : LIVE WITH THE MASAIS
      Photo capturing : LIVE WITH THE MASAIS
    by samitbabu
  • LIVE WITH THE MASAIS: Song and Dance
      LIVE WITH THE MASAIS: Song and Dance
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  • Discussing the details : LIVE WITH THE MASAIS
      Discussing the details : LIVE WITH THE...
    by samitbabu
  • A Masai Woman : LIVE WITH THE MASAIS
      A Masai Woman : LIVE WITH THE MASAIS
    by samitbabu
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

I found on my rail journey...

by jackrawhide

I found on my rail journey from Nairobi to Mombasa when leaving the station that scores of little children were following the train shouting 'bic' , 'bic' , 'bic'. I thought it mas Swahilli for 'cash' , 'cash' , 'cash' , but what they wanted was a bic byro so they could learn to write with it . How I wished then if only I had brought boxes of them with me , so remember if you ever go take them with you , the young kids there will be more gratefull to you for giving them a pen than a quid.

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This goes anywhere in the...

by Imbri

This goes anywhere in the world, so I’m going to mention it under every country. Never photograph people without asking them first. It’s rude and disrespectful. By all means photograph your friends, and get to know local people, but remember that people are not tourist attractions. They don’t exist solely to give you a more “authentic experience” and provide excellent photo opportunities.

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The word most commonly heard...

by Vickster

The word most commonly heard is 'Jambo' - hello.If you fancy a look round a Masai Mara village, expect to pay for the privilege - well they have to make a living somehow! It cost us about UK£5 each, but we were invited into a home to see how they live - in warm, very dark huts made from cow dung - and don't be surprised to trip over a few animals in there either.

What to take with you

by Ash59

We found that the people were always willing to talk to you, usually to get you to buy/trade something!If you have old named clothing (Reebok, Nike etc) and have space in your suitcase, some of the traders will accept them in exchange for their carvings/beadwork.We were told that kenya gives free education to their children but do not supply the basics such as pens, pencils etc. If you wish to give away anything that does not cost a lot, buy some cheap pens at home and give out a few every time you stop along the way.Don't give out money or you will be surrounded by every child for miles around. If you do have some loose change and wish to give it away, spread it about your different pockets. At least, in this way, when the pocket is empty, you can show that is so!!.

Taking pictures: it's been...

by jheller

Taking pictures: it's been said before, and I'll say it again. Be careful about photographing people in the streets. Most will not appreciate being captured on camera. Be polite, ask them for permission first, and be prepared to pay a (small) fee for the privilege.

Most any clothing item or...

by LadyKK

Most any clothing item or novelty item can be used for 'trading' but don't expect to get a souvenir just for a trade item...always some shillings involved...take old logo tee shirts, baseball hats, company ball point pens, whatever as trade items. We took older clothes and as they got dirty (and they really do)just discarded them or traded them. Makes room in the bag for shopping & packing new stuff. Don't expect to buy clothing in Kenya...junk, cheap materials and construction..

When traveling throughout...

by brewjohnson

When traveling throughout Kenya, it is very important to respect the local cultures...especially that of the Masai. You will most likely come across the Masai people in your travels in Kenya. They are extremely proud and do not take kindly to you taking pictures without their permission. I saw some tourists almost attacked by an angry mob of Masai's who took their picture without their permission. You'll definitely want to capture their colorful ornaments and clothing on film, just ask first.

visit masai village

by hanspeter_W.

learn the culture of the masai people by visiting them e.g. near to the amboseli n.p.

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Hakuna Matata

by pepemorris11

A phrase in Swahili which is the equivalent of "No worries"

Kenyan shilling (KES)

by dgines

Fall 2007 - 64 KES per $1 USD

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Questions and Answers

ciera profile photo

Q:  i want to go to kenya for 5 months with my 3 children and husbin im wondering what are so wonderful sites to see? 

CatherineReichardt profile photo

A: Hi Why don't you start by reading the many travel pages on Kenya that VT members have already compiled? As you're a new member, you may not yet be aware how to do this.... 

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