As I reflect back on my recent experience at the Kisima festival, a four-day celebration for the mind, body, and soul, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for having been a part of it all.The festival was located in Kilifi at Beneath The Baobabs, a magical East African destination event space located at the end of the creek on the coast of Kenya.
From the moment I stepped foot into the festival, I could feel the positive energy emanating from the community-focused place, historically known as “well” in Kiswahili.
The festival’s mission to make wellbeing more accessible in Kenya was palpable in every aspect of the event. There were workshops and therapies from the country’s brightest wellbeing practitioners, inspiring talks and panel discussions, and a conscious space of connection that celebrated the rich complexity of life. The festival showcased the best of Kenya’s wellbeing industry, and it was an honour to be a part of it all.
What I loved about the festival was how it catered to people of all ages. It wasn’t just a playground for adults; there was fun for the whole family. The children’s area was a great place for kids to learn and grow while the adults indulged in the various activities on offer.
The team and I were invited with a four-day pass, which gave us unlimited access to all the workshops, events, and classes. It was a fantastic way to make the most of the festival, and I was able to attend any session I wanted without worrying about missing out. The pass also gave us access to all areas of the venue, which was incredibly convenient.
The Kisima festival truly lived up to its name, inspiring transformation and igniting conversation. The event was inspired by the four elements, which were woven into every aspect of the festival. Whether it was through the workshops, therapies, or activities, the elements were there to ground us in nature and let our bodies flow.
For those looking to ignite conversations and explore different perspectives, the festival offered panel discussions on topics such as conservation, sexuality and pleasure, the future of Kenya, decolonization, and education. These discussions were a fantastic way to engage with like-minded individuals and spark meaningful conversations.
In addition to panel discussions, there were talks on topics such as medicinal plants, mental health practices, and cultivating world peace. These talks were insightful and provided attendees with valuable knowledge that they could take home with them.
For those looking to be inspired, it offered a range of activities such as breath work, sound healing, and Cacao Ceremony. The men and women’s circles were also a great way to connect with others and share experiences.
For those looking to ground themselves in nature, the festival offered a variety of activities such as forest bathing, Baobab climbing, soil restoration, conservation, and beach clean-up. The mangrove restoration project on-site was a particularly rewarding experience that allowed attendees to give back to the environment.
Finally, those looking to let their bodies flow, the festival offered an extensive range of physical activities such as aerial silks, circus skills, ecstatic dance, Afrodance, contact improvisation, acrobatics, Kemetic yoga (African yoga), Pilates, boot camp, cardio boxing, animal flow, Tabata, Acro yoga, yin yoga, restorative yoga, and Vinyasa Flow. These activities allowed attendees to connect with their bodies and move in ways that felt natural and joyful
On the last day, attendees were treated to a closing party that took place beneath the majestic baobab trees. The DJ took over and began spinning tunes that got everyone up and moving. The dance floor was packed with people swaying, jumping, and grooving to the beat, and the energy was infectious.
As the party wound down, people hugged each other and exchanged contact information, promising to stay in touch and keep the Kisima spirit alive. It was a bittersweet moment, as everyone knew that the festival was coming to an end, but also felt grateful for the memories and connections they had made over the past four days.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Kisima festival to anyone looking for a transformative experience. It was an unforgettable event that celebrated the best of Kenya’s wellbeing industry and brought together people from all walks of life. If you’re looking to make wellbeing more accessible in your life, the Kisima festival is the perfect place to start.
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