A fortified enclosure or defensive wall, traditionally made of thorn branches or wooden stakes, used in East Africa to protect livestock or settlements.
From Swahili boma, borrowed into English during colonial times in the 19th century. The word likely derives from Bantu language roots relating to fortification or enclosure.
Bomas represent ingenious architectural solutions to African wildlife challenges—a simple but brilliant design that's been used for centuries and is still found protecting villages across the savanna today.
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