Kenya

Kenya personifies the African dream safari destination.  Its vast plains are filled with grandeur and epic wildlife dramas. Its untamed landscapes exude the raw majesty and romance of Africa.  This is the stuff dreams and wildlife documentaries are made of.  Kenya’s savannahs are teeming with game, its beaches and coral reefs are pristine, searing deserts, glaciated snow-capped mountains and cool highland retreats, leave visitors captivated and coming back for more.  

Kenya’s landscapes encompass a vibrant tapestry of natural highlights. From the coastal plains of the Indian Ocean, to the fertile plateaus of the Kenyan Highlands, one of the most productive agricultural regions in Africa. To the west you will encounter the majestic waters of Lake Victoria, the largest tropical fresh-water lake in the world.

Home to more than 45 National parks and reserves, Kenya is richly endowed with the ‘Big 5’, a diversity of fascinating and colourful cultures and some of the best bird viewing on the continent.  You can experience hand-feeding Giraffes or adopt an orphaned elephant.  Take a breath-taking balloon safari at dawn or walk the ancient trail left by elephants and the Maasai tribesmen.   This is Africa in all its glory, and you will be richly rewarded.

Masai Mara National Park – the annual Wildebeest Migration at the Maasai Mara (usually between July to December) is a natural cycle that replenishes and renews the grasslands of East Africa. This is one of the most multi-sensory and remarkable wildlife experiences on the planet.

Mount Kenya – Africa’s second highest peak is regarded as the realm of Ngai, God of the local Kikuyu people. The mountain is an awe-inspiring sight at 5199 metres, with its characteristic ragged peaks, unique equatorial snow and its frame of verdant forests.

The Amboseli National Park – renowned for its large herds of elephant.  Spot these gentle giants and learn about their fascinating social structures.

Maasai Villages – Amboseli is right in the middle of Maasai territory. Spend an afternoon visiting a traditional Maasai village, immerse yourself in their beguiling cultures and purchase exquisite beadwork and wooden handicrafts.

Langata Giraffe Centre – located just outside Nairobi the centre was initially established as a breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. The centre features an elevated feeding platform where visitors can hand feed the resident giraffes.

Great Rift Valley – a geographic stretch extending 6000km across the Middle East and Africa from Jordan to Mozambique. This majestic valley boasts incredible topographic diversity with its scarps and volcanoes, lakes, ancient granitic hills, flat desert landscapes and coral reefs and islets.

Lake Nakuru National Park – globally celebrated for extensive flocks of flamingos numbering over one million. Flocks lend a pink hue to the lake and make an appealing subject for avid photographers.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – this world-renowned elephant nursery is in the Nairobi National Park and is open to the public for one hour every day, from 11am to Noon. During this time the orphans arrive for their midday mud bath and feeding.

Kakamega Forest  Kenya‘s only tropical rainforest and is said to be Kenya’s last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned the continent.

Mombasa – is Kenya’s oldest and 2nd largest city.  A fascinating seaport city steeped in history with Arab, British and Portuguese influences that originate back to the 16th century.    With its all-year round tropical climate, it’s a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, diverse marine life, world-class hotels and a friendly atmosphere.

GOOD TO KNOW

KENYA AREA

752 614km²

POPULATION

52.21 million

POPULATION

52.21 million

Capital of kenya

Nairobi

Currency

Shilling (Kes)

ClimatE

Varies from the tropical south, west, and central regions to arid and semi-arid in the north and the northeast.

People

African-Kikuyu (21%), Luhya (14%), Luo (13%), Kalenjin (11%), Kamba (11%), Kisii (6%), Meru (5%). Non-African-Asian, European, Arab (1%).

Official language

English, Swahili, more than 40 local ethnic languages.

Time

GMT + 2hours

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”

Ernest Hemingway