Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. With a coastline on the Indian Ocean, snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling grasslands, lakelands, and a valley lined by a chain of volcanoes, the country of Kenya has a little bit of everything. Sitting right on the Equator, Kenya is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the tallest volcano in Africa. It is one of Africa’s most distinct and stunning locations. Kenya’s diversity is most apparent in the many contrasting landscapes.
Kenya is one of those spectacular destinations that most travellers have on their Africa bucket list, and with good reason. When you think of Africa, Kenya is most likely the image you have in mind. But Haron is here to bring even more amazement! Here are a few things you might not know about this beautiful country.
Wildlife and Safari Destinations
Kenya is one of the world’s magnificent wildlife destinations! Sustainable tourism and a globally-recognized model of wildlife management means that you see pristine wilderness and internationally-significant habitats where wildlife roam freely, including rare and endangered species and the Big Five.
Being home to the Masai Mara National Reserve, and being right on the border of Tanzania’s Serengeti park, it’s no wonder that Kenya is amongst one of the world’s leading safari destinations. For nine out of the past eleven years, Kenya has been recognized by the World Travel Awards as the world’s leading safari destination. About 8% of Kenya is protected land dedicated for wildlife conservation. Many Kenyan safaris support wildlife conservation efforts.
Kenya is home to the Big Five-leopard, rhinoceros, lion, elephant, and buffalo. The national animal of Kenya is the East African lion, a species currently considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The African Lion is one of the Big 5, joining other magnificent African animals including the African leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, and the rhinoceros.
Read also: What to Wear: Morocco Edition
Kenya’s parks, reserves and private conservancies are home to some of the highest and most diverse populations of wildlife on the planet. Traveling across vast landscapes bathed in soft morning light, your African dreams unfold before your eyes. Flanking these elegant animals are graceful giraffes, energetic antelopes, buffalos, zebras, hippos, warthogs and many other herbivores.
High concentration of predators abounds in Masai Mara National Reserve! Laikipia in northern Kenya offers you the second highest density of wildlife in Kenya, including the Big 5 - elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions and leopards. In Samburu National Reserve, you are introduced to the “Samburu Special Five” - Somali ostriches, grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, beisa oryxes and gerenuks. Kenya’s wildlife experiences extend into a smaller world that includes some of Africa’s “Little 5” from leopard tortoises to antlions - ask your AfricanMecca representative about where to find the members of this delightful group.
You’ve probably heard of the Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli National Park. But did you know there are a total of 50 national parks and reserves in Kenya?
The Great Wildebeest Migration
Step into a real-world nature documentary of Kenya’s Great Migration! As you traverse the vast landscape of Masai Mara National Reserve from July to October, your AfricanMecca guide excitedly points to a dust cloud billowing on the horizon. As your safari vehicle draws near the source of the aerial disturbance, you feel a slight trembling on the ground. Suddenly, the immense shapes of wildebeests begin to emerge from the dust.
Kenya’s flagship conservation area, the Masai Mara, may not be the country’s largest but it forms part of the Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem that is home to the famous Great Wildebeest Migration. It's here where a Masai Mara safari offers the most dramatic game viewing and widest range of experiences suited to all travellers.
Read also: Discover Essaouira, Morocco
Many people think the Great Migration happens only once a year, however this natural phenomenon occurs year-round as a cycle, meaning it technically does not ‘start’ or ‘finish’ anywhere, which makes this one of the most interesting facts about Kenya. Seeing as the animals are constantly in motion there are a few months a year that we recommend making the trip to Kenya for the best opportunity to see witness this famed migration for yourself.
Known often simply as the Great Migration, this natural phenomenon follows the migration pattern of up to 1.5 million wildebeest-plus about a million zebra, and large numbers of other animals. Throughout the year, this migration moves north from the Serengeti in Tanzania into the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya and then back again.
Bird Watching in the Great Rift Valley
Kenya’s wetlands and lakes of the Great Rift Valley are vital ecosystems that support some of the most beautiful and diverse avi-fauna species on earth! These lesser and greater rosy-colored feathered creatures mingle amongst one of the highest concentrations of long-crested eagles, as well as cormorants, goliath herons, African fish eagles, pink-backed pelicans and other speckled birds, all accounting for only a small sample of the more than 450 recorded species.
Like Lake Nakuru, the lake attracts millions of Lesser and Greater flamingos, but the raptors steal the show in fresh waters lakes like Baringo. Soaring high above you, powerful winged hunters scan the water for fish and other edible delights. Yet another cornucopia of avi-fauna is yours to explore at Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake that is situated at an elevation of 1890 meters. Set amidst a volcanic landscape, the lake attracts many of the most-desired birds - black herons, great white egrets, black-lored babblers, kingfishers and many other of the over 450 species that have been recorded at the lake. Another smaller alkaline lake is Elementaita, sandwiched between Naivasha and Nakuru.
The national bird of Kenya is the Lilac Breasted Roller, which may be a lesser known species than the regal lion, but which deserves a spot entirely to itself.
Read also: Morocco Time Information
Private Conservancies
Much of Kenya’s success in protecting fauna and its wilderness is due to the private conservancies that border national parks and reserves. The conservancies encompass vital habitats and migration paths that would otherwise be lost. As a guest of AfricanMecca Safaris, you have access to the inimitable safari experiences that are available only in these private conservancies.
The conservancies that surround Masai Mara take you into remote areas of the ecosystem with limited number of camps and guest vehicles. Venture out under the cover of darkness to watch a pride of lion feast upon their night kill, and watch the delightful antics of bush babies in a wooded outback. Walk with a Maasai warrior through the bush to locate signs of animal activity, such as scat, tracks, carcasses and slumbering areas. You can even hike to a secluded location in a conservancy and fly camp amidst the wildlife and wilderness, or float above the plains in a hot air balloon!
Your adventurous exploration of Kenya continues at private conservancies in Laikipia, from Lewa in the east to Mugie in the north. Imagine delving into the Kenyan outback on horseback or while riding a camel. If you feel the need to maintain your physical fitness, you can mountain bike across the savannah where giraffes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, varied antelopes and other animals graze and forage. For even more action-packed excitement, you can trek up Mount Kenya and quad bike in Borana Conservancy!
Kenya’s newest safari destination lies just north of Nairobi on the rim of the magical Great Rift Valley. An area of thriving private reserves, luxurious family-friendly accommodation and considered one of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa, Laikipia is a must-visit Kenya vacation spot.
The Great Rift Valley
Slicing through Kenya from north to south is the Great Rift Valley, also known as the East African Rift Valley. This is probably one of THE most interesting facts about Kenya. It was formed more than 25 million years ago by geological tension in the earth’s crust and is approximately 6500 kilometres long and 60 kilometres wide.
Kenya’s diversity is most apparent in the many contrasting landscapes. As you travel from northern Kenya to the south, the subtle transitions of the terrain are mesmerizing. Even in the same part of Kenya, such as Samburu and Laikipia in the north, any two places can have a different ecology.
Coastal Beauty and Marine Life
Kenya’s coastline and islands are what dreams are made of! The warm, turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean lap the shores of long stretches of white sand beaches of Kenya. A utopian African beach holiday is found on Kenya’s many Indian Ocean islands, including Kiwayu, Lamu, Manda, Chale and Funzi. These locations not only offer spectacular historic settings, but a discerning vacation for every guest.
With all the attention on Kenya’s safari destinations, it’s easy to forget that the country has a dazzling tropical coastline. However, the sandy shores and crystal blue oceans are widely considered some of Kenya's prime vacation spots.
Kenya is home to the world’s second longest coral reef - the Kenyan Barrier Reef! With more than 140 miles of reef stretching from Shimoni in the south to Malindi in the north, there are plenty of places for the quintessential marine exploration trip in equatorial Africa!
From the rejuvenating Kisite Marine Park of Mako Koke to the deep wall at Nyuli, Kenya has a destination for every level of a scuba diver - from beginner to advanced! For those days when you simply wish to float on the surface, both Mombasa Marine Park and Kisite Mpunguti Marine Parks are the place to see snapper, zebra fish, scorpion fish and other aquatic species that flutter in and out of the colorful and eerie shapes of the coral gardens.
As a world-class destination for anglers, Kenya offers the ultimate deep sea fishing experience. Dorado, yellowfin tuna, trevally and lightning-fast wahoo keep amateurs and intermediate anglers entertained. But for more advanced fishing, Kenya offers the chance to catch your own massive billfish - all three marlins (black, stripped and blue), sailfish, swordfish and others.
Scuba diving and snorkelling on pristine reefs, sunset dhow cruises and swimming with dolphins - the unspoilt Lamu Archipelago combines all the elements of a fantastic beach holiday and is a perfect add-on to a Kenya safari. It is also one of the best holiday destinations in Kenya for a sensational honeymoon getaway.
Built in 1370, Lamu Island is the oldest town in east Africa. Located off the northeast coast of Kenya, Lamu Old Town was labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built before the invention of automobiles, the buildings are built so close that there is literally no space for cars to fit between them. Instead of cars, locals rely on donkeys or carts if they cannot walk or need to transport items across the island. Kenya has a car-free island.
Cultural Experiences
Cultural tours in Kenya give you up, close and personal experiences with the Maasai, Samburu, Swahili, Turkana, Pokot, El Molo, Rendille and other tribal people. AfricanMecca arranges authentic village visits that go beyond mere scripted tours!
Imagine being invited to a real Maasai wedding, into a Swahili family home in Lamu to help prepare a coastal meal and visit with Samburu village women while they show you how to make intricate beaded chokers. The pastoral setting and semi-nomadic lifestyle provides an untainted wilderness to live side by side with animals. A seaside holiday in eastern Kenya is an opportunity to interact with the Swahili people.
Take time to ask vendors in the small markets the story behind their artistic wares, as Swahili people use arts and crafts as a means of self-expression. As natives, AfricanMecca can offer many more insights into Kenya’s fascinating cultures and arrange activities to give you an intimate and deep understanding of these and other ancient people.
There are at least 42 different tribes in Kenya, and each tribe can be further divided into smaller clans. One of the reasons there are so many languages in Kenya is because there is so much ethnic diversity. Most Kenyans take pride in their tribe or ethnic group and follow the traditions of that ethnicity. Kenya’s large population of refugees has also contributed to the country’s cultural diversity.
The Swahili phrase loosely translates to “no trouble”, which is a way of life that accurately describes most Kenyan people. In general, Kenyans do not stress about the things they don’t have the ability to change.
In addition to Swahili, English is one of the country’s official languages, making Kenya an easier country for Americans to travel through. While English is the official language in Kenya, Swahili is still known as the national language. Most Kenyans speak both English and Swahili as well as a third language-their tribal language. There are 68 different languages spoken in Kenya. Beyond English and Swahili, over 43 languages and dialects are spoken in Kenya, and they are grouped in 3 categories.
Home of Champions: Kenya's Long-Distance Runners
If you’ve ever watched the summer Olympics, you’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of runners from Kenya. Specifically, Kenya is known for producing long-distance runners. There must be something in the water in Kenya! Something else you may not know is that the Great Rift Valley is actually the playing (and training) grounds of many of these runners! “Kenya is home to some of the world’s best long distance runners,” says Haron.
The current world record holder for the men’s marathon, Kelvin Kiptum, is from Kenya. The men with the next five fastest times are also from Kenya. The town of Iten, in western Kenya attracts athletes from across Kenya and around the world to train.
The Legacy of Wangari Maathai
Remember the name: Wangari Muta Maathai. This inspirational woman was a Kenyan environmental, social, and political activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. The first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize was from Kenya. Wangari Muta Maathai was a Kenyan environmental, social, and political activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace.
She was the founder of the Green Belt Movement, which has planted over 51 million trees throughout Kenya.
Economic Activities
The main economic activity in Kenya is farming. Kenya is among the world’s top exporters of coffee, tea, flowers, and pyrethrum. Kenyan coffee is argued to be one of the best in the world and is the biggest foreign income generator for Kenya. Roughly 95% of the coffee grown in Kenya is exported.
In March 2021, Kenya exported coffee to the value of approximately 4.56 billion Kenyan shillings, over 40.2 million in US dollars. That’s HUGE, and though not as huge as Colombia’s exports (3.9 billion in US dollars), that’s a hefty amount of coffee - probably at least 100 cups worth!
Ever been caught red-handed on the night of Valentine’s, scrambling for the last salvageable bouquet because you forgot? Not in Kenya! The country is amongst the world’s 5 largest exporters of cut flowers - mainly roses and carnations; beautiful bright coloured and intricate flowers.
Historical Significance
Archaeologists, paleoanthropologists and paleontologists from almost every part of the world come to Kenya to discover the earliest artifacts of humanity. East Africa, including Kenya, is one of the earliest regions where modern humans (homo sapiens) are believed to have lived.
Now you can visit the same internationally-recognized sites, and perhaps uncover your own clue to ancient human history. Another well-known archaeological site is on Mfangano Island in Lake Victoria. The delicate light inside Mawanga Cave reveals rock art paintings that date back thousands of years. Another superb example of early rock art is in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The paintings are some of the oldest in Kenya, dating back to 1,000 to 3,000 years ago. You will be fascinated by the geometric pattern of circles and lines on the rose-hued stone.
Top Ten: Tourist Attractions in Kenya
The earliest African explorers found romance and adventure in the land of Kenya. Now you can follow in their footsteps to write your own magnificent story! Will you enter a fort in Mombasa and Lamu where soldiers stood ready to defend their positions at key locations? Will you study ancient architecture that reflects the numerous cultures that have called Kenya home? Will you test your fortitude by climbing Mount Kenya?
As you travel through the country, you experience some of the world’ most precious creatures - abundant fish and marine life thriving amidst coral reefs, small reptiles and amphibians skittering across the ground, small and large mammals foraging and hunting alongside incredible avi-fauna of every shape, size and color! Whether you want to observe the Big Five, locate rare and endangered species, interact with ancient, outlandish cultures or trail into the depths of Gedi Forest to find ancient ruins, Kenya is your dream destination in Africa.
Kenya’s wilderness represents some of the world’s most valuable habitats, and the country and its people are committed to effective wildlife management strategies. This commitment is apparent in the establishment of private conservancies that augment the work of government-operated parks and reserves. Eco-tourism sustains these efforts and ensures that Kenya’s land, wildlife and people are here for generations to come!
With so much to see and experience in Kenya, you will spend a great deal of time outdoors. The equatorial climate in Kenya enhances your time in-country with moderate and comfortable temperatures. The weather is a perfect reflection of the Kenyan people who exude friendliness, warmth and hospitality during every part of your travel.
Kenya offers an exceptional choice of accommodations in pristine wilderness settings. Additionally, these Kenyan accommodations are more affordable than those in other parts of Africa, yet the quality is remarkable. You are even treated to delectable cuisine, much of which is influenced by local dishes using organic, locally-sourced produce, meats and dairy.
Popular articles:
tags: #Kenya
