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Good to know: 8 facts about Kenya

When planning an adventure of a lifetime, we should empower ourselves with as many facts about the places we want to visit and explore. This does not only empower us with knowledge of the area but also allows us to explore what interests our individual curiosity to African countries. You just have to say the words, “I am going to Africa”, when people’s imaginations start them off on a journey of African skies, National Parks, open plains where wild animals roam freely, majestic mountains that take your breath away, unforgettable coastlines and friendly people.

What do you need to know about Kenya?

There are just so many beautiful African countries to visit so make the most of your African adventure holiday. One of the African countries that really peak the interest of visitors is Kenya. Kenya has some of the most breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. Kenya has it all for any age group, young and old, with safaris being a very popular activity.

The country is beautiful and home to over 40 ethnic communities, and is rich in history and culture. The Kenyan people are either very rich or very poor, however, through their warmth and enthusiasm life, you would never believe there to be an economic divide.

The Republic of Kenya is a state in East Africa, Nairobi being its Capital and its largest city. The Airport in Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta National Airport is the largest in East Africa.

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We are highlighting 8 facts about Kenya that you may not know

1. The meaning of the name Kenya

The name Kenya originates from the Kikuyu, Embu and Kamba ethnic groups inhabiting the agricultural land surrounding Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. The Embu tribe is well known for dancing on stilts, a dance

performed by men wearing long black coats and white masks.

2. The climate

Kenya has two seasons in a year, one rainy season and one dry. The climate in Kenya varies from place to place but ranges from a tropical climate on the coast to very hot climate inland. The nights and early mornings are rather cool with it becoming warmer from around midday. The rainy season is during March/April to May/June this is known as the “long rain season” and the “short rain season” takes place during the months of October, November/December. The very hot season being February and March.

3. The geography

Kenya is the world’s forty-seventh largest country. (224,081 square miles). The Highlands consist of one of the most successful agricultural regions in Africa.

Mount Kenya is the 2nd highest mountain in Africa which reaches 5 199m and Mount Kilimanjaro 5 895m which is the highest mountain in Africa and is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Kenya shares the world’s second largest freshwater lake, with Tanzania and Uganda. 20 million years ago when the crust of the Earth was split, Kenya’s Great Rift Valley was created.

4. The unknown coastal destinations

Kenya has beautiful coastal destinations, namely: Tiwi, Diani Beach, Mombasa, Shela Beach, Watamu, Kilifi and Shimoni to name a few. Kenya has beautiful beaches where you can soak up the sun, sipping cocktails or you could go scuba diving to view the beautiful marine life found in this incredibly diverse country.

Create lifelong memories on our Kenyan tour and be forever changed by this exceptionally fascinating corner of Africa.

5. The amazing coffee

The coffee industry in Kenya is an export product. Coffee is the first and largest income generator in Kenya and tourism is second.

The Kenyan people prefer to drink tea and beer as they believe that the coffee that’s produced, should not be for local consumption.

6. The incredible wildlife

Kenya’s wildlife is like no other found in the world. Kenya has the largest varieties and numbers of animal species. The wildlife and nature of Kenya draws many tourists to this region, year after year and the particular interest is the great mammal migration which plays out in the famous Masai Mara.

You’ll most likely catch sight of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, crocodiles, hippopotamus zebra, cheetah, hyena, gazelles and a large range of bird species. Kenya is a great destination for bird watchers as they have over 100 different species!

7. The Masai people

The Masai people of Kenya are an indigenous ethnic group that are beautiful, tall and slender. They are known for their skillful use of weapons, unique culture and tribal dress and reside near the many national game parks. They continue to practice their age-old customs although this seems to be slowly changing.