Kenya is situated on the east coast of Africa with the equator running straight through the middle of the country. Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia to the north, South Sudan to the northwest, Somalia to the northeast, Uganda to the west, and Tanzania to the south. Its largest city is the capital city of Nairobi.
Kenya provides a diverse ecological mix from the Great Rift Valley to mountain highlands to the savannah grasslands to an abundant range of wild animals.
Maasai Mara is one of the world’s most magnificent game reserves while also being a wildlife habitat. The park is famous for the Great Migration when wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, and zebra travel to and from the Serengeti National Park, from July to October and the lion, cheetah, and leopard from December to February. It is said to be one of the greatest shows on earth.
Samburu National Reserve is also home to some rare animals that you must not miss. If it is the grasslands that interest you, then Amboseli National Park is the place for you, it also gives a peek at the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa. Along with this, making it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lamu Old Town is Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited settlement with origins dating back to the 12th century.
Amongst other places to visit, you must not miss Lake Nakuru, renowned for its thousands of pink flamingos. Mount Kenya, is the second-largest mountain in Africa. If you have time to relax Kenya’s beautiful silver sand beaches lined with palm trees, also entice many travellers. Kenya is often noted as the Cradle of Humanity by historians. The earliest evidence of the existence of human life was discovered here.
No single dish represents the whole of Kenya. Different communities have their native foods. Kenyan cuisine is also influenced by the numerous tribes and their preferences. Undeniably Ugali and Sukuma (kale) are the most prominent dishes, and if you are a rice lover, you must sample the options that Kenya has to offer – Wali wa nazi, which is rice flavoured with coconut, and Kenyan Pilau, which is infused with local spices.
Kenya is the destination for you if you seek an adventure that is soaked in ancient colourful culture and peppered with rare natural sights. Famed as the world centre for animal safaris and active adventure holidays, Kenya is an absolute must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Kenya Information
Currency: Kenyan shilling
Population: 44.35 million
Time Zone: GMT +03:00
Area: 581 309 km²
Capital: Nairobi
Official Language: English and Swahili
Capital’s calling code: +254-20
When is the best time to travel to Kenya?
One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country’s dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, and zebra. The rainy seasons are also good times to travel, as there are fewer tourists, and you can admire the striking emerald green vegetation. December is a great time to travel to Kenya since the rains are short and you have the chance to see newborn animals and migratory bird species. Only the peak of the ‘long rains’ in March, April, and May are very wet.