Despite recent troubles Kenya remains, to us, one of the most iconic, classic and perfectly honed safari destinations. Here a long history of wildlife & cultural tourism has left a legacy of excellence. There are few destinations where service, hospitality, quality of guides, accommodation and expertise are so seamless and combined with some incredible wilderness regions this makes Kenya truly one of the very best safari destinations. Perfect for safari first-timers and Africa old-hands alike.
KENYA COUNTRY FACTS
Area
580,367km²
Population
41,070,930
Official Languages
Swahili, English
Major Wildlife Areas/Areas of Interest
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Victoria, Samburu & Buffalo Springs National Reserves, Meru National Park, Mount Kenya, Tana Delta Reserve, Mombassa & Southern Coast, Tsavo East & Wet National Parks.
Wonderful for
Photographic Safaris, African Weddings & Honeymoons, Mt Kenya Climb, Riding Safaris, Diving Africa, Pure Luxury Safaris, Water sports, Barefoot Luxury Safaris, Pure Wildlife Safaris.
TripAfrica Suggests
Combine the majestic Maasai Mara with the serene but austere Samburu for two vastly different cultural & wildlife experiences and end with some ‘flop’ time on the coast for a classic ‘Bush & Beach’ escape.
Why Travel to Kenya
Compared to other sub-Saharan countries, Kenya has historically been advanced in infrastructure and general living standards. During the colonial period, England controlled the country and developed the area. Kenyans were not allowed to participate in government, much like South Africa. As you might expect, Kenyans rebelled and eventually became independent on December 12, 1963. The Kenya People’s Union then became the only political party and ruled until 2002. In October 2002, the National Rainbow Coalition dominated elections.
Following independence, Kenya continued to grow economically and the standard of living was the envy of much of Africa. Unfortunately, corruption threw a wrench in the proceedings the country has suffered from a lurching economy for the last 15 years. In 2003, the country turned things around and things have generally improved since then.
As this brief overview reveals, the country suffers the economic problems of many countries in Africa. That being said, it is beautiful place that will hopefully overcome such hurdles. It is definitely a place you will remember visiting.
Geography
Kenya covers 224,960 square miles and is slightly smaller than Texas. The capital is Nairobi. Kenya rises from a low coastal plain on the Indian Ocean in a series of mountain ridges and plateaus which stand above 9,000 feet in the center of the country. The Rift Valley bisects the country above Nairobi, opening up to a broad arid plain in the north. Mountain plains cover the south before descending to the shores of Lake Victoria in the west. The climate varies from the tropical south, west, and central regions to arid and semi-arid in the north and the northeast.
Kenya’s topographical features range from deserts to snow capped mountains, sandy coastlines to freshwater lakes, savannah grasslands to fertile agricultural plantations, extinct volcanoes to coral reefs. On the eastern side of the country slopes gently downward towards sea level while to the west, there are a series of hills and plateaus which alternate upward to the Rift Valley. To the western side of the Rift Valley the land again gently slopes downward towards Lake Victoria. From east to west, you experience the white beaches of the Indian Ocean to the mile-high plateau of Nairobi.
The people of Kenya are known as “Kenyans.” Total population is 30 million and growing at 1.7 percent a year. Ethnic groups break down as Kikuyu 21 percent Luhya 14 percent, Luo 13 percent, Kalenjin 11 percent, Kamba 11 percent, Kisii 6 percent, Meru 5 percent. Religious break down is Indigenous beliefs 10 percent, Protestant 40 percent, Roman Catholic 30 percent, Muslim 20 percent. Languages include English, Swahili, and more than 40 local ethnic languages. The literacy rate is 65 percent and life expectancy is 49 years of age.
