Facts about Kenya as you prepare for your Kenya safari tour

Kenya is a country in Africa that has beautiful scenery and vast mountains. It is located in the eastern part of Africa and borders the Indian Ocean between Tanzania and Somalia. It shows a diversity of coastal waters, rivers, lakes, sandbanks, waterfalls, mountains, valleys and deserts.

There are over 65 wildlife preserves and national parks. Every zone’s wildlife is distinct.
Kenyan culture represents a mixture of Indian, African and British influences.

Here are the basic facts about Kenya every traveler / tourist should know:

Kenyan Geography
Kenya occupies around 582,650 sq. km.  Low plains give way to central highlands that are divided by the Great Rift Valley.  In the west lies a fertile plateau. The lowest point of Kenya’s elevation is the Indian Ocean which is at 0, the highest elevation is Mt. Kenya which rises up to 5,199m.

Kenya’s Climate
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning.

The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.

The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between June and September. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature’s greatest spectacle on earth. The animal trek has been captured by filmmakers worldwide.

Kenyan People and Culture
Kenyan people are very warm, hospitable and full of life. Kenya is very rich in culture due to the numerous tribes that have different traditions, cook different food and have some traditional dresses.

Languages
The national language is Kiswahili as well as 42 other ethnic languages. The official language is English.

Religion
The vast majority of Kenyans are Christian 83% of which 47.7% of the population of Kenya are Protestant, 23.5% are Roman Catholic, 1.7% are indigenous beliefs, 11.2% are Muslim and there is another 2.4% that has not been declared.

Kenya’s Capital City
Nairobi which has a population of approximately 4 million.

Major Towns
Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret.

Politics and Government
The Kenyan government is democratic with a multi-party system.

Visa
Make sure that you have your visa or passport at least 1-3 months before your expected departure to Kenya. Make copies of these documents just in case you lose the original. Prior to your safari in Kenya you need to have a valid passport or document, flight tickets and accommodation reservations, money and updated immunizations. Read more about Kenyan Visa here.