Kenya is the most famous destination for safaris in the world for endless reasons, the scenery, the incredible opportunity for viewing all African wildlife in particular the ease in which to see the ‘Big 5’. It is still the best country for adventure travel in Africa; it offers high levels of service; it still offers 'Out of Africa' scenic beauty, diverse cultures and abundant wildlife.
Safari is however, by no means the only reason to visit Kenya, the coastline and tropical beaches are amongst the world’s most beautiful.
Name: The Republic of Kenya
Time Zone: GMT + 3
Capital City: Nairobi, meaning “place of cool waters” in the Maa language
Independence gained on: 12 December 1963 (from Great Britain)
National Language: Kiswahili
Official Language: English
Currency: Kenyan shilling (KES) and cents
Land Area: aprox.586,600km sq
Drives on the: Left
Country Code: + 254
Location
On the Equator on the eastern coast of Africa. Kenya is bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, Somalia and the Indian ocean to the east, Ethiopia to the north and Sudan to the northwest.
Population & People
The population is estimated at 43,500,000 as of 2013.
There are about 52 tribes in Kenya.
Vegetation & Special Natural Features
Kenya is home to the famous Masai Mara game reserve, Mount Kenya and Lake Victoria (the world's second-largest freshwater lake).
The Great Rift Valley, which runs from northern Syria in Southwest Asia to central Mozambique in East Africa, bisects the country from North to South and is dotted with lakes and extinct volcanoes, is one of Kenya's most fascinating physical features.
Kenya’s natural vegetation is diverse. Truly a ‘world within one country’. Tropical rainforests, sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, desert, wide savannah plains teeming with wildlife, freshwater lakes and salt lakes.
The sleepy village of Watamu, fronted by powder-white beaches & crystal clear coral waters is situated on the north coast of Kenya, approximately 100km North of Mombasa. It is a tranquil haven primarily home to private houses and private guesthouses scattered through the forest along the deserted shore.
Relax in the peace and calm of Watamu or the activities and opportunities are endless. The waters are home to a Marine National Park, so an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike, take a sundowner on a dhow (Arabic trading boat), visit the turtle breeding programme, visit the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve to see rare endemic birds and mammals; the lost town of Gedi, a deserted Swahili town hidden deep in the forests, whose crumbling walls tell of a mysterious past. Water sports include kite-surfing, wind-surfing, kayaking, SUP and snorkelling. Beyond the marine park the deep sea fishing is world renowned, with the majority of boats supporting the 'tag and release' programme.
