KENYA - Fact file

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Kenya is named after a mountain of the same name. The Kikuyu people who lived around present day Mt Kenya referred to it as Kirinyaga, meaning 'mountain of whiteness' because of its snow capped peak.

If you had to pick one country in Africa to visit first, it must be Kenya. Snow capped mountains, volcanoes, highlands, plateaus, valleys, rivers, lakes, desert, rain forests, marine parks, white sand beaches, Equator, all lie within a few hours' driving time. Wildlife abounds everywhere. Kenya is children friendly and offers more price points in your budget than other countries. An exciting wildlife safari followed by a few relaxed days on the beach is a perfect way to spend a family vacation.

Kenya gets record visitors during the dry months (July - October) due to the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara, when the density of animals is unparalleled. With over 60 wildlife areas, there are many other great options year round - Tsavo, Amboseli, Samburu, Nakuru, Lake Turkana, Lake Victoria, Kakamega, etc. There is much diversity in the flora and fauna, separated north and south by the Equator, and east and west by the Gregorian rift valley. Our itineraries are tailored to include as much diversity as possible. 

For those who seek pleasure beyond wildlife and beaches, we offer hot air ballooning, trekking / climbing Mt Kenya (5199m), fishing, snorkelling, diving, sailing, cycling, horse riding, gliding and flying.

While Kenya has much to offer in terms of it's culture, an interaction with the Masai community is highly recommended during your safari.

FACT FILE :

Formation: 12 December 1963 

Head of State: President Wiiliam Ruto 

Major Political Parties: Jubilee, ODM, KANU, FORD and others

Area/Population: 580,367 sq km / 53.5 million (Jul 2020 est)

GDP: (USD) - PPP 163.7 billion / 4.9% p.a. (2017 est)

Currency: Kenyan Shillings (KSH)

Capital: Nairobi

Other Major cities: Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru

Major Wildlife Parks: Tsavo (East & West), Samburu, Masai Mara, Kakamega, Amboseli, Meru, Marsabit, Lake Naivasha, Sibiloi, and many others.

Highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199m

Natural resources: Limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower

Major Exports: Tea, coffee, fish, horticultural products, petroleum products, cement, apparel

Bordering countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan

Languages: Kiswahili, English and indigenous languages

Religion: Christianity 83%, Islam 11%, Others 6% Literacy: 81.5%

Climate: Tropical along the coast and arid in interior. Two dry seasons (December to February, June to August), with short rains (Nov-Dec) and long rains (March - May)

Telephone code: +254

Time: UTC +3

National Flag: The black stripe represents the African people; while the red stands for the struggle for independence. The green represents Kenya's agriculture and natural resources. The thin white stripes symbolize peace and unity. The central emblem represents Kenya's fight for freedom and their preparedness to defend that freedom.