About
The republic of Kenya in East Africa derives its name from Mount Kenya, the tallest mountain in the country, which dominates the central highlands and the only mountain on the Equator with snow on it. Kenya has a rich history and is a wildlife heaven famous for its Big Five-Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. Not forgetting its Small 5-Rhinoceros beetle, Buffalo weaver, Elephant shrew, Leopard tortoise and the Ant Lion.
The Kenyan Coastline boasts some of the finest sandy beaches and coral reefs in the world. Kenya is a country that has it all;from dense forests to mystical deserts; from savannah grasslands and mountains to the wildlife and diverse people.
Location
East Africa.
The Equator straddles it. In the North it borders Ethiopia and Sudan.
On its western side it borders Uganda. Tanzania is on the south. Somalia and the Indian Ocean lie on the East.
The Indian Ocean is the lowest point at 0 metres. While Mt Kenya is the highest point at 5199 metres. The coastline is 500 km.
Terrain
North – desert and semi arid.
East – low plains and dryland.
The central Highlands – Mt Kenya and the aberdare mountains are the most fertile.
West– Lake Victoria with a surface area of 68800 km square (6%)lies in Kenya. The lake is shared with Uganda (45%)and Tanzania (49%).it is the world’s second largest freshwater lake with a catchment of 184000 squares kilometers. The west is also an agriculturally rich region with Tea, Coffee and sugarcane.
The Rift Valley runs through Kenya dotted by lakes Naivasha, Baringo, Turkana, Bogoria, Nakuru and Elementeita.
CLIMATE – tropical, sunny climate all year round.
Facts
- Visa are now applied online before travel from the Kenyan Embassies. All children require a separate passports. Passport must be at least 6 months valid and has enough at least 3 empty pages.
- POPULATION – 47000000 people.
- CULTURE – Kenya is a nation different peoples and their cultures. With over 40 tribes, Kiswahili and English are the official languages.
- TRANSPORT NETWORK – Kenya has an extensive domestic travel network by rail, road or air to suit your budget.
- INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS –
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi (NBO)
- Moi international Airport Mombasa (MBA)
- LOCAL Airports-Wilson Airport in Nairobi
- Kisumu Airport in Kisumu
- Ukunda Airstrip (Diani Beach)
- Malindi Airport in Malindi
- Lamu
- Lots of airstrips in the national parks and reserves.
- Railway line – Kenya has a Standard Gauged Railway connection between Mombasa and Nairobi
Public Holidays
- January 1st New year
- Easter holiday date is variable
- May-1st labour day
- June 1st – Madaraka day
- Eid al fitr date variable
- October 20th mashujaa day
- December 12th jamhuri day
- December 25th Christmas day
- December 26th Boxing day
