About Kenya

If any country in the world would boast of God’s creation all enclosed in its boundaries:-diverse sceneries, ancient granitic hills, flat desert, landscapes and coral reefs and islets, diverse wildlife, climate, history and different cultures, then Kenya is that country.

Ever since the very first African safari, Kenya has been synonymous with the world's greatest creatures “Big Five”, besides an abundance of spectacular scenery and inspiring views to behold. From our coastal shores, where you are spoilt with pristine white sandy beaches and a warm temperate climate all year round to the Great Rift Valley scattered with lakes, scarps, volcanoes and craters, you will relish in the spectacle of millions of flamingos in the world famous Lake Nakuru.

For those who prefer serene bird watching and nature walks, you can start from Mombasa in Baobab and Haller Park nature trails at the Coast and move across to the Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya with over 4000 birds’ species. Kenya’s forty two (42) tribes provide another fascinating feature for those who want to appreciate the country’s diverse culture. Come and interact with Kenya’s friendly people, dance with them, eat their variety of mouth watering delicacies and engage in their fascinating cultural activities.

Each day offers our visitors a new experience and you can never predict what new discovery awaits you every morning as you kick off your day. With its 42 tribes, Kenya’s cultural experience takes one through a melting pot of cultures quite unrivalled in any other country. Paradoxically, this kaleidoscope of cultures has forged a nation with its own ideals, ambitions and own goals. From the Kenya highlands once known as the “white highlands” to the snow capped peak of Mt. Kenya, not forgetting our very own desert in the North Eastern region, Kenya is an exciting country of dramatic contrasts.

General Information on Kenya

The Republic of Kenya sits astride the equator covering a total land area of 582, 644 square kilometers [224,900 square miles]. Within the country lies almost every landform from: glacial ice and snow to arid deserts, mountains to rich savannah, large lakes and dense forests. Kenya's appeal lies in its unique combination of wildlife sanctuaries, glorious beaches, breathtaking sceneries, warm climate and sophisticated accommodation, all wielded together by a happy and hospitable people.

Location and topography

Kenya lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa covering an area of about 586,600km sq. Inland water bodies cover some 10,700km sq, the bulk of this in Lakes Victoria and Turkana.

Kenya is bordered by Somalia and the Indian Ocean to the east, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south. The coastline, about 550km long, faces the Indian Ocean.

The basic configuration is simple as the coastal plains give way to and inland plateau that rises gradually to the central highlands, which are the result of the relatively recent volcanic activity associated with the formation of the rift valley. To the west the land drops again to the Nyanza plateau that surrounds the Kenyan sector of Lake Victoria; and to the north, to the rugged low country around Lake Turkana.

Kenya's Climate

Kenya is generally a dry country; over75% of its area is classed as arid of semi-arid with only around 20% being viable for agriculture. Inland, rainfall and temperatures are closely related to altitude changes, with variations induced by local topography. Generally the climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east.

Across most of the country, rainfall is strongly seasonal, although its pattern, timing and extent vary greatly from place to place and from year to year. The relatively wet coastal belt along the Indian Ocean receives 1,000 mm or more rain per year. Most rain falls from April to July as a result of the southeasterly monsoon.

Differences in temperature vary predictably with altitude. Frost occurs regularly at 3,000 m and occasionally down to at least 2,400 m, and there is permanent snow and ice on top of Mt. Kenya at 5,200 m. The hottest areas are in the arid northeast, and west of Lake Turkana, where mean maximum temperatures average over 34 C.