Facts About Kenya

Travelling to Kenya Soon? Here are few facts I thought you should know.

Kenya is a country found in East Africa, named after Mount Kenya which is the highest point in the country. It is known as the cradle of mankind due to its archaeological findings and the rich prehistorical records dating back to over 100 million years ago. Apart from the fossil records, there is an existing long record of technological evolution with tools as old as 2.3 million years. Visit the National Museum of Kenya for more information https://www.museums.or.ke.

The Capital City.

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya also known as the green city in the sun. This beautiful city is located South Central part of the country in the highlands. It lies 300 miles (480) northwest of Mombasa which is the major port on the Indian Ocean. A visit to Kenya is incomplete without visiting the beautiful coastal region of Mombasa.

Nairobi is a very vibrant city with so many activities going on 24/7. It boasts of being the only capital city in Africa which has a National park with wildlife roaming freely within the park.

Nairobi is a very lively city where you will never miss something to do, ranging from visiting the National park, and Elephant Orphanage to visit Boma’s of Kenya where you experience the rich diversity of Kenya traditional dance and Music and cultural homestead. Other places that you shouldn’t miss out on your schedule include the National Museum, Snake Park, Giraffe center, Karen Blixen and the Kazuri beads where you are able to experiment on making handmade beads.

The Population and Language

The current population is estimated to 47,564,296. https://www.knbs.or.ke/?wpdmpro=2019-kenya-population

Kenya has 42 vernacular languages, Swahili is widely spoken and is the national language while English is the official language. Get to learn few Swahili words like “Habari yako” meaning “how are you “and many more.

Food and Beverage

Ugali is the staple food made with corn flour and served with variety of stew. Different communities also have their own preferred foods like Mukimo, Matoke and Irio.

Nyama choma drives Kenyans Crazy, it is grilled meat made over an open fire. It’s usually accompanied with Kachumbari which is a mixture of Tomatoes and onions, at times Avocado is added on the Kachumbari. This food goes so well with Ugali. Soo yummy.

Have you ever heard of Carnivore restaurant? It is a den for meat lovers, you will have a chance to taste a variety of game meat. Have a chance to visit Carnivore restaurant either for dinner or lunch.

Hotels and restaurants serve very delicious meals. The services are likely to be buffet or Ala carte. Please notify the hotel or your travel Agent in advance for any special request.

Kenyans love tea, every time is tea time. Coffee is largely grown but mostly for export. Kenya beer is said to be the best, mostly taken at the pubs. Grab your bottle and give it a try. Soft drinks are widely available, just reach out to your preferred flavor.

Transport

Kenya still lack government run public transport, but there are many vehicles ferrying people from one spot to the other commonly known as matatus . Uber is available with fare rates within the city.

When visiting the parks, use the tour vans which are usually 7-seater or the Land cruiser. The Land cruiser charges are different from Van. Vans are cheaper.

You may also access the parks on flights though quite expensive. Visiting Mombasa has become cheaper because of the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) You may book First class which goes for Kes3000 one way or economy class at Kes1000. First class is the best though.

Tourism

Tourism is one of the major economic activities in Kenya. Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in East Africa and tourists come every year to enjoy the beauty of our parks and beaches.