Kenya is located in Eastern Africa. Bordered by Ethiopia to the north, South Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west, Somalia to the east, and Tanzania to the south. The southeast flank borders the Indian Ocean. The Equator passes through the country and its approximately 580,650 km2 (224,962 mi2). The capital city is Nairobi.
Kenya’s geography is diverse and features various landscapes, including a low-lying coastal plain along the Indian Ocean, characterized by beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps, central highlands, including the Aberdare Range and the Mau Escarpment, feature rugged terrain, mountains, and valleys, the Great Rift Valley which runs north-south through Kenya, creating a vast depression with numerous lakes, including Lake Victoria, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Turkana, the northwestern region that is arid and semi-arid, with the Chalbi Desert and the Koroli Desert. Kenya is home to several significant mountains, including Mount Kenya (5,199 m), Mount Elgon (4,321 m), and Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), which is shared with Tanzania. In addition to the lakes mentioned earlier, other notable lakes include Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, and Lake Naivasha. Major rivers include the Tana, Athi, and Mara, which flow into the Indian Ocean or Lake Victoria. Kenya’s climate varies from tropical to temperate, depending on the region, with two rainy seasons (March to May and October to December).
The people of Kenya are known as Kenyans, with over 40 ethnic groups, including Bantu (e.g., Kikuyu, Luhya, Kamba), Nilotic (e.g., Luo, Kalenjin), Cushitic (e.g., Somali, Borana) and indigenous groups (e.g., Maasai, Turkana). Official languages are Swahili and English. Local languages include over 60 languages spoken, including Luo, Kikuyu, Luhya, and Maasai. Mainly Christians (70-80%), with a significant Muslim population (10-20%), and traditional African religions. Rich cultural heritage, with diverse traditional practices, music, and art. Population of approximately 55 million people (2023 estimate).
Kenyan cuisine is a fusion of traditional dishes and international influences, with a focus on local ingredients and spices. Some popular Kenyan dishes are Ugali, Sukuma wiki, Nyama choma, Chapati, Mandazi, Githeri, Kachumbari, Matooke, Irio, Tea, Jollof rice, Pilau, Biriani, Mursik and so on.
Visa requirements for Kenya include
Citizens of some Caribbean and African nations, Cyprus, Fiji, and Singapore do not require a visa to enter Kenya. Most nationalities need to apply for an eVisa online before arriving in Kenya. A single-entry visa costs $51 and is valid for three months from the date of issue, a multiple-entry visa costs $101 and is great if you’re planning at least two trips to Kenya in a year, a transit visa costs $21 and is for less than 72 hours and an East African Tourist Visa which is a multiple-country tourist visa costs $101 and is valid for three months from the date of issue. Passport needs to have at least six months’ validity from the date of entry and you must have a return ticket.For more information, you can visit the Kenya Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (eTA) website, www.etakenya.go.ke
Touring Kenya
Amboseli National Reserve
Tsavo National Park: Kenya’s largest park
Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lamu Island
Lake Naivasha
Nairobi
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery
Malindi
Mombasa
And lots more
Places to avoid in Kenya:
Areas like Kibera, Mathare, and Mukuru in Nairobi are known for high crime rates and poverty.
Avoid traveling to isolated areas, especially at night, as they may be hotspots for criminal activity.
Areas near the borders with Somalia, South Sudan, and Ethiopia may be unstable and prone to conflict.
Be cautious of unlicensed tourist attractions and activities, as they may not meet safety standards.
Areas like Eastleigh in Nairobi and parts of Mombasa may have high crime rates, so exercise caution when visiting.
Be cautious of areas known for scams, like the “black market” in Nairobi, where tourists may be targeted by scammers. A 6.5
