What is Special about Kenya

Kenya is known for being the world’s best safari destination with 50 epic national parks and reserves which are homes to diverse wildlife including the Big Five lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos with a number of uncounted bird species that attract bird watchers to visit Kenya.

Kenya has 11 national parks and reserves

You’ve probably heard of the Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli National Park which are both popular safari destinations where Amboseli offers unbeatable views of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Did you know that there are a total of 50 national parks and reserves in Kenya? That’s right, Kenya has 22 national parks and 28 national reserves managed and maintained by the Kenya Wildlife Service ensuring that the native wildlife of this land is protected against hunters and poachers.

2. The Great Rift Valley was formed more than 25 million years ago

This is probably one of the most interesting facts about Kenya passing through Kenya from north to south, which is the Great Rift Valley also known as the East African Rift Valley formed more than 25 million years ago by geological tension in the earth’s crust, approximately 6500km long and 60km wide. The wide valley formed many lakes creating unique habitats for the country’s wildlife.

3. There are over 60 languages spoken in Kenya

While Kenya may only have two official languages, Kiswahili also referred to as Swahili and English, there are around 60 languages spoken throughout the country. If you’re to join Contiki’s Kenyan highlights trip, greet the locals in Kiswahili with “Jambo” to say hello, or “Habari” for “Good day, how are you?” which is an easy and quick way of connecting and making friendship in the local people of Kenya.

4. The first woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize was from Kenya

Remember the name Wangari Muta Maathai. This inspirational woman was a Kenyan environmental, social, and political activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.

5. Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa

Another interesting fact about Kenya is that after Mount Kilimanjaro which is in the neighboring Tanzania, Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa offering the most challenging experience of hikes in Kenya.

6. Kenya’s national animal is the East African Lion

The national animal of Kenya is the East African lion, a species currently considered vulnerable by the international union for conservation of nature. The African Lion is one of the Big five, joining other magnificent African animals including the African leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, and the rhinoceros.

7. Lake Turkana is the world’s largest desert lake

Lake Turkana is one of the Kenya’s largest lakes located in the north of the Great Rift Valley and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the three Lake Turkana National Parks namely; Sibiloi National Park, Central Island National Park and South Island National Park.

8. Coffee is the country’s most valuable export

In March 2021, Kenya exported coffee to the value of approximately 4.56 billion Kenyan shillings and over 40.2 million in US dollars. Locals value coffee as a commodity so greatly that most Kenyans don’t really drink it and only a small amount is sold domestically.

9. Kenya is the world’s leading safari destination

Kenya has been recognized by the World Travel Awards as the world’s leading safari destination for 2021 a position it has held for seven years now. Kenya has the best places for safaris which scenic attractions that bring tourists every months of the year round to experience, witness, enjoy and participate in Kenya.

10. Kenya is home to the world’s best long-distance runners

There must be something in the water in Kenya! In particular, the country’s Kalenjin people have produced many world record breaking athletes and long-distance runners, known for dominating marathon circuits worldwide.

11. The Great Wildebeest Migration has no beginning or end point

Many people think the Great Migration happens only once a year, however this natural phenomenon occurs year-round, meaning it technically does not start or finish anywhere which makes this one of the most interesting facts about Kenya. The wildebeest, zebra and antelope migrate in a clockwise loop between Kenya and Tanzania making Kenya’s Masai Mara Nature Reserve one of the best locations to witness one of world’s greatest shows.