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Kenya

✨ The heart of the safari

Kenya is a country in East Africa, located on the equator and bordered by Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania. To the southeast, it has a coastline on the Indian Ocean. Its capital and largest city is Nairobi, an important political, economic and cultural centre. The country covers about 582,600 square kilometres and has a varied landscape.

Along the coast, the climate is generally warm and humid, while inland regions include dry plains, highlands and fertile agricultural areas. Mount Kenya, the country's highest mountain, rises to 5,199 metres and is an ancient volcanic massif. The Great Rift Valley crosses Kenya from north to south and has shaped many of its landscapes and lakes. Kenya is also known for its rich biodiversity.

Its savannas provide habitats for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and many other animals, while the coast and nearby waters support coral reefs and marine life. Protected areas such as the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park are important for wildlife conservation, although the country has many other reserves and parks.

Kenya's population is culturally and linguistically diverse, with many ethnic communities and languages. Kiswahili and English are the official languages, while numerous other languages are spoken locally. Kenya became independent from British colonial rule on 12 December 1963 and became a republic in 1964. Today, agriculture, tourism, services, manufacturing and technology all contribute to its economy.

💡 Did you know?

Every year, over a million wildebeests and zebras leave Tanzania for Kenya. This is the 'Great Migration.' They travel hundreds of kilometers to find fresh grass. The most perilous moment is crossing the Mara River, where crocodiles wait patiently for their meal! It is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world.

The Maasai people living in Kenya have a fascinating tradition: the Adumu. It is a dance where young warriors gather to jump as high as possible without their heels ever touching the ground! The higher a warrior jumps, the more respected he is. They wear bright red clothing and magnificent jewelry they make themselves with beads of all colors.

Do you know why Kenyan marathon runners are often the fastest in the world? Many train in the town of Iten, located at over 2,400 meters altitude. It is called 'the home of champions.' At this height, the air is thinner, forcing the body to be stronger. When they come down to race at sea level, they have incredible energy and run like the wind!