A country where infatuation sets at the moment you step foot on the safari-proud lands. Located in East Africa, Kenya is famed for its wildlife reserves and incredible landscapes that leave everyone who visits breathless. Whether you are looking to book a luxury safari holiday, explore the vibrant capital of Nairobi, or learn about conservation in one of the national parks, Kenya can offer it all. Keep reading for some fascinating facts about the country that will surely entice you to book your next luxury safari in Kenya.
Over 60 Languages Are Spoken in Kenya
As with many African countries, over 60 languages are spoken in Kenya. The two official languages of the country are Swahili and English, but a plethora of indigenous languages are still used in communication today. The largest indigenous language is Kikuya, which nearly 20% of Kenyans still use. Some of the other indigenous languages include Luo, as well as Turkana and Borana, which are now used by less than 1% of the population.
Kenya Is Home to 50 National Parks and Reserves
It may come as no surprise that Kenya is one of the safari capitals of the world and home to 50 national parks and reserves. Over 8% of the country's land is now protected for wildlife and environmental conservation, and almost 10% of all the land is covered by nature reserves and parks. Nairobi Park was the first national park formed in 1946, but the largest and most magnificent park is Tsavo, which covers a whopping 22,000 km2, making it not only the largest in Kenya but one of the largest in the world.
The Great Rift Valley Is Over 250 Million Years Old
The Great Rift Valley is a geological trench that runs from northern East Africa to Mozambique in the south and is caused by complex interactions of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The rift has created valleys in the landscape, which travel through some of Kenya's famous parks and reserves and are home to some of the country's famous inhabitants. The Great Rift Valley is the perfect location to enjoy a spot of animal watching or marvel at the magnificence of the land surrounding you.
Kenya Is Home to Lake Turkana, the World's Largest Desert Lake
Lake Turkana is the world's largest desert lake, and it sits in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. The lake is famous because it is the largest saline lake in the world, stretching more than 161,485 hectares and being an outstanding laboratory for studying plant and animal communities. Areas of the lake are notorious with the Nile crocodile, who often use it as a breeding ground, as well as hippopotamus and species of snake.
Kenya Is Known for Its Fantastic Safari
Like many African neighbours, Kenya is notorious for its magnificent safari lands that thousands of animals call home. It is a location where animal enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the Big 5, look up to the skies to see sprawling birds circle their prey or enjoy the beauty of the open plains and deep waters that lie before them.
![Cheetah next to a safari jeep]()
Cheetah next to a safari jeep
Kenya is home to all of the Big 5: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo, so the likelihood of spotting one, or maybe all of them, on
a luxury safari in Kenya. A luxury safari holiday with Elegant Resorts will be nothing short of spectacular. You'll stay at some of the most exclusive locations in the world, surrounded by some of the most elusive animals on the globe.
Kenya Is a Massive Export of Coffee
Second to Columbia, Kenya is one of the largest coffee exporters in Africa. It is reported that Kenya produces around 50,000 tonnes of coffee beans a year, a number that increases yearly. This economy provides jobs, wages, and sometimes a place to stay for many who live in the country.
The First African Woman To Win the Nobel Peace Prize Was From Kenya
In 2004, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize was from Kenya. Alfred Nobel initially organised the Nobel Peace Prize, which is one of five Nobel prizes. The Peace Prize is awarded to someone who has "done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." Wangari Maathai was the first black woman to win the prize and did so for her environmentalist and human rights activist efforts and founding the Green Belt Movement in the 1970s.
Nairobi Is the Capital of Kenya
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and shouldn't be overlooked when it comes to holidaying in the country. The commotional city is full of vibrancy and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're planning to visit before heading to your luxury safari adventure or you want to get stuck in the welcoming atmosphere of the capital, there is so much to explore and see.
Bea from the blog
Bea Adventurous told us why people should consider visiting Nairobi before heading to their safari adventure: "Nairobi might be considered as the gateway to Africa's wildlife, but it is also a city worth visiting in its own right. Most safari-goers bypass Nairobi, choosing to head straight into the wilderness, but in doing so, they miss out on a chance to truly understand Kenya and its people. There are a number of tours that provide a great insight into the challenges of urban living."
Things to do in Nairobi:
- Nairobi National Park
- Karura Forest
- Giraffe Centre
- National Museum of Kenya
- Nairobi Market
Kenya Has 333 Miles of Coastline
Kenya has over 333 miles of coastline, all of which lie along the Indian Ocean. Known for its white-sand beaches and tropical waters, the coastline is famous for windsurfing, kitesurfing, snorkelling, and fishing. It is also the location of some world-class beaches, including the award-winning Diani Beach, the remote Lamu Island, and Watamu, which is known for its bays and coves.
Kenya's National Animal Is the East African Lion
It may come as no surprise that the national animal of Kenya is the mighty East African Lion. The lion features on the Keyan coat of arms along with a shield and spears and is a symbolic figure of protection. The lion is crucial to the health of the ecosystem in Kenya and is an animal of objective inspiration for those who live within the country's borders.
If you're looking to book a luxury holiday to Kenya very soon, then hopefully, this guide will fill you with excitement and eagerness for the adventure that awaits you. For more first-hand travel tales, expert destination guides and more, our
luxury online travel blog can help.