Kenya is one of the most famous countries in Africa, along with other countries such as South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt. Located in East Africa, Kenya has neighboring countries Somalia to the East, Ethiopia and Sudan to the North, Uganda to the West, Tanzania to the South and Indian Ocean to the South East.
It is the East African country that receives the highest number of tourists every year, and is famous for quite a number of things. Below we look at the things Kenya is famous for.
1. Amazing Wildlife
Kenya is home to the Big Five wild animals; lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. There are other amazing wildlife to be seen in Kenya, including zebras, giraffes (including white giraffes), gazelles, antelopes, cheetahs, wildebeests and hundreds of bird species. Feel free to check out the list of 15 Most Unusual Animals You Can Find in Kenya.
2. Stunning Tropical Beaches
Kenya has some of the most magnificent beaches in Africa. The tropical Kenyan beaches is one of the reasons why Kenya registers over a million tourists every year. It is the perfect places for skydiving, sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming. If you would like to know more about the best beaches in Kenya, here is a list of Top 10 Best Beaches in Kenya.
3. Breathtaking Safaris
They say if you want to treat yourself to a breathtaking safari then the ideal place to be is Kenya. From balloon safaris where you’ll be treated to the most gorgeous bird’s eye view of the plans to the helicopter safaris which allows you to visit as many game reserves as you wish within the shortest time possible, Kenya will leave you wanting more every time your vacation comes to an end.
You will visit some of the best national parks and games reserves, including Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo. You can read more on the best safaris in Kenya for fun-filled adventure In case you would like to know more about that.
4. The Great Wildebeest Migration
If there’s something that sends tourist into a frenzy is the infamous wildebeest migration. You will be treated to a picturesque view of over 2 million animals migrating from Serengeti National Park into Maasai Mara National Park. In fact, the wildebeest migration has been dubbed one of the “7 New Wonders of the World”.
If you would like to know more about the best time to visit, then we recommend you read our previous article on the most ideal times to visit Kenya in order to identify the time of the year when the great wildebeest migration occurs.
5. Beautiful Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the 2nd highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s beautiful, rugged and challenging, making it the perfect challenge for mountain climbers. Scaling Nelion and Batian peaks of the mountain is even more challenging that you can imagine.
The appeal of the mountain is made better by Mount Kenya National Park where you can see different animal species including elephants, white tailed mongoose, tree hyrax, black fronted duikers, white tailed mongoose, mole rats, white tailed mongoose, elands, leopards, black rhinos, waterbucks, and buffaloes.
6. The Maasai People
Kenya has 43 tribes all living and coexisting peacefully. Some tribes are less known, others are almost going extinct while others put Kenya on global map. One of the most unique tribes in Kenya is the Maasai community. It’s one of the few tribes that haven’t been eroded by civilization and urbanization.
They have managed to preserve their culture in an era define by cutting edge technology. The Maasai shukas, shields and spears some one of their most iconic elements of their culture. When you come to Kenya, make sure to interact with the Maasai in their natural habitats.
PS: There are Maasais in Tanzania too.
7. The Great Rift Valley
Kenya is one of the few African countries where you can enjoy the view of the incredibly beautiful Great Rift Valley. The valley runs North to South for more than 5,000 km, starting in Beqaa valley in Lebanon to Central Mozambique in Africa. The valley’s width varies from 30-100km and its depth can go up to 1000 metres. Within the Great Rift Valley you will see some of the biggest lakes in Kenya, including Lake Bogoria, Lake Naivasha, Lake Turkana, Lake Magadi, Lake Baringo and Lake Nakuru.
8. Gold-Winning Athletes
They say save the best for last, and that’s what we just did. Kenya is home to some of the greatest middle and long distance runners in history. If we are to mention all the world record holders, gold medal winners and legendary Kenya athletes then we suppose we will need an entire article dedicated to them. Visit Kenya and learn more about the likes of Eliud Kipchoge while you enjoy roasted meat and a bottle of Kenyan beer.
9. Kenya Rugby Sevens
Although the Kenyan Rugby Sevens is not doing well at the moment, it’s one of the Kenyan national teams to have raised Kenya’s stakes at a global stage. The days when Collins Injera and Humphrey Khayange were dominating are nostalgic. Even now Shujaas still represent Kenya in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series. We are proud of them for making Kenya a global brand.
10. Barack Obama and Lupita Nyong’o
I just had to include these two because they have made us proud. Obama was born in Hawaii to a Kenyan father while Lupita was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya. The two have put Kenya on global map and we’ll forever be proud of them. For Obama he showed Kenyan kids that “Yes, they can” while Lupita taught us “No matter where we come from, our dreams are valid”.