Situated in East Africa, Kenya is famous for its scenic landscapes and huge wildlife reserves. Its coast has provided important ports for Arabian and Asian traders for centuries. Along that coast, some of the finest beaches in Africa are to be found, such as Mombasa, Kenya’s oldest city and first capital, which has contributed much to its musical and culinary heritage.
Inland, its highlands are known for both their tea plantations and the huge variety of animal species such as lion, elephant, cheetah, rhinoceros and hippopotamus. Kenya’s western regions, noted for its lakes and rivers, are forested, and some parts of northern Kenya are desert and semi-desert. A Kenya safari is the best way to discover the country’s diversity of landscapes and wildlife.
The country’s topography can be divided into two halves of striking contrast. The eastern half slopes gently to a coral-lined shore while the western sector rises abruptly through a series of hills and plateaus to the Central Rift Valley. West of the Rift is another plateau, the lowest part of which is home to Lake Victoria.
Kenya’s many ethnic groups are well known to travellers. Anthropologists have studied and documented the lives of the Maasai, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin and Kikuyu peoples to name just a few of the many tribal groups. Adding to Kenya’s ethnic diversity are European and Asian immigrants from many nations and Kenyans proudly embrace these cultures and traditions whilst recognising the importance of pulling together (harambee in Swahili) as a nation.