First: Fast Facts

 Name: Republic of Kenya

 Old Name: British Kenya
 Language: English and Swahili
 Population: approximately 54 million people
 Capital city: Nairobi
 Currency: Kenyan shilling
 National Day: Jamhuri Day – 12 December (Independence day)
 Known for: being the world’s best safari destination!

1. Kenya has 50 national parks and reserves

You’ve probably heard of the Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli
National Park. They’re both popular safari destinations and Amboseli offers
unbeatable views of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.

But did you know there are a total of 50 national parks and reserves in
Kenya? That’s right, 23 national parks and 28 national reserves are managed
and maintained by the Kenya Wildlife Service, ensuring that the native wildlife
of this land is protected against hunters and poachers.

But Haron is here to bring even more amazement! On top of the 23 national
parks and 28 national reserves, Kenya is also home to “4 national
sanctuaries, 4 marine parks, and 6 marine reserves.” That’s a hell of a lot of
protected wildlife – and what a beautiful thing!
Image source:Contiki

2. The Great Rift Valley was formed more than

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

3. There are over 43 languages and dialects

spoken in Kenya
As you’ll see above, the two languages spoken in Kenya are English and
Swahili. “The official language is English,” informs Haron, “while the national
language is Swahili, which is spoken widely throughout the country.”

“Mostly you’ll hear these phrases: ‘Jambo’ which means hello or ‘Habari’
which also means hello, but is mostly used to greet friends or relatives.” If
you’re joining Contiki’s Kenyan Highlights trip try them out with the locals!
Beyond English and Swahili, over 43 languages and dialects are spoken in
Kenya, and they are grouped in 3 categories. “The first category is Bantu,
spoken by 65% of the population, Nilotic (also called paranilotic), spoken by
31% of the population, and Cushites, spoken only by 4%.”

Image source:Contiki

4. Kenya is home to some of 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.

Something else you may not know is that the Great Rift Valley is actually the
playing (and training) grounds of many of these runners! “Kenya is home to
some of the world’s best long distance runners,” says Haron. “They come to
train in this region because the high altitudes and rugged terrain make for a
hard training field, which greatly improves their skill.” So, if you have any
Olympic ambitions, you know where to go!
5. Kenya is home to some beautiful national
species!
As you may or may not know, each country has a national animal, bird, and
flower; and Kenya’s choices are absolute bangers.

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 5, joining other magnificent African animals
including the African leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, and the
rhinoceros. You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them on safari
with Contiki!

The national bird of Kenya is the Lilac Breasted Roller, which may be a lesser
known species than the regal lion, but which deserves a spot entirely to itself.
With a pattern of vibrant purples and blues, this bird sports an iridescent and
hypnotising wing-span, and if you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wild you’ll
never forget it.

Lastly, the national flower of Kenya is the fan-favourite and regal orchid.
No trip to Kenya is complete without witnessing the vast variety of orchids for
yourself.
Image source:Contiki