About Kenya

Kenya is the jewel of East Africa, revered as the "cradle of humanity", Kenya is a land with amazing landscapes: sand beaches, emerald water, and coral reefs in the coast; desert areas in the north, memorable mountainscapes such as the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya (the second highest peak in Africa). There are also many brilliant lakes, including lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha.

In Kenya you will enjoy a wide range of activities such as safaris, bird watching, mountaineering, climbing and many more. A safari in its more than 40 national parks and reserves is a unique opportunity to explore the most magnificent wildlife in Africa.

Kenya also has a fascinating cultural diversity with around 40 different ethnic groups, the major tribes include the Kikuyu farmers, the Luo fishermen and the Samburu warriors.

Climate

The climate in Kenya is as varied as its physical structure. Climatic conditions vary from the tropical humidity of the coast, through the dry heat of the hinterland and northern plains, to the cool air of the plateau and mountains. Despite Kenya’s equatorial position, Mt. Kenya is perpetually snow-capped. The coastal temperature averages 27°C (80°F), and the temperature decreases by slightly less than 2°C (3°F) with each 1,000 ft (305 m) increase in altitude. The capital, Nairobi, at 1,675 m, has a mean annual temperature of 19°C. The arid plains vary from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F). Seasonal variations are distinguished by duration of rainfall rather than changes of temperature; most regions of the country have two rainy seasons, the long rains falling between April and June, and the short rains between October and December. Average annual rainfall varies from 5 inches a year in the most arid regions of the northern plains to 70 inches a year near Lake Victoria. The coast and highland areas have an average of 40 inches per year.