Kenya is undoubtedly one of Africa’s top tourist destinations and largely because of its wildlife safari. Beyond its rich cultural heritage, its safari, its official language which is recognised as Swahili, and Ugali which is its national dish, many do not know that Kenya has a lot more things that it is famous for. Are you ready to get on a journey to discover some interesting facts about this beautiful East African country? Then… let’s go!
1. Kenya has 536 kilometres of coastline on the Indian Ocean
Most people think of Mauritius, Seychelles and Zanzibar when they think of beach destinations in Africa, but did you know that Kenya has about 536 kilometres of coastline on the Indian Ocean? This coastline is home to several white sand beaches, clear blue waters and coral reefs. So for your next beach vacation, a trip to Kenya’s famous beaches such as Diani Beach, Nyali Beach, and Bamburi Beach should be on your travel itinerary.
2. Home to the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize
Wangarĩ Muta Maathai, a Kenyan activist well-known for her Green belt movement and her participation in politics, social action, and the environment, was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace.
Her Green belt movement was founded in 1977 and it aimed to combat environmental damage by encouraging Kenyans to plant trees. This movement eventually led to the empowerment and emancipation of women.
3. Kenya has a record of Olympic wins
Kenya is home to record breaking Olympians in long distance races. Since Kenya’s first participation in the Olympics in 1957, it has enjoyed dominance in long distance races and has won 113 Olympic medals, with 35 gold, 42 silver and 36 bronze medals.
4. 68 languages are spoken across Kenya
Kenya’s cultural diversity can be represented through its many ethnic groups with 68 languages spoken within their communities. Despite being a multilingual country, it has two official languages, namely, Swahili and English, with Swahili being the language that is majorly spoken there.
5. Kenya is famous for The Great Rift Valley
Kenya is home to The Great Rift Valley which is one of its beautiful natural attractions formed by the movement of tectonic plates and volcanic eruptions. It has some of the most incredible landscapes, mountainous hills, native forests, lakes and savannahs, which has become a habitat for many birds and wildlife.
The Great Rift Valley is over 40 million years old and is responsible for the formation of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.
6. Hunting is illegal
Kenya has shown its commitment to wildlife conservation by making the hunting of wild animals for food, shelter, clothing, and sport illegal. For the sake of a sustainable wildlife population and a thriving ecosystem, efforts are being made to protect and preserve the lives of wild animals and their natural habitats.
7. Kenya has a car-free island
Kenya’s Lamu Island located approximately 150 miles northeast from Mombasa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the best preserved settlements of Swahili culture in East Africa. The island has a small population of over 25,000 people who use donkeys, boats or walk as a means of transportation. Residents and visitors are banned from driving cars within the island and the roads cannot accommodate vehicles. Since there is no presence of cars on this island, the pace is more relaxed and there’s no traffic.
8. Kenya is home to Africa’s second-highest mountain
Mount Kenya, where Kenya got its name from, is the second highest mountain in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro.
It is found in Kenya with its highest peak standing at 5,199 metres above sea level and it was formed by an extinct volcano that erupted approximately 3 million years ago and is thought to never erupt again.
In 1977, Mount Kenya was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.