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Country Fact File : Kenya
Wildlife Research and Community Development in Kenya
Revered by anthropologists as the 'cradle of humanity', Kenya is wild and a little dangerous. If you're adventurous it promises the globe's most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountainscapes and ancient Swahili cities. The Swahili word safari (literally, journey) wouldn't mean much to most people if it wasn't for this East African adventure land. No matter how many Tarzan movies you've seen, nothing will prepare you for the annual mass migration of wildebeests in the Maasai Mara.
There are more than 70 tribal groups among the Africans in Kenya. Kenyans love to party, and the music style known as benga is the contemporary dance music that rules. It originated among the Luo people of western Kenya and became popular in the area in the 1950s.
Kenya's flora and fauna defies easy description. The vast plains of the south are dotted with flat-topped acacia trees, thorn bushes and the distinctive bottle-shaped baobab tree. If you're more into fur and feathers, then head for the teeming wildlife parks. Lions, buffalos, elephants, leopards and rhinos all cavort openly in at least two of the major parks.
| Location | Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania |
| Area | 582,650 sq km |
| Border Countries | Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda |
| Climate | Varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior |
| Terrain | Low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west |
| Highest Point | Mount Kenya 5,199 m |
| Natural Hazards | Recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons |
| Environmental Issues | Water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching |
| Population | 32,021,856 (July 2004 est) |
| Ethnic Groups | Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1% |
| Religions | Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 10%, other 2% |
| Languages | English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages |
| Type of Government | Republic |
| Capital | Nairobi |
| Independence Day | 12 December 1963 (from UK) |
| Chief of State/ Head of Government |
President Mwai KIBAKI |
| Currency | Kenyan shilling (KES) |
| Time | GMT +3 |
Did you know?
Kenya is called the 'cradle of humanity' because of archaeological finds in the Rift Valley.
There are more internet connections in New York City than on the entire continent of Africa
Every year over 2 million wildebeest & zebra migrate into the Masai Mara Game Reserve
Useful Numbers & Web Addresses
International dialing code: +254
Police tel: 336886 / 501280
Ambulance tel: 336886 / 501280
British High Commission: Upper Hill Road, Nairobi. PO Box 30465 - 00100 Nairobi. Tel: (254) (20) 2844000
Kenyan Embassy in UK: 45 Portland Place, London, W1N 4AS. Tel: (020) 7636 2371/5
1 888 653 6028
Duration and Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | US$990 |
| 5 Weeks | US$3150 |
| 7 Weeks | US$3960 |
| 10 Weeks | US$5170 |
| Group Size |
|---|
| 12 to 16 on the main base and 4 to 8 at the satellite camp, plus expedition staff. |
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