The land stretches from the sea level (Indian Ocean) in the east, to 5,199 meters at the peak of the snow-capped Mount Kenya. From the coast, the altitude changes gradually through the coastal belt and plains (below 152 metres above sea level), the dry intermediate low belt to what is known as the Kenya Highlands (over 900 metres above sea level).
Climate and Weather
The climate in Kenya is predominantly tropical although the geography of Kenya is varied. Kenya remains warm all through the year. Droughts are common in Kenya periodically mainly due tot the delays in the start of the rainy seasons. Kenya is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. Most parts of Kenya get seasonal rainfall. The coast, eastern plateaus, and lake basin experience two rainy seasons: the "long rains" extends roughly from March to June, and the "short rains" lasts from approximately October to December. The highlands of western Kenya have a single rainy season, lasting from March to September.
Population
The population of Kenya was 34.7 million by 2006. Kenya has a very diverse population that includes most major ethnic and linguistic groups of Africa. Traditional pastoralists, rural farmers, Muslims, Christians, and urban residents of Nairobi and other cities contribute to the cosmopolitan culture.
Transportation
Buses offer transportation throughout Kenya, with the exception of parks and reserves. Tsxis, car rentals are available. Trains connect most parts of Kenya.
Top Attractions
1. Nairobi National Park and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
2. Amboseli National Park.
3. Mount Kenya National Park.
4. Masai Mara National Reserve.
5. Lake Naivasha.
6. Elsamere Conservation Center.
7. Hell's Gate National Park.
8. Lake Nakuru National Park.
9. Tsavo National Park
Best Travel Time
The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry months of January and February. This is said to be the best time for game viewing.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
•Some game-park lodges serve game, including buffalo steaks marinated in local liqueurs and berries, often garnished with wild honey and cream.
• Nyma Choma literally means roasted meat, and is one of Kenya's best known specialties.
• Most Kenyans eat maize, beans and maize meal.
• At the small ‘hotelis’, chai (tea boiled with milk and sugar) and mandazi (doughnuts) are popular. National drinks:
• Locally brewed beer (Tusker and White Cap) and bottled sodas may be found throughout the country.
• Kenya Cane (spirit distilled from sugar cane).
• Kenya Gold (a coffee liqueur).
• Traditional beer made with honey (uki).
• Locally made spirit distilled from maize (changaa) may sometimes be found.
Local Products/Shopping
Khanga, kitenge and kikoi cloths may be bought in markets. The Masai market is held in Nairobi city center on Tuesdays. There is a particularly good cooperative shop in Machakos which sells kiondos, bags stained with natural dyes and with strong leather straps. Makonde woodcarvings are sold throughout the country, and young Kamba and Masai men sell carvings and necklaces on the beaches of the south coast.
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1. Nairobi National Park and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry months of January and February. This is said to be the best time for game viewing.