Kenya is also referred to as the official Republic of Kenya and this name was coined from a mountain called Mt. Kirinyaga, which happens to be the main landmark that became synonymous with the territory but was later changed from “Kirinyaga” or “Kerenyaga”, that was given to the territory by the Kikuyu people meaning mountain of whiteness because of its snow-capped peak, to Kenya due to the inability of the British pronouncing the word Kirinyaga correctly.
Brief History And Culture
The first people to reside in Kenya were the indigenous African communities including, traders, explorers, and tourists who came in from various parts of the world such as Portugal, Arabia, the Roman empire, India and Greece, to visit mainly the East African Coast from as early as the first century A.D. While the majority of the visitors went back to their home countries, some settled, and intermarried with the local populations giving rise to a new Swahili culture along the Coast.
Kenya is the world’s 48th largest country by geographical size with a population of more than 47.6 million during the 2019 census.
The second largest city in Kenya is the coastal city of Mombasa while the city of Nairobi is Kenya’s current capital and largest city.
The British Empire established the East Africa Protectorate in 1895, which was later known in 1920 known as the Kenya Colony but the independent Republic of Kenya was later formed in 1963. It was ruled as a de facto one-party state by the Kenya African National Union (KANU), led by Jomo Kenyatta from 1963 to 1978. Kenyatta was succeeded by Daniel arap Moi, who ruled until 2002. Moi attempted to transform the de facto one-party status of Kenya into a de jure status during the 1980s, but with the end of the Cold War, the practices of political repression and torture which had been “overlooked” by the Western powers as necessary evils in the effort to contain communism were no longer the culture.
Languages
Like most African countries, Kenya is multilingual but the two majorly recognized languages are Swahili; a Bantu language, and English. They are widely spoken in the country. English was adopted after the colonial rule and it became generally recognized as a second official language but there are more Swahili speakers than English in Kenya.
Kenya has been labeled to be a mere wildlife safari destination but with so various national parks, urban and rural cities, geographical wonders, and pristine beaches are some of the best places to visit in Kenya. This amazing African country has emerged as one of the most popular tourist locations not just for adventure lovers but also for families, and married couples who wish to enjoy their honeymoon.
Therefore, below is a list of some of the top Kenya tourist places that you wouldn’t want to miss out on during your adventure to this African jewel.
- Amboseli National Park
Beatified by the gigantic Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is a must-visit during your stay in Kenya, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. Most tourists visit this place to observe the majestic views of the highest peak of Africa and witness large herds of African elephants, and a variety of wildlife such as Zebras, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and countless bird species.
2. Fourteen Falls
As the name implies, this place consists of fourteen beautiful and notable waterfalls that have numerous activities and tours for visitors. This includes photography of ye Amazon scene, boating, bird watching, fishing, and many more. To enjoy this place to the fullest it is advisable to take a guided tour of the entire region to know and understand more about its origin, history, and geographical aspect.
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
David Sheldrick wildlife trust was Founded in 1977, which was Managing an orphanage that looks after rhinos and elephants, and this trust is known for its generosity to help Kenya Wildlife services with funds. People can also adopt an elephant at this place at a minimum price of USD 50. So, what are you waiting for? Be prepared to be blown away by the most serene places to visit in Kenya, Africa.
4. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in the whole continent and one of the best places to visit in Kenya as it is a place where one can find peace amidst its tranquil environment, and also enjoy the variety of aquatic lifelike African helmeted turtles, variable mud turtles, Williams’ mud turtle, more than 500 species of different fishes which include non-native fishes like African tetras, Cyprinids, air-breathing catfish, and many more.
5. Nairobi
Nairobi which happens to be the capital of Kenya is also the largest city and one of the most popular tourist locations in Kenya. Nairobi is known for its legendary colonial history, and wildlife parks, amongst many others. This is why so many people from the regional community usually visit this city to get a glimpse of the historical heritage of Kenya.
6. Mt. Kenya National Park
Mt. Kenya is the second highest peak in Kenya, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park was initially established to conserve the endangered wildlife of the surrounding areas of Mt. Kenya but now, It has been developed into one of the top full-time sightseeing tourist attractions that are known for its amazing safari tour in Kenya.
7. Mombasa
Situated on the Southeast coast of Kenya, Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city that is referred to as a tourist magnet that attracts various types of travelers because of its unique culture. But most importantly this beautiful city is also known for its beaches, corals, old monuments, and bustling street markets.
Fashion/ African attires in Kenya
On your visit to Kenya, it’s important to respect the culture/ traditions of the land by following the local customs, traditions, and dress codes. The way of dressing in Kenya is no different from many other Muslim countries in the world, the general rule on how to dress is to wear conservative clothing. That is to say, long, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, midriff, chest, back, and legs and just literally covers every other part of your body. This dress code should be followed everywhere including cities like Nairobi, however, you should aim to dress more modestly and wear longer clothing in more conservative rural areas.
While long clothing might sound somehow odd., it’s more comfortable as it prevents you from the sun and insects like mosquitoes. You’ll also feel more comfortable when you blend in with the locals and they’ll appreciate your efforts to respect their culture/traditions.
How women dress
Women are advised to descent wear long, loose shirts that cover the shoulders, chest, midriff, and back, and long-loose skirts, dresses, or trousers that cover the knees. Avoid wearing exposed clothing like tank tops, shorts, crop tops, short skirts, or anything too form-fitting. You should also dress in a more conserved way if you want to visit religious sites like churches, mosques, and temples.
How men dress
The overall acceptable dress pattern for Men in Kenya is to wear long trousers and t-shirts or button-down shirts with long sleeves that cover at least your shoulders. You should also aim to dress more modestly at religious sites, including long trousers and shirts. Avoid wearing Shorts as they aren’t commonly worn by men in the country, but if you do want to bring a pair of shorts for long coach rides or game drives, you must cover the knee with some additional clothing.
Food in Kenya
1. Ugali
Ugali is an interesting Kenyan food made up of maize flour, millet, or sorghum flour. It’s made by adding the maize flour to boiling water until you get a dough-like consistency. It’s a bodybuilding food and a good source of iron.
- Sukuma Wiki
Sukuma wiki is another fascinating, simple local dish in Kenya but filled with flavor and made with collard greens. Although sometimes people mistake it for kale. Ugali can be eaten with Sukuma wiki as this dish is made of collard greens cut into thin slices with onions and tomatoes.
3. Nyama Choma
Nyama choma is a native Kenya dish prepared with delicious roasted meat, and it’s one of Kenya’s most lovely dishes. It is usually served with kachumbari salad and ugali. It is best eaten with bare hands. Only salt and pepper are used to season this dish and it is sold by Kenyan street vendors.
- Karanga
Karanga is a Kenyan nice beef and potato stew, which is served with ugali or rice, especially for beef lovers, this mouth-watering dish is one of its kind.
- Mutura
Mutura is a sausage that is made up of fresh animal meat and blood which is spiced with ingredients, like ginger, scallions, garlic, and red or green chilies. The cooked meat and blood mixture is then stuffed into a cleaned cow/goat large or small intestine and then grilled. It is usually eaten as an appetizer, and many people enjoy it with beer.
Carnivals
Carnivals are the memorable event that occurs in Kenya in a certain period. Historically as a country with over 70 different migratory tribes, each one has its own unique culture and sense of community. Although modernization has become the new way of life for the people of Kenya the ties to these cultural identities, festivals, and culture remain strong.
Therefore, here are our top 5 handpicked festivals you will never want to miss when you finally find yourself in Kenya.
- Lakekana Festival
Lake Turkana festival is all about putting aside cultural differences and helping foster the spirit of unity and love across the area. Featuring a fantastic display from ten different communities which are local to the Lake, from the Turkana region, traditional food, and dancing, there is a fantastic range of things to try and see at this festival.
- International August
Another fascinating festival from the north of Kenya, the International Camel Derby in Samburu has been growing very fast over the years. Since its creation in the early 90s, this event has drawn thousands of visitors from all corners of the country, bringing color, culture, and the finest racing camels to the place
- Mombasa Carnival, Early November
This carnival also referred to as one of the renowned festivals in all of Kenya, the Mombasa Carnival is a huge event by the side of the Indian Ocean held in early November. The festival features a huge range of different cultures from across the country, all meeting in one of the biggest cultural hubs in East Africa. With colorful parade floats, spectacular traditional dress, dance, and music, the Mombasa Carnival is a true delight to behold.
- Cultural Festival, Late November
The Lamu Cultural Festival is an opportunity for the local community to get together and celebrate both their past and their future. Lamu is a small island and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Eastern Kenya, and home to several unique festivals well worth seeing. This festival also offers a unique insight into what Kenyan life used to be like, with poetry, henna painting, donkey races, dhow sailing, and even architecture on display.
Be prepared for a lifetime of adventure and excitement as you prepare to visit Kenya.