Kenya, East African country at the equator with access to Indian Ocean
Description
Kenya is an East African country at the equator with access to the Indian Ocean, stretching from tropical beaches across wide grasslands to high mountains and lake regions. The terrain ranges from sea level to Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters, while the Great Rift Valley runs through the country from north to south forming volcanic formations and several lakes.
History
Arab merchants established trading posts along the coast from the 8th century, which grew into city-states such as Mombasa and Malindi. British colonial rule began in 1895 and ended in 1963 with independence under the leadership of Jomo Kenyatta.
Culture
The language Kiswahili emerged from trade between Bantu peoples and Arab merchants at the coast. More than forty communities speak distinct languages, while blacksmiths, herders and fishermen continue traditional skills passed through generations and maintain their customs in rural regions.
Practical
Nairobi has an international airport with connections to all continents, while several land border crossings allow entry from neighboring countries. Travelers should consider yellow fever vaccination and malaria prophylaxis for coastal and lowland areas.
Did you know?
The area around Iten at 2,400 meters elevation serves as training ground for long-distance runners from the Kalenjin community who regularly dominate international competitions. Athletes run there in the mornings on dirt paths through hills, and many Olympic champions come from this small region.
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Great Rift Valley
311.1 km
Mount Kenya
217.1 km
Lomekwi
397.4 km
Uganda Railway
351.1 km
Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
268.1 km
Nairobi National Park
359 km
Amboseli National Park
474.1 km
Lake Nakuru
329.9 km
Hell's Gate National Park
349 km
Fort Jesus Museum
628.3 km
Mount Elgon
432.1 km
Tsavo East National Park
471.4 km
State House
353.5 km
Diani Beach
654.2 km
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
226.2 km
Britam Tower
354.4 km
Moi International Sports Centre
343.2 km
Mount Longonot
342.2 km
Ruins of Gedi
557.5 kmThe Pinnacle
353.8 km
Karen Blixen Museum
365.2 km
Buffalo Springs National Reserve
135.7 kmKitum Cave
430.8 km
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
352.8 km
Vasco da Gama pillar
549.4 km
Lake Bogoria
291.5 km
Olorgesailie
402.3 km
Aberdare National Park
279.8 km
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