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What is Kenya Famous For

What is Kenya known for? Great atheletes

Kenya is famous for its wildebeest, warriors, scientists, and athletes. It is the land of the greatest marathoner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge. On October 12, 2019, a humble farmer training for more than 20 years achieved what the world thought was impossible. He ran a marathon in under two hours!

Kenya is also famous for its world-class female athletes such as Brigid Kosgei {Chicago record holder}, Beatrice Chepkoech {2018 Diamond Steeplechase record holder}, and Mary Keitany, Pamela Jelimo, Vivian Cheruiyot, and Mary Moraa. It is not debatable; it is a proven fact Kenya is the home of Champions.

Facts about Kenya

One obvious fact about Kenya is that it is the home of champions. Aspiring athletes from all over the world come to Kenya to train, hoping that one day they will bask in the hall of fame and their name cemented in History. 

Kenya is the home of warriors

When the British colonialists declared Kenya a protectorate in 1920, Several people and tribes rose to defend their motherland. One such woman was known as Cierume {The dancing Embu warrior}. Cierume was a beautiful warrior woman who used her dancing stick as a lethal weapon. 

Another woman warrior was Mekatili Wa Menza. Mekatilili wa Menza was a Giriama woman who led a rebellion against the British between 1912 and 1915. Mekatilili wa Menza rebelled against the British because she was unhappy with the erosion of Giriama culture and the loss of Giriama land to the British.

This brave African woman encouraged women to take the Mukushekushe Oath while men took the Fisi oath. The oath prohibited members of her community from cooperating with the British. As a result of the oath, the British took large tracts of land from the Giriama people and arrested Mekatilili wa Menza on October 17, 1913. She was tortured and exiled 1000 km away from her home.

After her arrest, she escaped and walked 1000 kilometers back to her people. She was arrested again and sent to Somalia. She escaped and returned home, where she died in 1924.

Kenya beaches 

An image of a luxury beach in mombasa

Kenyan beaches are one of the most scenic in the world. The beaches are suitable for surfing, deep-sea diving, water sports, and luxury safari. An example of such a beach is Diani Beach. Diani Beach is famous for its white sand blue Ocean and surfing. It is a popular tourist destination beach suitable for honeymoons, family holidays, and backpackers.

Diani Beach

Diani Beach is popular because of its coral reefs, white and Colubus monkeys, dolphins, rare giant turtles, and the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Some of the activities that you can do at Diani Beach include

  1. Kitesurfing: Kitesurfing Diani can be facilitated by clubs such as H2O extreme, KiteMotion Kitesurfing school, and the Diani Kite Club.
  2. Jet Ski Diani: This water sport activity is best done at the nearby marine reserve, where you can ski with dolphins and have a glimpse of rare giant turtles.
  3. Sky diving Diani: This extreme sport is done above 2000 ft, and the free fall will last between 55 -65 seconds. First-time divers are attached to an instructor. Some schools can teach you how to dive at $2,600. 
  4. Snorkeling in Diani: Diani Beach is perfect because of its low tide and shallow clear water. 

Tourists can either fly or take a bus ride to Diani Beach. The two main airports near the beach are the Ukunda airport and the Moi international airport. Ukunda airport is closer to the beach because it is 2.4 kilometers away. 

If you decide to take a taxi, it will cost approximately $10 for a 1 hour 30 minutes trip. This is based on the assumption that you are in the Mombasa city center.

Watamu beach

Unlike other beaches, such as Diani, Watamu is unique because it has tiny deserted islets accessible when the tides are low. The soft white sand beaches are peaceful and perfect for a holiday trip. The beaches have plenty of hermit crabs and starfish.  

One unique thing about Watamu beach is that tourists can see fishing boats sell their catch to local chefs who buy prawns, crayfish, and snapper. The fish is sold to wholesalers in Mombasa, who later sell it to other wholesalers in Nairobi.

Watamu beach is near Watamu marine park and Mida creek. Mida creek is 12 km long and has plenty of crayfish and black kites. Tourists can book a ride on dhows to see the mangrove swamp and even have a romantic lunch when the tides are low. 

Tourists can also visit Watamu marine park under the Kenya Wildlife Service. The park is a haven for the Green turtle, diverse bird life, dugongs, and fish. Occasionally, divers at the park can see Manta rays and whale sharks.

Nyali beach

Nyali beach is approximately 5 kilometers from Mombasa. The beach curves its way around the southern coast. Nyali beach is known for its white sandy beaches and is regarded as part of the Mombasa Marine Reserve. The beach is free to use and provides ample opportunities for various activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming.

Locals and international tourists can visit the Lord Shiva Gombeshwar Caves at the beach’s southern end. According to legends, the cave was discovered by local Herdsmen when they noticed that their cows regularly released milk at a specific but random spot on the hills.

After the discovery, the herders talked with local Hindu families who investigated the site and, after excavation works, found a ‘Shiva Lingam.’ Women travel to the cave to pray for fertility. 

Other activities at Nyali Beach include

  1. Leisure: Tourists can relax at the beach by watching golden sun rays strike the calm seas. You can also dive or sunbathe.
  2. Visit mamba village: Mamba Village is a 17-acre crocodile farm. It is the largest crocodile found in the country and attracts both local and international tourists. At the farm, you can see a 100-year-old crocodile. 
  3. Have lunch at the famous Tamarind hotel: The hotel is known for its White arches and strategic position that overlooks the Harbour. It is also known for its exotic dishes, including black pepper crab, seafood salad, and mouth-watering pork belly. 
  4. Visit the Bombolulu cultural center: The Bombolulu youth cultural center trains physically disabled people to make jewelry, textiles, sisal, and leather items. It is a good place to get souvenirs to take to your home country. 
  5. Dine at Indian or Japanese restaurants: While at the Nyali beach, you can eat at an Indian or Japanese restaurant. The Indian restaurant only deals with Indian cuisine that is spicy but delicious. Try Teriyaki or teppanyaki if you decide to eat at the Japanese restaurant. Trust me; you will love it!

Kenya has first-class national Parks

What is Kenya famous for? Great National Parks
A Pride of lions at the Masai Mara

Masai Mara 

The Masai Mara is a good place to experience an amazing Kenya safari. This National Game Reserve in Kenya stretches to the Serengeti national park in Tanzania. Its name is derived from the Masai people who have historically inhabited these lands. 

The Masai Mara is one of the most famous national parks in the world. It is known for its large population of wild animals, such as Lions, elephants, leopards, Cheetas, and buffaloes. The Masai Mara national park has several conservancies, such as the Mara North, Ol Derkesi, Ol Chorro, Kimintet, and Koiyaki conservancies. The Masai Mara has an elevation of 1,500 – 2,180M with a semi-arid climate. 

There are several activities that tourists can do when touring the Masai Mara. These activities include:

  1. Daily game drives: This is an opportunity to see the big five firsthand. If you tour during the months of august – September, you will see the great wildebeest migration that involves more than 1.2 million wildebeest.
  2. Trek in the African Savana: Join local herders as they trek through the African Savana. Get a sense of what it feels like trekking in the jungle with crickets, lions, and cheetahs nearby. Of course, you will be guided by a Masai warrior. Don’t worry; lions are terrified of the Masai warriors.
  3. Take a hot air balloon ride: Feel the morning air as your fly thousands of feet above the air. A hot air balloon gives you a magnificent view over the African Savanna. Similarly, you can enjoy a champagne-style bush breakfast in the wild.
  4. Spend the evening with Morans: Morans are Masai Warriors trained to protect their tribe from attackers and lions that want to eat their cows. The Maasai Morans are found in a place known as Oloololo, which is an escarpment overlooking the Serengeti and Mara plains. 

Here, you can see their lifestyle and culture and enjoy their traditional songs and dances. 

Tsavo National Park

a herd of elephants in the Tsavo National Park

The Tsavo national park comprises the East and West Tsavo National Parks. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 22,000 km squared. Initially, the park was one, but it was divided into two sections due to the Mombasa-Nairobi railway line.

The Tsavo National Park is known as the Theatre of the Wild. Here, tourists can see dust-red elephants playing together and spraying water at their young ones on the Galana river. The national park also has one of the world’s longest lava flows, the Yatta Plateau {300 kilometers long}.

Tourists also see animals such as Lions, leopards, crocodiles, and lesser kudu. It is important to note that Tsavo National Park has more than 500 recorded bird species.

Activities you can do in the Tsavo National Park include

Visiting the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: This luxury wildlife sanctuary is surrounded by cluster hills. The sanctuary has an area of 28,000 acres and acts as a migration corridor for wildebeests. Here, you can watch birds, take a run, a game drive or visit a world war one museum.

Visiting Mzima Springs:  are four clean springs fed by a natural reservoir under the Chyulu hills in Taveta. The springs are natural attractions for hippos, Nile crocodiles, and monkeys.

Lake Nakuru National Park

An image of a rhino with flamingos in the background

Wooded and bushy grasslands surround the Lake Nakuru national park. This park is known as the “Beautiful Wildlife Haven.” The park is known for the numerous flamingos that breed on the Lake and the more than 400 bird species that live there. 

Popular bird species that you can see in Lake Nakuru National Park include:

  • The Montane white-eye.
  • African Fish Eagle.
  • Red-capped Lark.
  • Slender-billed greenbul.
  • The Northern Puff back. 

Lake Nakuru national park is also home to over 100 endangered rhinos, including white and black species. Other animals in the park include the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, lions, impalas, waterbucks, and buffalos.

Activities in Lake Nakuru National Park include:

  1. Game drives: Game drives are a fun way to view wildlife species such as hippos, Lions, giraffes, and Leopards.
  2. Hiking: The Kenya wildlife service has designated areas where hiking is allowed. These areas are generally safe. These days, tourists can also hire a bicycle and use it in the hiking area. Hiking can be done in the north part of the Lake heading towards Makalia falls.
  3. Camping: Camping allows you to spend the night in the world. Once in a while, you will hear lions roar and the Hynes laugh. Camping is done in a protected area, meaning luxury tourists are protected from dangerous animals. 

What is Kenya famous for?  Kenya is famous for its world-class athletes and Kenya beaches such as Diani beach. In addition, Kenya is famous for its first-class national parks such as the Masai Mara and Tsavo National Park. Are you planning to take a Kenyan tour and want a customized itinerary? Feel free to reach out to us, and let us help you create an experience of a lifetime

Robert K

I am an entrepreneur who spends his time travelling around the country and Africa. I love to travel in Luxury, engaging in outdoor activities and camping in luxurious tents while counting the stars in the sky. My motto is simple: Travel the world and expose yourself to a world of opportunities.

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