Kenya Geography and Maps
Kenya covers an area of 586,600 square kilometres (226,487 square miles) and is approximately the size of the state of Texas. It is bordered by Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and Tanzania. The population of Kenya as of 2011 was 45,000,000.
The Kenyan coast extends for 480 km (298 mi) along the Indian Ocean. The beaches along the coast are protected from ocean waves by coral fringe and barrier reefs. This area of Kenya is famous for mangrove swamps, rocky inlets and palm trees. Areas around the coast are also ideal for sugar cane plantations as the land is narrow, low-lying and fertile.
The interior consists of a plateau beyond the coastal plain that rises to the central highlands in the south and continues through Ethiopia in the north. The interior is made up of vast arid and semi-arid zones with few low valleys characterised by sparse savannah, thorn trees and scrub. Due to the aridity of the region, it is not fertile and does not support agriculture. As a result of this, the interior is very sparsely populated.
The Great Rift Valley runs north to south almost the entire length of Kenya. It is home to many freshwater and alkaline lakes. The Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya border the Rift Valley to the east and to the west is the Mau Escarpment. The eastern Highlands have been cultivated by Europeans and Kenyans alike and are characterised by savannah grassland, deep green valleys, narrow canyons and steep rugged mountains. Located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, Mount Kenya at 5,199 m (17,057 ft) is the second tallest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro and is the source of the country’s name. Six mountains (including Mount Kenya) reach elevations over 3,000 m (9,842.5 ft).
Western Kenya is made up of a plateau that runs the length of the country. The land here is especially fertile due to lava deposits and volcanic activity that has fortified the soil over the years. Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest lake is located on the western slope of the Great Rift Valley. The land around Lake Victoria and the surrounding hills of Kakamega is home to a great deal of wildlife as well as tropical forests.
Kenya Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Kenya.
Learn about the history and culture of Kenya, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Kenya's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Kenya for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Kenya safaris today!
Extend Your Trip
After your African Safari, why not consider one of Goway's Europe tours or Egypt tours en route from Kenya or perhaps a stopover in Dubai on one of our United Arab Emirates tours
Book your Kenya safari with Goway!
AfricaExperts is the exclusive division of Goway that specializes in planning and organizing Kenya safaris and experiences. Choose from a locally escorted tour, an exclusive African game lodge, a stay of distinction, a small group tour and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Kenya.
Get a Trip Quote Order a Brochure
