Kenya is one of the most fascinating and frequently visited countries on the continent, known for its tourist attractions and other notable landmarks.

President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Nairobi, Kenya on December 12, 2025, for an official visit at the invitation of the country’s President, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, to attend the Jamhuri Day celebration marking independence.

Located in East Africa, Kenya is globally recognised for its rare wildlife species, breathtaking safaris, great valleys, and coffee exports.

President Mahama arrives in Kenya for Jamhuri Day

Here are five facts about Kenya, as shared by elegantresort.co.uk:

Wildlife

An incredible 25% of the world’s biodiversity is found in Kenya, making it one of the most biodiverse countries on the continent. According to recent estimates, Kenya is home to 25,000 animal species, including many large mammals, 7,000 plant species, and 2,000 fungi and bacteria species.

These species thrive across Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, from lush forests and savannahs to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya and arid scrublands. The country also boasts numerous aquatic habitats, both along the coast and inland. Kenya is home to 467 inland lakes and wetland habitats.

Among its wildlife are cheetahs, African savannah elephants, black-backed jackals, dik-diks, hyenas, and many more.

The Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley is a geological trench that runs from northern East Africa to Mozambique in the south, formed by complex interactions of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface.

The rift has created valleys that cut through some of Kenya’s famous parks and reserves, serving as home to many of the country’s iconic species. It is the perfect location for animal watching or marveling at the magnificence of the surrounding landscape.

World’s Largest Desert Lake

Lake Turkana, located in the Great Rift Valley, is the world’s largest desert lake. It is also the largest saline lake in the world, covering more than 161,485 hectares.

The lake serves as an outstanding natural laboratory for studying plant and animal communities. It is notorious for its Nile crocodiles, which use it as a breeding ground, as well as hippopotamuses and various snake species.

Safari

Kenya is renowned for its magnificent safari lands, home to thousands of animals. It is a destination where enthusiasts can spot the Big Five, watch birds of prey circling above, and enjoy the beauty of open plains and deep waters.

Kenya is home to all of the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. The likelihood of spotting one or even all on a luxury safari is high. A safari holiday with Elegant Resorts promises exclusivity, breathtaking scenery, and encounters with some of the world’s most elusive animals.

Coffee Export

Second only to Colombia, Kenya is one of the largest coffee exporters in Africa. The country produces around 50,000 tonnes of coffee beans annually, with production increasing each year.

Coffee farming provides jobs, wages, and sometimes housing for many Kenyans, making it a vital part of the nation’s economy.

SB/MA

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