Colors, scents, sounds, majestic nature and wild animals, a crystal-clear sea and people always ready to offer a smile, it’s hard to choose which landscapes are the most spectacular. Kenya is a land of unmatched charm, emotions, and contrasts, an opportunity to connect with an extraordinary culture rooted in Swahili traditions, music, dances, and ceremonies.
The Indian Ocean washes its coastlines, which are lined with breathtaking dreamlike beaches. The flora and fauna are among the richest and most luxuriant in the world. The vast southern plains are dotted with umbrella-shaped acacias and ancient baobabs, standing out against the unique African sunset. The central highlands and the famous Rift Valley, the Great Tectonic Trench, host immense natural reserves created to protect endangered species, especially in the national parks of Tsavo and Lake Nakuru.
Then there is Nairobi, where everything blends together, everything is sold and bought. It is a beating, cosmopolitan heart, a bustling city of modern skyscrapers and colonial-era buildings, a symbol of a nation waiting to be discovered. This and much more is Kenya.
Language: Swahili is the most widespread local language, with many regional variations and dialects. English is commonly spoken and is one of the official languages.
Religion: Forty-five percent of the population is Protestant, thirty-three percent Catholic, ten percent Muslim, and another ten percent follow animist beliefs.
Time Zone: Two hours ahead of Italy, one hour ahead during Italian daylight saving time.
Documents: A passport valid for at least six months is required at the time of the visa application. Travelers must also have a return flight ticket. An entry visa is required and can be obtained at the Kenyan Embassy in Rome or directly upon arrival at the airport.
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES).
Curiosity
Kenya’s social structure is based on the forty ethnic groups that make up its population. The Kikuyu and Luo hold the highest social status and access to government positions and leadership roles in businesses and institutions. Other ethnic groups with lower social profiles, such as the Samburu, often work as rangers, safari guides, or in the tourism sector. Along the coast, many merchants are of Indian or Arab descent, while in central pastoral communities, the Maasai hold the greatest respect. They measure wealth by the number of livestock owned and the size of their family.
Our advices
To Read: Unbowed: A Memoir by Wangari Muta Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (2004) for her environmental activism. Out of Africa by Karen Blixen (Feltrinelli), the unforgettable story of a woman’s love for a land — Kenya. Ebony (Ébano) by Ryszard Kapuściński, a collection of profound stories by a great Polish journalist and traveler, a keen observer and deep connoisseur of Africa.
To Watch: Born Free by James Hill (1966), a film based on Joy Adamson’s famous novel, entirely shot in Kenya. Out of Africa by Sidney Pollack (1985), inspired by Karen Blixen’s novel, starring Meryl Streep as the writer and Robert Redford as Denys Finch-Hatton, a hunter with whom she shares a romantic love story — all set against the magnificent backdrop of Kenya.
To Listen: Kenyan music is among the most ancient and engaging in Africa, using a wide variety of instruments, many of which are crafted from natural materials such as bongos, kayamba, gara, oyieke, and ajano. These instruments accompany traditional dances and songs, creating an atmosphere of joy not only during festivals and religious ceremonies but also in the daily life of local communities. Let yourself be captivated by these distant melodies that will stay in your heart.
To Eat: Kenyan cuisine is simple and made from natural, easy-to-find ingredients that satisfy and nourish with flavor. Its foundation rests on four main elements — rice, potatoes, maize, and meat — creatively combined to bring color and warmth to every meal. The national dish is nyama choma, grilled goat meat cut into pieces and served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. It is an essential dish for family and community celebrations, symbolizing unity and festivity.
