EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Kenya is a hotspot of colourful and exciting events and festivals. The rich and diverse cultures found in the destination bring with them many events and festivals that celebrate the uniqueness of our art, fashion, sports, ceremonies such as rites of passage, and food. This makes for great travel experiences.

They also provide a way of preserving these cultures from generation to generation. Travellers get a chance to interact with Kenyans through these events and festivals organized within various remote locations, cities, and towns, with each one being as uplifting, vibrant, and colourful as the next.

****Suggestion for image: A vibrant festival scene with people in traditional attire.****

Besides celebrating the diverse cultures, some of the events are focused on conservation of the environment and wildlife in different parts of the country. Some of the events and festivals include:

• Lamu Cultural Festival held in November every year
• “Toboung’lore” – Lake Turkana Festival held in May every year
• International Maralal Camel Derby held in August every year
• Lewa Marathon held in June every year
• Rusinga Island Festival held in December every year
• Lamu Yoga Festival held in March every year
• Stanchart Nairobi Marathon held in October every year

MUSEUMS, MONUMENTS AND PRE-HISTORIC SITES

Cradle of Humankind

Kenya is considered by many anthropologists to be the Cradle of Humankind due to the fact that it has more fossil human remains (approximately 1,000) than any other country in Africa and the largest collection of human-related fossils anywhere in the world, which can be found at Nairobi National Museum in Nairobi.

To be sure, there are scores of archaeological sites near Lake Turkana in the northern part of the country. In fact, Lake Turkana National Parks are a UNESCO World Heritage site as they are the location of one historic anthropological find after another.

Together the parks consist of Sibiloi National Park, the South Island, and the Central Island National Parks and are located within the Lake Turkana basin whose total surface area is over 27,000 sq. miles.

****Suggestion for image: A map showing the location of Lake Turkana and its national parks.****

The lake itself is the most saline lake in East Africa and the largest desert lake in the world, surrounded by an arid landscape that is frequently devoid of life. The long body of Lake Turkana extends along the Rift Valley from the Ethiopian border, 154 miles from north to south and 27 miles at its widest point with a depth of about 100 ft. It is Africa's fourth largest lake, commonly called the Jade Sea due to its gorgeous green colour.

Not only does the region possess distinct geological features with as many as one hundred identified archaeological and paleontological sites, but the current conditions in Lake Turkana National Parks provide habitats for a range of diverse flora and fauna. The island parks are the breeding habitats of the Nile crocodile, the hippopotamus, and several snake species. The lake is also an important flyway passage and stopover for several species of migrant birds.

****Suggestion for image: A panoramic view of Lake Turkana with its green waters.****

Museums & Sites

Kenya has 20 national museums spread across the country. The museums showcase the diverse natural and cultural heritage of the country that visitors can enjoy during their stay. Some of the top museums include Nairobi National Museum & Snake Park, Fort Jesus, Karen Blixen Museum, Kisumu Museum, Kapenguria Museum, and Desert Museum among others.

Kenya also boasts as the cradle of humankind given its numerous findings of the early man along the Rift Valley. Other sites are part of Kenya’s rich heritage e.g. during the pre-colonial period. Some of these sites include Olorgesailie, Takwa Ruins, Thimlich Ohinga, Songhor, Siyu Fort, Jumba La Mtwana, Koobi Fora, Mnarani, and Uhuru Gardens.

****Suggestion for image: A collage of various museums and historical sites in Kenya.****