Lakes-
Kenya is famous for Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world. It is an extremely big lake and dominates 70000 square kilometers of Kenya. It is relatively shallow-100m at its deepest point. It is an important wetland to for waterbirds and waders. The basin is dominated by Kano plains which are often used for farming through irrigation. The major produce are cash crops, tea, coffee, pyrethrum, wheat and corn.
Climate
A tropical climate is enjoyed by those living in Kenya. There is plenty of sunshine all year round. It is humid and hot at the coast and the temperature inland is very dry in the north. The mornings and nights tend to be cooler than the afternoon.
The average temperature for Nairobi is 25.20 celcium maximum and 13.60 celcius minimum. The rainy seasons occur from April to June. Short rains occur from October to December. The hottest periods of the year are from February to march, the coldest, July and August.
The migration of wildlife takes place between June and September. The anumal trek of two million wildbeest, zebras and other species is one of the greatest spectacles on earth.
The Savannah ecosystem
A savannah ecosystem is similar to a grassland ecosystem but with scattered small trees. They all have the season of hot and dry followed by warm and wet. All savanna areas have a wet and dry season. They are found between tropical rainforests and desert. This includes areas such as Central Africa, Kenya.
Vegetation and wildlife-
Plants in the savannah have adapted to the difficult conditions. The most common type of vegetation is grass. During the wet season, it grows extremely rapidly reaching up to 3 meters and spreading its seeds. During the dry season, the grass dies back as it searches for water deep underground. Once it is the wet season again, the seeds that were spread earlier germinate.
There aren’t many trees in the Savannah. The acacia tree however has adapted to these harsh conditions, they have small leaves and needle-like thorns to prevent moisture loss. They also have long roots for water. The Baobab tree has a very strange shape, its huge trunk stores water which can last through the dry season.
The Savannah is home to many animals such as lions, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests etc. It also supports many herbivores (grazing animals) which in turn, support the carnivores. These animals have also all adapted the Savannah conditions. The zebra for example, have developed long necks to be able to reach the leaves of the Acacia tree.
Tourism in Kenya
Great African Rift Valley Tours
The Valley runs through the heart of the Kenyan highlands. The tour will take you through canyons and many inactive volcanoes. One of them includes the famous Mount Kenya. The tour will also allow you to visit Lake Nakuru, a saltwater lake famous for its big number of flamingos. You may also be able to visit Lake Naivasha, another freshwater lake which holds large mammals like giraffes, hippos, buffalos etc. This lake is also a safari destination for bird watching. Many rare birds are found here-eagles, herons, ospreys etc.
Kenya Beach Tours
Kenya is also home the several of the best beaches in Africa. They are surrounded by coral reefs, making them perfect for snorkeling and fishing. These beaches are also great for watersports. Malindi and Watamu are popular destinations that have marine reserves and ideal beaches. Kenya gives you both amazing jungle and beach tours.
Kenya Mountain Tours
Kenya has 71 mountains and most of them are great tourist destinations; excellent for mountaineering and trekking. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain and presents a challenging route for trekking. It is a Beautiful mountain having thick forests on its slopes and a crown of snow at its top. It is the most beautiful during dawn.