Kenya Dig It? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Maasai

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya since 1963, was originally a simple way-station between other countries' capital cities when the country was occupied by the British starting in the late 19th century. Since then, it's grown vastly. Aside from having Kenya's highest population, it's also one of the busiest economic hubs in all of Africa. Committed to maintaining the ecosystems of the surrounding area, the city also contains a National Park, home to several species of grazing animals from giraffes to rhinos and more.

Answer: Highlands

During the days of colonization, the British primarily settled in this Central region which, in 2010, split into a number of different counties. Nyeri, the region's former capital, is still one of its largest cities. Cooler than most of the country due to its position to the west of the mountains and away from the savannah, it's an ideal spot to set up a farm.

In the 1950s it was also the site of the Mau Mau uprising, which finally ended with the Kenyans getting their land back.

Answer: No

The tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, is actually found in Tanzania, directly across the southern border of Kenya. Mount Kenya, however, found close to the center of the country, is the second-tallest (over five kilometers up) and at one point it was an active volcano (but no more!). Once covered by glaciers, Mount Kenya is now typically quite rocky with its base being occupied by several aboriginal groups.

In the 1940s it became a National Park, protecting the endemic species and their ecosystems.

It was first climbed in 1899.

Answer: Indian Ocean

The Coastal Province of Kenya stretched from nearly the central regions all the way out to the Indian Coast, the country's only outlet to the sea. Mombasa, its capital at the time, is actually the most populated city in the country outside of Nairobi, mainly because of its importance for trade and commerce.

The white sand beaches along the coast make it a beautiful resort spot. Originally colonized by the Portuguese, the city of Mombasa was first visited by Vasco de Gama. The British took over in the 1820s.

Answer: Ethiopia

Kenya shares borders with five different countries, two of which touch the former North Eastern Province of Kenya which is wedged between the Coastal section and the Eastern one. The town of Mandera is essentially in a corner, and within a few miles you could find the apex at which point Kenya borders both Somalia to the east and Ethiopia to the north. Because of the mountains to the west, this section of Kenya is typically hot and covered in desert-like environments (though not an expanse of dunes). Most of its population is spread out across the region; Mandera only contains three of one hundred people in Mandera County which, in turn, contains over one million people.

Answer: Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana, the largest salt lake in the world by surface area, can be found in the northern section of Kenya (sliding into Ethiopia). Part of the arid desert land northwest of the Kenyan mountains, it's a landmark for people and animals alike-- the waters are usually teeming with crocodiles and birds.

The site is also one of anthropological importance; hominid remains have been found in the area, positing missing links in the science of evolution. Lake Turkana National Parks is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Answer: Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley, part of the former Rift Valley Province skirting along the west side of Central Kenya (and all through the country) sits on the rift between two tectonic plates and, as such, is home to active and extinct volcanoes alike, naturally formed soda lakes (named as such for their high salt content), and escarpments.

A string of mountains can be drawn from Lake Turkana all the way down to the Tanzanian border (and Kilimanjaro). The area is rife with history dating back to prehistoric times; it's here that the remains of the Java Man were found.

Answer: True

Mount Elgon is the second-tallest mountain in Kenya...at least partially. The peak is on the border between Kenya and Uganda, reaching a total height above four kilometers up. Wagagai is the local name for the tallest peak on the mountain and, unfortunately, it's part of Uganda-- not Kenya. Now an extinct volcano, it was first climbed in 1911. Once surrounded by local tribes, Mount Elgon ended up becoming a game reserve midway through the twentieth century.

The locals were dispersed through the area which, over time, became a popular Quakerism spot.

Answer: Kakamega Forest

Kakamega Forest, found near the former Nyanza Province in Western Kenya, is a rarely-explored expanse of rainforest, the only one in the country, and as such it contains a number of unique species-- mostly birds-- which may seem exotic to most. Aside from several monkey species, it's home to large Goliath beetles and African centipedes (the long black ones). Parts of the rainforest are National Reserve space, supported to ensure that they survive for ages to come; this Forest was once found (nearly) from coast to coast, east to west through Africa...but no longer.

Answer: Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve can be found in both Tanzania and Kenya and, named after the Maasai people, it's one of the most idyllic National Reserves in all of Africa, home to grazing and migrating animals heading over from the Serengeti in certain months. Lush and verdant, the reserve is in the Great Rift Valley and, though it receives a lot of money from tourists looking to go on safari, there are many efforts made to prevent its destruction. Lions, giraffes, elephants, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, leopards, cheetahs, and ostriches are amongst a few of the animals calling the area home.