From the rocky coasts of the Maritimes to Evergreens of British Columbia, and from the frozen tundra of the Northern Territories to the Great Lakes on the southern border, Canada is a truly diverse country, in more ways than one. Not to be outdone, Kenya is equally as varied, with the East African Rift gifting mountain ranges in the West, before the land drops down to the white sand beaches and clear waters of the Indian Ocean, where reefs provide an abundance of marine life.
Landscape
In the Pacific province of British Columbia, the Coast and Rocky Mountain ranges meet, creating a landscape of peaks and troughs of breath-taking beauty that can be explored by both train and car. Sandwiched between these two mountain ranges sit the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and four of the Great Lakes.
Such contrasting landscapes are shared halfway around the world. Inland, the East African Rift ensures Kenya has its own mountain range, cumulating in Mount Kenya. Looking north, the landscape becomes flatter and drier. It is the coast, however, where the two differentiate. While Canada has a rugged and rocky coastline, Kenya has miles of warm white sand beaches.
Climate
Speaking of warm white sand beaches, lets talk about the weather of these two amazing locations. Thanks to its prime position on the equator, Kenya has warm weather all year round. On the coast, the heat is broken up by the gentle breezes from the Indian Ocean. Around Mount Kenya and the Rift, the temperature cools slightly, providing a perfect climate for walks.
While Kenya is blessed with the warmth of the equator, Canada has a varied climate. In the west, British Columbia is known for its rainfall, ensuring its lush forests of evergreen trees are never thirsty. In the east, thanks to the Lakes, snowfall is common in the winter months, while summer months bring hot summer weather.
Wildlife
The wildlife of these two countries is where this comparison really shows. Kenya is typically African, with a range of wildlife as diverse as you can get. On safari, you can potentially sight the African big five of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo, as well as galloping zebras and towering giraffes.
In Canada, the ecosystem is dominated by the Bears. In the southern parts, the grizzly and black bears are more common, likely to be seen catching salmon in one of the many crystal-clear rivers of Canada. As you head north, however, you will be greeted with by the polar bear. This majestic creature primarily lives in the cold and snowy tundra near the Arctic circle but is well worth the journey. Out at sea, whales and seals can be spotted.
Culture
Canadian culture is reflective of its history as a nation mainly of immigrants. Different lifestyles have blended to create a range of food and activities to cater for every need. As with the UK, Canadians go mad for their sports, with Ice Hockey taking place as the national game.
By contrast, Kenya has stayed steadfast in its culture, ensuring that traditions that have lasted for centuries will last even longer. Kenyan culture is more group and family oriented and is reflected in the great hospitality you will find at any of our resorts. With that said, Kenya is no exception to the modern world, and football is the national sport.
Resorts
Destinology offers a range of tours of these two great places. In Canada, our Tailor Made Holidays focus on either the breath-taking landscapes on the eastern and western coasts, or in the cultural capitals of Toronto and Montreal. Bear watching excursions are also available.
In Kenya, all our tours feature time out on safari, enjoying the wildlife on offer. Of course, it would be a shame to visit the rugged safari and not get a chance to experience the white sand beaches. Our tours can include stops in coastal beach lodges for some R&R.
