A glimpse of Southeast Kenya as seen from space

The Republic of Kenya in East Africa is known for its stunning natural landscapes and abundant wildlife reserves. One of the most remarkable aspects of the country is the striking diversity of its landscape, as captured in a false-color image taken by the Copernicus Sentinel-2.

In this image, viewers can zoom in to explore the intricacies of southeast Kenya’s landscape in its full resolution. One cannot help but be drawn to the breathtaking light brown strips along the coast, which are Kenya’s exquisite beaches. Renowned for their beauty and magnificence, these coastal plains facing the Indian Ocean are among the most stunning beaches in Africa.

As we delve deeper into the image, we are mesmerized by the shades of blue that depict a few natural inlets along the coastline. The largest of these inlets is home to Mombasa, Kenya’s chief port and second-largest city, located at the bottom of the image. With a rich history and vibrant culture, Mombasa is a hub of activity and a gateway to the wonders of Kenya.

Moving along the coast, about 120 km northeast of Mombasa, we come across the enchanting grey area that’s Malindi. Situated at the mouth of the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River, which happens to be Kenya’s second-longest river, Malindi is a popular tourist town. Facing the Indian Ocean, it offers visitors a unique blend of coastal beauty and cultural heritage. The river course itself can be seen coursing across the top left of the image, flowing southwest until it finally merges with the Indian Ocean.

This false-color image has been meticulously processed using Copernicus Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel. This specific band combination is frequently employed to assess plant density and health. Plants reflect near-infrared and green light while absorbing red light. As a result, dense land covered with vegetation appears as bright red in the image.

Along the coast, we can observe a vibrant red strip of land. This vivid red hue indicates areas that are heavily vegetated, including various natural reserves and parks. Kenya’s commitment to protecting its remarkable plant and animal biodiversity is evident in these locations. In stark contrast, the hinterland is characterized by vast green and yellow areas, seemingly devoid of vegetation.

As we take a moment to appreciate the image, we notice a layer of captivating “popcorn” clouds spread evenly over the vegetated areas along the coast. These charming clouds are formed by water vapor that has evaporated from trees and other plants. As the air rises above these regions, it cools down, causing the water vapor to condense into tiny clouds, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

The false-color image captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 offers us a unique perspective on Southeast Kenya’s diverse landscape. It showcases the stunning beaches along the coast, the bustling city of Mombasa, the picturesque town of Malindi, and the meandering Athi-Galana-Sabaki River. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the density and health of vegetation across the region.

Kenya’s dedication to conservation and preserving its natural wonders is evident in this image as we witness the rich biodiversity of its national parks and reserves. Ultimately, this image serves as a powerful reminder of the magnificent beauty that not only lies in Kenya but in our world as a whole.