Kenya is well known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife. Apart from the popular tour destinations such as Masai Mara, Kenya also has many hidden, captivating and attractive places to visit and have the most unveiling tour products to explore. Here are some of Kenya’s hidden gems you should definitely try.
Karura forest: a tranquil oasis
Karura forest is an urban forest located in the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, known for its breathtaking landscape and charming beauty. Karura is known to be one of the largest gazzetted forest in the world.
The conservation of Karura Forest is rooted in the vigorous activism of Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement, who mobilized a vigorous campaign against illegal land grabbing and development, and thus it has become a symbol of environmental conservation in Kenya.
Karura is a popular recreational destination for the adventure traveler offering remarkable activities like, cycling, nature walks, running, exploring the mau mau caves, guided bush walks and scenic views of the waterfall.
Mambrui Sand Dunes: Experience the stunning beauty of the whispering sand dunes
Located 50 minutes from Malindi town, Mambrui sand dunes offers a unique and captivating desert experience. Mambrui is a hidden gem that can be freely explored (no entry fee) and get to experience the beauty of the sand dunes while doing different activities like sandboarding, gliding down the sand slopes, picnicking and photography. The sweeping sand dunes sculpted by the relentless coastal winds create a surreal and mesmerizing scenic view of the Indian ocean.
Mida Creek: explore the rich biodiversity of marine ecosystem
Mida creek is a place with rich in biodiversity and a place that can be used to learn more about the
complex marine ecosystem. It’s also a breeding ground for many species; turtle, fish, jacks, snappers, groupers, rabbit fish, parrotfish, emperors, and barracuda. Also known as one of the most productive destination of mangrove trees in the world.
Mida creek is part of the Watamu Marine National Reserve – East Africa’s largest mangrove forest. It offers a unique yet different tour experience offering a blend of ecological richness and scenic beauty.
Mzima Spring
Mzima Spring are a series of four natural springs in Tsavo National Park located on the west of the park. These spring hold around 250 million liters of fresh water a day. Mzima springs fresh water lake is a home to some of the species, turtle, crocodile, hippos and fish.
Mzima spring has attractions such as hiking path alongside the springs, and an underground windowed room that provides amazing views of the sites flora and fauna.
These spring presents an exceptional and remarkable experience to visitors. It’s around 48 kilometers from Mtito Andei that makes it easily accessible and the best destination to embark on.
Oloolua Forest: The captivating beauty of the forest, cave and waterfall
Oloolua is an indigenous dry tropical forest that offers sereene beauty of nature. These forest is an amazing nature trail that a visitor can explore and get to experience the beauty of nature. It’s located in Karen, neighborhood in Nairobi city.
The Oloolua has a captivating and breathtaking waterfall with amazing views and tranquil sounds of birds, trees and water offering a serene trail to experience the calm of the forest.
The mau mau caves are also captivating to the visitors. The caves were used by the Mau Mau fighters back in the day during the colonial period and now it’s used by bats and other mammals that inhabited the cave. Visitors can also get to explore the forest and see the papyrus swamp and the bamboo grass that provides a resting place as you get to observe the silence and the beauty of oloolua forest.
Ngare Ndare Forest: The untamed beauty of the waterfall and the sacred silence of the forest
Ngare Ndare forest is a lush indigenous forest located in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya. These forest boasts some species of birds which live on the canopy of the trees that stretch to conserve and help in maintaining the water in the northern area. Ngare ndare is an important forest that links the Lewa conservancy and Mount Kenya forest reserve and one which the elephants have been using.
Ngare ndare holds a small water fall offering visitors with a unique experience where they can swim, take photos and also go for hiking in the forest while viewing the elephants drinking water from swamps in the forest.
The forest plays a vital role in conserving and preserving the environment for the rich species it boasts.
Mwalughanje: Explore the extraordinary sanctuary and see the large majestic elephants
The Mwalughanje elephant sanctuary which neighbors the Shimba hills national reserve was established in the early 1990s to provide a migratory corridor for elephants coming from the drier Tsavo East National Park to the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Elephants use this migratory passageway to access important foliage areas within their natural domain at different times of the year.
The sanctuary is located near the Tsavo National Park, an area rich in biodiversity. The varied landscape includes dense bush, open savannah, and riverine forests, providing elephants with a diverse range of habitats. This rich ecosystem supports not only elephants but also numerous other species, including various antelope, birds, and reptiles. The sanctuary’s management focuses on maintaining this balance, ensuring that the natural habitat remains intact and healthy.
Mwaluganje offers a unique safari experience in a scenic landscape just a half-hour from the beaches near Mombasa. Male elephants have gathered here for decades, while females and their families traverse ancient routes between forests and hills. Visitors may see playful calves, courtship displays, or bull fights.
Reteti Elephant sanctuary: reconnect with the orphaned elephants
In the heart of Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, amidst the rugged landscape of the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust, lies a sanctuary that stands as a beacon of hope for one of Africa’s most majestic creatures: the elephant. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is more than just a haven; it represents a dedicated effort to ensure the survival and well-being of orphaned and abandoned elephants, while fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Reteti was established in 2016 to help these young orphaned elephants – a representation of the local Samburu communities standing up united for wildlife, in recognition of their cultural and economic value.
The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is a unique project bringing communities together through a shared respect and concern for wildlife. It lies within a 975,000-acre swath of thorny scrubland in Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust – part of the ancestral homeland of the Samburu people. Namunyak is supported and advised by the Northern Rangelands Trust, a local organization that works with 33 community conservancies to boost security, sustainable development, and wildlife conservation.
Visiting the Sanctuary is not only an incredible addition to your safari but one of the best ways to safeguard the wildlife in the area, as well as supporting the local community dedicated to protecting them. Guests get an exclusive opportunity to witness feeding and playtime at the Sanctuary, as well as an in-depth look behind the scenes.
Kiambethu Tea Farm: explore the oldest tea farm in Africa
Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, Kiambethu tea farm nestles itself at 7200 feet, high up in Limuru.
Located about thirty kilometers from Nairobi, Kiambethu has been the family home of one of the earliest tea growers in Kenya. The farm dates back to 1910 and the present house, set amidst colorful gardens, has been home to four generations.
This beautiful tea plantation is an opportunity to enjoy the grounds and learn about the history of Kenya tea farming and colonial life in Ngong Hills is a journey worth taking. It is just a short drive from Nairobi, the scenic route winds through rolling hills and vibrant landscapes, with tea bushes carpeting the terrain. As you breathe in the cool, crisp air of the highlands, you can feel the stress of city life begin to fade away.
At Kiambethu, you’ll find more than just tea you’ll discover a rich cultural tapestry. The farm is surrounded by indigenous forests teeming with wildlife. If you’re a bird lover, you’ll be delighted to spot vibrant species like the African Paradise Flycatcher or the striking Great Blue Turaco. Guided nature walks offer a chance to explore the lush landscapes and learn about local plants, including those with medicinal properties.