Kenya is widely known for its popular tourist’s spots, there are also lesser-known places that offer amazing and unique experiences. These hidden gems offer peaceful safaris, stunning landscapes and more adventures away from the crowds. Below are some of the hidden destinations that offer something different to know, learn and discover the new side of Kenya.
The Meru National Park
Meru National park is a hidden gem in the eastern region of Kenya. The park has a rich history, wildlife, landscapes and famous due to its connection to Joy Adamson and Elsa the lioness. The park is home to the big five and other wild animals such as cheetahs, giraffes and 400 species of birds.
The park also features beautiful landscape including the winding Tana River and the Nyambeni mountains. Meru National Park is less crowded unlike other major parks. This offers visitors a peaceful safari experience that makes visitors deeply connected with the nature. There are also many activities to undertake such as traditional game drives, birdwatching and fishing along the Tana River.
Meru National Park a destination for visitors seeking a peaceful and unspoiled safari experience hence it truly a hidden gem worth discovering.
The Aberdares National park
Aberdares National Park is an underrated tour destination located in Central highland of Kenya. The park features include the stunning landscapes, towering mountains and thick forests. It home to variety of wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, bongo antelopes and monkeys. The park has lush environment that makes Aberdares a great place to see animals up close.
Aberdares is perfect place for hiking with trails through mountains and forests. The park is also one of the best place for birdwatchers with over 250 bird species.
One can also enjoy fishing in mountains streams or visit Karuru falls, which has beautiful waterfall that offers a cool breeze. Aberdares National Park is a peaceful and quiet park unlike other parks; it is less crowded thus offering a relaxed experience. It’s a hidden treasure for visitors looking to explore off the beaten path.
The Shimba Hills
It’s located in the southern coast of Kenya. Shimba hills is a mixture of coastal forest, wildlife and stunning views. It’s home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants, giraffe and buffalos. It also a spot where to find the rare sable antelope.
This destination is perfect place for hiking and nature walks. It has cool shades, beautiful lush forest and a hidden gem that is Sheldrick falls. The waterfall is a good spot for a retreat and picnic while listening to sound of rushing water.
Shimba Hills is less crowded and more peaceful. Its peaceful atmosphere allows the visitors to enjoy the nature without crowds.
Marsabit National Park
Marsabit National Park, located in Northern Kenya, features unique landscapes and wildlife. It has the mix of volcanic mountains, lush forests and dry plains. It’s home to a variety of animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes and over 300 species of birds.
The park offers various activities such as hiking around Marsabit hills, views from the hilltop and off road trips. It also home to Gabra, Borana and Rendille people. Visitors can also learn about their unique traditions and lifestyles.
Sibiloi National Park
Sibiloi National Park is also referred to as “cradle of Human kind” because of its prehistoric significance. The park surrounded by vast desert, volcanic hills, sand dunes and ancient riverbeds that make the park truly untouched world.
It has harsh desert environment that support range of wildlife such as endangered Grevy’s zebras, giraffes, hyenas and crocodiles. The park also supports bird species with more than 300 species making it an exciting birding destination.
Sibiloi holds a great archaeological importance as this is where fossils of early man and ancient animals were discovered.
Ol Donyo Sabuk National park
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is located in central Kenya in the north of Nairobi, near Thika town and in the foothills of Aberdares Mountains. It known for its amazing landscapes, panoramic views of Great Rift Valley, amazing views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding plains.
Ol Donyo Sabuk is home to a number of wildlife such as zebras, buffaloes and species of antelope. It is also a great spot for bird watching with over 100 species of bird. The serene environment in the park makes a peaceful destination to observe wildlife.
The park offers various hiking trails that lead through a forested area up to the summit of the mountain. Visitors can also enjoy other adventurous activities such as picnicking, stargazing and photography.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park located in southeastern of Kenya, is one of the largest park and most underrated park. It’s famous because of “Man Eating Lions of Tsavo” which terrorized the railway workers in the early 1900s.The park has features such as the vast savannah, diverse wildlife and unique landscape.
Tsavo East home to various animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras. The parks mix of open plains and acacia woodlands provide an excellent wildlife viewing. The park also has over 500 species of birds that make the park a birdwatcher paradise.
Tsavo east offers a solitude and an authentic safari experiences that allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature without crowds. The park has spots like Aruba Dam popular hole for wildlife watering and Yatta plateau a vast for lava flow.
Ruma National Park
Ruma National Park, located in Nyanza region, features diverse stunning landscape, open savannah and beautiful Lwanda Bay along Lake Victoria. It’s home to endangered Rothschild giraffe – one of rarest giraffe subspecies in the world. It also has a variety of wildlife such as antelopes, zebras, buffaloes and zebras.
The park is also a home to over 400 species of birds that live near the wetlands and Lake Victoria shoreline. The Ruma varied terrain is perfect for guided hikes and nature walks that allow the visitors to explore the park’s beauty.
Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is a large, shallow and alkaline lake known for its striking pinkish hue that is caused by a high concentration of minerals. The area around the lake is dotted with hot springs and soda ash deposit making it a fascinating spot.
It’s home to a variety of wildlife such as zebras, giraffes and buffalo’s. The Lake attracts large numbers of flamingos during the wet season and the sight of vibrant pink flamingos is great sight.
One of the unique features of Lake Magadi is the geothermal hot springs. The bubbling water from the hot springs offers soothing experience and the captivating beauty of the lake. The shores are dotted with salt flats and mudflat creating a striking contrast with the bright blue sky.