Explore Hidden Gems in Kenya
Explore Hidden Gems in Kenya : Kenya is a very beautiful country. The majority of tour companies only include the well-known, pricey, and touristy highlights. But, as a road tripper, a whole different sight of Kenya appears when driving around in your own vehicle with your camp gear stuffed in the back of the car.
Meet genuine locals and motivating fellow travelers, design your itinerary on the go, and eat and sleep for a dime. Go beyond the typical tourist routes and discover Kenya’s hidden gems!
This guide offers a selection of fantastic off-the-beaten-path destinations in Kenya for an exciting road trip. Do you want to add a secret treasure? Send us an email; we would be happy to hear from you.
Explore Hidden Gems in Kenya : western Kenya.
Western Kenya offers a lush jungle, numerous lakes, a massive mountain, several national parks and very few tourists. Our top picks for off-the-beaten-path adventures in this area are as follows:
Mount Elgon: A four-day climb is necessary to reach the summit of this extinct volcano, which is split by the border between Kenya and Uganda. There are lovely day hikes along peaceful trails in the area for those looking for shorter adventures.
Kerio Valley Drive – An astounding rollercoaster ascending the Rift Valley wall to Iten. In addition to enjoying a delicious lunch and stunning views at the Kerio View Hotel, you might want to spend the night at the charming Lelin Overland Campsite.
Kakamega Forest Reserve: This remote area of thick, tropical rainforest is all that remains of the former jungle, which formerly spanned Kenya and the Congo. Enjoy a variety of walking trails, and the local guides are all highly skilled. At the charming Forest Guest House campground, you can build a campfire and take in the sounds of nature.
Saiwa Marsh – Saiwa Swamp is a small, remote National Park that can only be reached on foot via boardwalks and hiking trails. With more than 370 bird species, it’s a birdwatcher’s dream come true. The clean, well-kept public campground makes for a better overall experience.
Ruma National Park: Remarkably unique in its habitat and home to endangered species like Bohr’s reedbuck and Roan antelopes, Ruma National Park is tucked away and isolated. Being self-sufficient is essential because there are no facilities at the campsite, which lets you fully immerse yourself in the park’s distinct wilderness.
Explore Hidden Gems in Kenya : north/central Kenya.
Meru National Park – Meru keeps re-appearing on Kenya safari itineraries, and for good reason. In the 1980s, the park was neglected, and unchecked poaching severely harmed the wildlife. The International Fund for Animal Welfare and Kenya Wildlife Services worked extremely hard to restore the park, adding new trails, a committed team of rangers, and a new, poacher-proof rhino sanctuary close to the main gate.
Game viewing in Meru now readily matches the sort of safari experience you’ll have in the more popular Kenyan parks with increasingly frequent sightings of all the ‘Big Five’, plus cheetah and numerous other savannah species. Meru National Park boasts an amazing birdlife. The prosperous rhino sanctuary, which is home to both white and black rhinos, is one of Meru’s main attractions. The main gate is not far from the sanctuary.
Recommended places to stay are Offbeat Meru, Ikweta Safari Camp, Rhino River Camp and, for those who can afford it, the fabulous Elsa’s Kopje. Our self-drive route through North Central includes Meru National Park.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Ol Pejeta was a cattle ranch during the colonial era. It is now acknowledged as one of the most prosperous private conservancies. Ol Pejeta is home to many animals, including the Big Five, and it’s also the largest sanctuary for endangered Black rhinos in East Africa and a sanctuary for chimpanzees that have been rescued. Furthermore, Ol Pejeta boasts one of Kenya’s highest densities of predators. This is a fun and very family-friendly safari destination where guests can take part in exciting conservation experiences like tracking lions, nighttime game drives, horseback riding among the rhinos, and wild jogging.
Ngare Ndare Forest is a verdant, natural forest situated at the base of Mount Kenya. It’s a real hidden gem that not many tourists get to see. Diverge from the A2 near Timau. From there, it’s a 45-minute, 15-kilometer diversion on a rough road. Strongly advised.
At Ngare Ndare you can hike to waterfalls, swim in azure blue pools and do a canopy walk – the longest one in East Africa. Elephants are a unique sight in the forest, and there’s a good chance you’ll see them. To guarantee that a ranger is available to lead you to the pools, give them a call in advance. They are incredibly kind and informed.
At Ngare Ndare, there’s a public campsite for campers. If not, proceed to Nanyuki, which is the Ol Pejeta entry point, which takes 90 minutes. A well-stocked supermarket, a few excellent eateries, and hotels can be found in Nanyuki.
