Off the beaten path Destinations in Kenya
Off the beaten path Destinations in Kenya : Over the years safari tour travels has significantly changed and evolved. A growing number of visitors to Africa are looking for unusual locations and undiscovered treasures. It can be difficult to find off the beaten path areas in Kenya. The nation is driven by the desire for upscale, high-end locations that can fetch high costs, such as Diani Beach or Maasai Mara. Only locals are aware of some of Kenya’s best hidden locations. Furthermore, visiting many of them doesn’t cost anything.
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana, the biggest permanent desert lake in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated in the isolated northwest of Kenya. Because of its distant position, getting to Lake Turkana can be an adventure, usually including a combination of plane and road travel. To go to the lake, take an organised tour or rent a car from the closest town, Lodwar, after landing. The trip is definitely worthwhile. Beautiful scenery, distinctive geological formations like Central Island, and the chance to engage with the Turkana tribe are all found in Lake Turkana. The lake’s attraction is increased by its rich birdlife and archaeological monuments, which include fossil deposits at Koobi Fora. A lot of people camp in the wilderness surrounding Lake Turkana after driving up to it (but they should be aware of crocs nearby).
Meru National Park
Meru National Park is Located northeast of Mount Kenya, It is a wild and mountainous wilderness park bisected by the Tana River, offering breathtaking views of Kenya’s highest peak. All five of the Big Five can be found there, and inside a protected sanctuary is a sizable rhino population. See Elsa Kopje, which has a stunning hotel named after the lion Elsa from Joy Adamson’s book Born Free, as well as Adamson Falls.
Aberdares National Park
For those who enjoy the great outdoors and peace, the evergreen Aberdare National Park is a sanctuary. Elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and uncommon species like the bongo antelope are among the many species of fauna found in the mountain range, which also features lush forests, bamboo groves, and moorlands. The mountains are crisscrossed by streams and roaring rivers, and there are various fishing resorts where trout may be caught. Even in the sweltering summer months, the Aberdares remain a mystical place. Stay on the lower slopes and tour the pea green tea fields, or reserve a log cabin and curl up by the fire.
Kakamega
This is where you will find the last remaining portion of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that had covered all of Africa. Kakamega Forest is well known Kenya tours destination for its abundant biodiversity, which includes more than 400 bird species and a variety of primates, including De Brazza’s and Black-and-White Colobus monkeys. To uncover towering trees, gushing waterfalls, and secret clearings alive with life, along with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and butterfly spotting, the best way to explore is to schedule a nature walk. Immersion in the local Luhya community’s culture is an opportunity.
Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano in Kenya that borders Uganda, is a true off-the-beaten-path location. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring an abundance of caverns, waterfalls, hot springs, and forests, this mountain is the ninth tallest in Africa. Mount Elgon boasts one of the world’s largest preserved calderas, spanning eight km in width. The fauna in this extremely varied environment is to be anticipated from such a distant location, and the caldera floor boasts its own distinct ecosystem. Mount Elgon is a well-liked hiking and climbing site, with multiple paths to its summit. The most well-travelled path is the four to five day Sasa Trail, which begins and ends in Budadiri, Uganda, and travels to the peak and back.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
Near Malindi, on Kenya’s coast, lies the distinctive and biodiverse Arabuko-Sokoke National Park. The largest remaining coastal forest in East Africa, Arabuko-Sokoke is home to a variety of uncommon plant and animal species, including endemic and rare ones. More than 270 bird species have been identified there, including the internationally threatened Clarke’s weaver and the endangered Sokoke scops owl. Take a unique look at the forest canopy by strolling along the overhead walkway. If you don’t take a guided nature walk, you’ll just be trampling through a hot forest. I definitely recommend taking one. In addition to teaching you about the ecology of the habitat, rangers are typically far more adept at identifying wildlife than you will be.
Gede ruins
Hidden in a jungle is an old city called Gede Ruins. Believed to be under the protection of malevolent spirits, this eerie abandoned structure dates back to the 14th century. The remnants are astonishingly large and undamaged. The Swahili city, which was built using lime, sand, and coral stones, features streets, homes, a mosque, and hidden treasure shops.
Chyulu Hills National Park
This park is Slightly to the south of Amboseli and Tsavo National Park lie the “green hills of Africa,” as described by Hemingway. The most beautiful range of volcanic hills, the Chyulu Hills offer breathtaking views of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro and are home to forests, caverns, and lava tubes. Numerous animals can be seen in Chyulu, including as buffalo, antelope, elephants, leopards, wildebeest, and zebras. The reserve also includes Lake Jipe, a paradise for bird lovers. Hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching in the Chyulu Hills are fantastic family activities. On top of the hills, you can set up a wild camp.
Lake Magadi
This soda lake is located slightly south of Nairobi, it’s a strange region with bizarre scenery, yet it’s scorching hot. The large soda lake has a pink wash due to its extreme alkalinity, reflecting the blue sky. There isn’t much to do in this area. There are a few somewhat unimpressive hot springs, but you can camp along the Ewaso Ngiro River, where Maasai people come to water their cows and leopards recline. Or set up camp close to the lake and simply take in the splendour of this magnificent nation. This location in Kenya is genuinely off the beaten path.
