A true icon of Africa’s safari world, Kenya is most often associated with the Masai Mara, where the Great Migration hordes plunge over the river in search of fresh, succulent grasses and new water sources. While this may be a major claim to fame for Kenya, it certainly isn’t the only thing to love about the country. There’s a whole lot to discover if you step firmly off the tourist trail… In this blog, we’ll delve into the hidden safari destinations in Kenya–as well as revealing some of our insider secrets about the various hidden gems–and the many perks of visiting them.
The perks of going off the beaten track
Before we get to the ‘where’, we’ll take you through the ‘whys’ of seeking out Kenya’s hidden destinations. Firstly, you’re likely to experience incredibly intimate wildlife encounters without dozens of other vehicles, all jostling for a look. This also makes it easier to linger longer at sightings, without having to move on to make room for other safari-goers. Depending on the reserve or property you stay at, you may also have a private vehicle for your party, offering flexibility when it comes to seeking out ‘specials’ on your safari wish list. On a similar note, when you head for one of Kenya’s lesser-known gems, you’re likely to receive more personalised attention from your guide, allowing them to share detailed knowledge, specific to your interests.
Going off the beaten track also means added support for emerging conservation areas and the preservation of wildlife corridors. Ultimately, it helps spread the load across multiple areas, making for healthier environments and less trafficked natural spaces. This can often result in more authentic and less commercialised cultural interactions with local communities.
Hidden places to visit in Kenya
From cloistered destinations in the furthest corners of the country to well-kept conservancies that protect a unique collection of wildlife, we’ve rounded up Kenya’s hidden gems for you to fall in love with.
Mara Conservancies
Unlike the main Masai Mara reserve, the surrounding conservancies are exclusive and intimate. The landscapes are almost exactly the same as the Mara itself– blowing, golden grasses and beautiful open plains–and all manner of wildlife can be spotted, including the migrating herds of wildebeest (in season). Each conservancy only has a few camps in acres of land, and only guests staying at those camps have traversing rights. Often, there is a maximum of five vehicles allowed at each sighting, allowing for exceptionally private encounters.
Where to stay: Speke’s Camp
Amboseli & Chyulu Hills
While not necessarily a true hidden gem, Amboseli is far quieter in comparison to the Masai Mara. A landscape of lush green amidst the sands of southern Kenya, Amboseli’s game viewing rivals that of Africa’s safari greats – especially when it comes to its elephants. Magnificent herds wander beneath the striking figure of Mount Kilimanjaro, including the world’s last remaining ‘Big Tuskers’. So named for their enormous tusks that weigh in at over 50kg and almost brush the ground, there are less than 30 of these majestic creatures left on the planet.
Just next door is Chyulu Hills, or the ‘Green Hills of Africa’, a lush area dominated by towering volcanoes and shimmering hot springs. This remote and unblemished region is home to incredible numbers of elephants as well as leopards, giraffes and rare black rhinos. Under the watchful gaze of Mount Kilimanjaro, explore to your heart’s content on foot or horseback, rarely encountering another soul.
Where to stay: Porini Amboseli Camp
Laikipia
At the far end of the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, the entire Laikipia Plateau is roughly the size of Wales and boasts some of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya. A conglomeration of reserves, ranches, farms and conservancies, Laikipia isn’t exactly unknown but it is Kenya’s conservation pioneer. There is a fantastic selection of lodges to stay at, all of which offer the opportunity to get involved with groundbreaking conservation projects. Two of the most renowned are the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where you can see the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, and Segera Retreat, the pioneers of the future largest rhino sanctuary in the world. There is also plenty of opportunity to explore the landscape on mountain bikes, horse or camel-back, or on foot.
Where to stay: Lengishu
Samburu
A region of wild beauty and dramatic, sun-baked desert, Samburu National Reserve is blissfully free of tourists. You’ll have the opportunity to discover its unsullied scenery alongside adorned Samburu guides, crossing the terrain on game drives, on horse-back or even camel-back. The great Ewaso Nyiro River cuts the reserve in half, lush ribbons of green growing on its banks and attracting scores of elephant, buffalo and zebra, while lions snooze in the shade of golden tamarinds and leopards lurk amongst the acacias. It is also home to the ‘Samburu Special Five’ – Grevy’s zebra, long-necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe, all of which are found in higher numbers than anywhere else in Kenya.
Where to stay: Saruni Samburu Camp
Meru
Well and truly off the beaten track, Meru is a conservation success story after being ravaged by poaching in the late 1980s. Now, animal numbers are steadily rising and, on game drives across this pretty park, you can spot plentiful lion, elephant, buffalo and, within their own sanctuary, black and white rhinos. You may also see some of the rare northern species as well as an incredible variety of birdlife–over 400 species have been recorded in the area including Pel’s fishing owl, the Somali ostrich and the secretary bird. With its incredible biodiversity and untouched landscape, this is truly one of the best hidden places to visit in Kenya.
Where to stay: Rhino River Camp
Lewa Downs
Known as Kenya’s original wildlife sanctuary, Lewa Downs is a 45,000 acre paradise of gently rolling hills, savannah and swampy papyrus with an abundance of wildlife. Lewa is also one of the country’s top rhino sanctuaries and is home to over 250 black and white rhinos, as well as the rest of the Big Five, rare northern species and cheetah. The area offers walking and horseback safaris, scenic flights in tiny bi-planes, and the chance to meet the conservation-focused tracker dogs and their handlers.
Where to stay: Kifaru House
Hell’s Gate
In close proximity to Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park is a mystical landscape dominated by dramatic gorges, cliffs and steaming fumaroles. And amongst the dazzling rock formations, you’ll find huge herds of buffalo, antelope, and zebra, as well as impressive raptors soaring overhead. The park offers incredible hiking, rock climbing and cycling opportunities, making for a totally different experience to other regions of Kenya.
Where to stay: Chui Lodge
Matthew’s Range
Without a doubt, Matthew’s Range is one of the greatest hidden gems in Kenya. In a remote northern corner of the country, towering mountains drop into prehistoric gorges filled with verdant forests and tumbling streams. While there are oryx, gazelle and Grevy’s zebra, most people visit for the phenomenal walking–definitely pack your hiking boots! The more adventurous can also explore the undulating landscape by bike or on horseback.
Where to stay: Sarara Camp
Aberdare
Despite being only a few hours away from Nairobi, Aberdare National Park–sometimes referred to as simply the Aberdares–couldn’t be more different to Kenya’s classic savannah scenes. One of the smallest parks on the continent, you’ll be spellbound by its 300-metre-high waterfalls, juicy rainforests and ravines. While you can spy big names like lion, buffalo and elephant, it’s also a great opportunity to spot different animals, including plenty of colobus and vervet monkeys ambling through the forest canopy–you can even do some exploring yourself along a network of hanging bridges–and rare black rhino snuffling in the undergrowth.
Where to stay: The Ark Lodge
Lake Turkana & surrounds
Sitting at the northernmost end of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Turkana is one of the wildest places in Kenya. The world’s largest desert lake, the ‘Jade Sea’ already evokes adventure and, believe us, there’s plenty of it on offer. You can enjoy hikes to crater lakes (some flamingo-filled), go fishing, explore black lava beaches and remote islands, embark on a camel trek in the desert, and spot Nile crocodile – one of the largest breeding populations in Africa is found here. And, if you needed any more convincing of its allure, the best way to get there is by helicopter!
Where to stay: Desert Rose Lodge
Msambweni
There’s a long, long road leading down to the coast from Mombasa and it comes to an end at one of Kenya’s most unspoiled beaches: Mswambweni. A picturesque fishing village, life here slows to a gentle hum and you’ll find no glitzy hotels overrun with tourists. Instead, there are just a handful of eco-chic retreats, blazing tropical sands and an enticing turquoise sea where you can dive with shoals of colourful fish, go kitesurfing or deep sea fishing.
Where to stay: Mswambweni Beach House
Lamu Island
Waiting just off the northernmost point of Kenya’s coastline, the Lamu Archipelago is an exotic and sultry paradise. On Lamu Island itself, the largest island of the archipelago, you’ll find Shela, an enticing collection of elegant stone guest houses and the infamous Peponi Hotel, and Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where donkey-filled alleyways lead to wonderfully elaborate mosques. Not far away are deliciously wild beaches, where you can sail the waves on a dhow, snorkel or scuba dive, and enjoy a plethora of other watersports.
Where to stay: Kizingo Lodge
Watamu
When it comes to hidden places to visit in Kenya that add a little sea and sun to your safari, Watamu answers the call. Ensconced by the Watamu Marine National Park, you’ll find blindingly white and pristine beaches and perfect conditions for diving and snorkelling. You can also do a little exploring, visiting the Gedi Ruins – a mysteriously abandoned Swahili city – or Mida Creek, where you’ll find an amazing collection of birdlife.
Where to stay: Delta Dunes Lodge
Best time to avoid the crowds
While heading to one of the hidden gems in Kenya is a fantastic way to get away from crowded sightings, choosing the right time to travel is also a good idea. One of our favourite times to visit Kenya outside the ‘peak’ season (June to September and again in December) is November, when the daily showers are brief, but you get all the perks of the rainy season including stunning lighting for photography. Read our blog for the full scoop on the best time to visit Kenya.
From sensational safaris to seaside getaways, we can’t get enough of these hidden gems in Kenya. If you’re longing for a trip to this East African giant sans hundreds of other people, we’re here to help you put together the perfect combination of locations.
