When it comes to safari, Kenya is known world over. It is a beautiful country and with rich biodiversity. However, because of the many numbers of incoming clients, it has been thought to be touristy and non authentic. We beg to differ because there are very many places away from the common touristic circuit that make it special. The unbeaten path destinations are so special, with few visitors and away from overwhelming traffic of safari jeeps. Kenya Tanzania Safari take pride as we introduce you to these areas which if included to your itinerary will make your visit extra special.
Meru National park.
This is one the parks that has risen from the hopelessness of poaching and poor infrastructure. It is located in Northern Kenya and best known as the home of Elsa the lioness. The born free movie and subsequently the life of Adamson which was spent here. Meru is home to the big five which include elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion. It also has a rich birdlife biodiversity not forgetting the rich highlands and beautiful landscapes that surround the area. Meru is hot and in dry season you can easily assume you are in the coast. Hotel in lodges in Meru accommodates all kinds of travelers. From the very affordable bandas to the high end and exclusive Elsa kopje lodge. Meru is highly rewarding in terms of game drives and perhaps one of the best kept wildlife secrets. For the untouched wilderness lovers and those who love seclusion, this is the place to be.
Lake Turkana and Chalbi desert
Turkana is found in northern Kenya. It is surrounded by arid landscape and you can hardly tell there is any livelihood around. This is Africa’s fourth largest lake and the world’s largest desert lake. Turkana is a freshwater lake and supports fish, birdlife and crocodiles. It is also home to hippos and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most venomous snakes. The lake has three surrounding national parks and is home to some fascinating fossils. Making it also known as the the cradle of mankind. In recent times, Turkana has held a cultural festival which has exposed this area as a tourist destination. The area is now appreciating modern ways f life while still protecting its cultural practices. The El Molo, Gabbra, turkana call this place home. Its is accessible by road or by air. The eliye springs you invites you to an oasis of fresh water springs by the edges of the lake. The palm trees that line the edges and a beautiful disguise to the otherwise hot temperatures experienced here. The white sand beaches are a good invite to the shores of this beautiful desert lake. On your way to Turkana, you will pass via Marsabit after which you will come to the best reserved sand dunes in Kenya. During the rainy season the chalbi desert convert to s seasonal lake. The sand dunes at times can be very challenging to maneuver and you may end up spending more time than planned. It’s all part of the adventure. A trip to Northern Kenya will surely change your usual safari game drives that Kenya boasts of.
Kakamega Forest
This special forest is found in western Kenya. It is one of the natural forest we have in Kenya with an extension to central Congo. It is home to some of the oldest trees. This forest offers you one of the best birding experiences. Kakamega forest boasts some of the most beautiful birds we have in Kenya. It is also the best destination for butterfly lovers. kakamega forest is not famous for wildlife views but is one place you can enjoy nature walks, birding hiking, identifying snakes and butterflies. The black and white Columbus and De brazza monkeys are resident here not forgetting the Poto, a nocturnal mammal identifies by behavior of living in trees. Camping in Kakamega is affordable. Enquire early as not many accommodations are found in the forest. However, there are several hotels in the nearby towns.
Kericho
This is home to some of Tea, one of the major cash crops in Kenya. These high altitude areas are scenic with the carpets of unending tea farms and hospitable local community. It is also home to chebutu rainforest, home to monkeys birds and birdlife. This indigenous forest has some of the oldest trees in the region. kericho is also home to the Kenyapithecus fossils. This are found in Fort Tenon museum where they were found by the archeologist Louis Leakey. It is also home to the Mau forest which is the main source of water for the Masai Mara game reserve. Kericho can be combined in the western safari circuit. The landscape doesn’t disappoint. It is also an opportunity to buy various kinds of tea to take back home with you. Accommodation is affordable.
Marakwet county.
Ever wondered where the bred of Kenya athletes come from? This is home to iten, the highland area where the record world breaking athletes come from. It is also home to the Lorna kiplagat training center. One of the world renown athletes training facilities. The landscape in Marakwet is beautiful. You will have spectacular views of the great rift valley, the tugen and cherangany hills, the Kerio valley and iten view point. It is also home to a national park, gorges and waterfalls, rainforests and beautiful hills where you can hike. If you are looking for an alternative for safaris in form of adventure, then iten and the surrounding areas can give you just that. Accommodation is affordable and located in the towns nearby.
Pate island.
This is one of the most remote areas in the coastal areas and one of the most fascinating settlements. Pate is reserved and with little or no modern amenities. The buildings are old and planned as a small town with winding alleys to allow movement. Pate is part of the beautiful lamu island and can be accessed from here. It has some of the most impressive ruins anywhere on the coast and a clutch of old Swahili settlements which have been there for centuries. Pate is rich in history and you can learn a lot if you have an interest in history. If you only want the beauty of the sea shores and white beaches, Watamu. Diani and lamu should be your places of interest.
Laikipia.
This is by far the best kept wildlife secret of Kenya. It is second to Masai Mara game reserve in terms of animal population and beautiful travel secrets. Once an area specific with cattle ranching, this area has promoted the cohabitation of wildlife and livestock. The large livestock ranches have coiled up ways of incorporation conservation and with time making laikipia a wildlife hotspot.
This area is accessible through the British dominated town of Nanyuki. The town lies across the equator and so does most of laikipia. The area is hot but with the large conservation areas the activities are in plenty. This is one of the places you can have a night game drive, watch wildlife on horseback, camel rides in the wild, sleeping under the stars, kayaking, canoeing and quad biking. The areas are so huge and the activities can not be done in a day. Laikipia is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in Kenya. The high end likes of sirikoi lodge, Ol lentille and ol jogi call this place home. Camping is available too
For a taste of this and more hidden touristic hotspots in Kenya, write to us and we shall make it happen. Our knowledge of the less visited areas will make you safari to Kenya even more special.
