Top 10 Most Underrated Travel Destinations in Kenya

 

Key takeaways

1. 1. Kenya is world-renowned for its stunning wildlife, iconic safari experiences, and breathtaking landscapes.
   2. Beyond the famous Maasai Mara and Diani Beach lies a string of lesser-known destinations waiting to be explored.
   3. These destinations often lie off the radar, hidden from the spotlight of mainstream tourism, and frequently overlooked by travel bloggers.
   4. From hidden deserts to secluded islands, we give a glimpse of the top 10 most underrated travel destinations in Kenya.

 

 

Also read: 5 Best National Parks and Reserves in Kenya

 

 

1. Nyiri Desert

1. 1. Nyiri Desert is a vast, semi-arid region in southern Kenya, stretching across parts of Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and Makueni Counties.
   2. Also known as Taru Desert, the expansive bare land lies just off the Emali-Namanga Highway, close to Kenya’s southern border with Tanzania.
   3. The Nyiri Desert is widely considered a hidden gem within the Kenyan landscape, providing unmatched solitude and peace.
   4. While the Nyiri Desert isn’t as popular as other tourist destinations, its isolation and unique landscape make it an intriguing stop for travelers seeking off-grid adventures.
   5. The journey to Nyiri Desert is an epic trip through dirt roads in the wilderness and across dry river beds.
   6. Paved by grazing cattle, the intricate maze of paths, wide enough for four-wheel drive vehicles, can be extremely challenging to navigate.
   7. However, with exceptional map reading and a few wrong turns, you surely get to the serene location.
   8. The Nyiri Desert is also located close to the renowned Amboseli National Park, offering the sought-after combination of Maasai culture and abundant wildlife.
   9. You can enjoy epic camping, photography, cultural exchanges with the Maasai, and scenic drives along the Emali-Namanga highway.

 

 

 

 

2. Karura Forest

1. 1. Karura is a lush green forest located within the bustling Nairobi City metropolis.
   2. Covering more than 1,000 acres, Karura Forest offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature without leaving the city.
   3. The Nairobi National Park to the South and Animal Orphanage rival Karura as the city’s attractions, forcing Karura under the radar of numerous visitors.
   4. Karura can be accessed through Nairobi’s Kiambu or Limuru Roads and is famous for tranquil walking and cycling trails, and picturesque waterfalls.
   5. Designated areas within the forest are perfect for picnics, with shaded spots and benches, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
   6. Despite being in the city, Karura Forest is home to various species of birds, butterflies, and small mammals like honey badgers, bushbucks, hares, and Syke’s monkeys.
   7. Overall, Karura Forest offers a refreshing break from Nairobi’s busy pace, making it a must-visit for those seeking a slice of nature in the heart of the city.

 

 

 

 

3. Marafa-Hells Kitchen

1. 1. Marafa-Hell’s Kitchen is a beautiful natural attraction located in Malindi, on the coast of Kenya.
   2. The area has been labeled the mini Grand Canyon and resembles a huge abandoned quarry with stunning rock formations.
   3. Hell’s Kitchen is the result of erosion and geological activity over centuries, creating deep, winding ravines and cliffs.
   4. Marafa-Hell’s Kitchen is not as visited compared to Malindi’s serene Indian Ocean beaches, Vasco Da Gama Pillar, and the nearby Watamu area.
   5. Recently, Marafa-Hells Kitchen was visited by renowned German professional soccer coach Thomas Tuchel during his global vacation tour.
   6. Visitors to Marafa-Hell’s Kitchen can explore the site on foot, navigating the twisting paths and ravines.
   7. You can also engage in photography, bird watching, and learning about the area’s unique geology and cultural tales.

 

 

 

 

4. Arabuko Sokoke Forest

1. 1. Arabuko Sokoke Forest is a coastal tropical forest located in Kilifi and is one of the largest remaining coastal forests in East Africa.
   2. The expansive lush green forest is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and ecological significance.
   3. Notable species include the Sokoke scops owl, the African golden cat, and the Ader’s duiker.
   4. You can explore the forest through a network of walking trails that offers opportunities for birdwatching, guided nature walks, and photography.
   5. Arabuko Sokoke is sliced by the Mombasa – Malindi highway, along with dirt roads connecting remote villages like Dida in Kilifi County.
   6. The forest also holds cultural value for local communities, especially the Mijikenda people, who have historically relied on it for resources and spiritual significance.
   7. Arabuko Sokoke Forest is a must-visit for nature lovers for a special experience in one of Kenya’s most vibrant ecosystems.

 

 

 

 

5. Chyulu Hills

1. 1. Chyulu Hills is a scenic mountain range located in southern Kenya, tucked between Amboseli National Park and Tsavo National Park.
   2. The glorious slopes and flat peaks of Chyulu Hills are among the most overlooked scenarios in Kenya.
   3. On top of the high-rise Volcanic formations, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the distant Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
   4. One of the highlights of Chyulu Hills is the legendary overnight camping experience, where you can sleep amidst the clouds and enjoy unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.
   5. The hills offer a variety of hiking trails, and caves to explore, which is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
   6. The Chyulu Hills are home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and a variety of bird species.

 

 

 

 

6. Kakamega Forest 

1. 1. The Kakamega Forest is a tropical rainforest located in western Kenya, near Kakamega town.
   2. The forest is the last remaining piece of the legendary Guinea-Congolian rainforest that once stretched across much of central Africa along the equator.
   3. The dense jungle houses over 300 species of birds, including the African crowned eagle and the rare Kakamega forest robin.
   4. Kakamega Forest is an unspoiled gem, offering numerous walking trails, where you can enjoy guided canopy walks and birdwatching.

 

7. Fourteen Falls

 

1. 1. Located near Thika Town, Fourteen Falls is one of the little-known destinations that tourists from all over the world would love to see.
   2. The falls are set along the Athi River and are named after the fourteen distinct falls that cascade over a series of rock formations.
   3. Fourteen Falls is a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to a diverse range of bird species.
   4. You can enjoy a boat ride to get closer to the falls and take in the breathtaking views. Alternatively, visitors are allowed to walk along the well-maintained paths for an up-close view.
   5. While the area is famed for photography, you should consider visiting for fulfilling picnics and connecting with nature.

 

 

 

 

8. Crescent Island Naivasha

1. 1. Crescent Island is a stunning, private nature reserve located on Lake Naivasha, in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.
   2. Crescent Island is one of the few places in the world where you can walk freely among wild animals.
   3. Most visitors in the area are usually intrigued by the flocks of Flamingos along the shores of Lake Nakuru, and Rift Valley viewpoints, among other attractions.
   4. This has effectively made the Cresent Island a hidden gem with a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, antelope, and hippopotamuses.
   5. The island can be accessed by boat from Naivasha Town, and visitors can enjoy walking tours, boat rides on the lake, and picnics by the shore.

 

 

9. Saiwa Swamp National Park

1. 1. Saiwa Swamp National Park is a small but significant national park located in Western Kenya, near the town of Kitale in Trans-Nzoia County.
   2. The park covers an area of about 3.8 square kilometers and is renowned for its lush swampy grounds, rich biodiversity, and calm atmosphere.
   3. The park is best known for being a habitat for the endangered Sitatunga antelope, a rare swamp-dwelling animal.
   4. The Sitatunga is also found in the Okavango Delta, a swampy national park in Northern Botswana.
   5. The park also supports a variety of other wildlife, including monkeys, waterbuck, and a rich variety of bird species.
   6. It is a quiet and less crowded park, ideal for those seeking a soothing wildlife experience.

 

 

 

 

Also read: List of Minerals in Kenya and Where They Are Mined

 

 

10. Meru National Park

1. 1. Meru National Park is a stunning national park located in the Mount Kenya region of Kenya, near the town of Meru.
   2. Spanning an area of over 870 square kilometers, the park is known for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and serene atmosphere.
   3. Meru National Park hosts the big five (elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos) and is a not-well-known safari destination.
   4. The park is also home to some intriguing sites, including Bora Springs, a natural spring that attracts a variety of animals.
   5. Meru National Park offers a peaceful and less crowded safari experience compared to more popular parks in Kenya.