Kenya is a magical vacation destination in East Africa that’s home to authentic African wilderness, the Great Five, endless stretches of beaches, beautiful national parks and exotic islands.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten track experience away from the crowds, you should check out these 5 underrated travel destinations in Kenya:
- Chalbi Desert
Chalbi Desert is known for its beautiful sand dunes, picturesque sceneries and a magical night-time sky dotted with hundreds of thousands of stars. The Kalacha Oasis is the life of the desert, providing water to the wildlife that grazes many miles away. Although the weather can get pretty hot and humid during the day, the trip is definitely worth it owing to the sheer beauty of the desert.
Spend a night in the desert to truly observe the charm of the magical sky at night.
- Saiwa Swamp National Park
The Saiwa Swamp National Park is home to stunning flora and fauna. You’ll witness a wide variation of plants here from trees to small flowering plants. You can also observe rare wildlife species like the aquatic antelope, Sitatunga antelope, and De Brazza’s monkeys.
It’s also a great place for birdwatching, with over 350 bird species.
Although this is the smallest National Park of Kenya, it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax while surrounded by nature.
- Samatian Island
Samatian Island is a private island in Lake Baringo. It offers a scenic backdrop of Laikipia Escarpment, ideal for some IG photos. Observe the beautiful sunset, diverse and stunning birdlife, and have a great time relaxing in the magical surroundings.
It can accommodate up to 12 people at one time, which means you can have the island exclusively to yourself. Plan a romantic getaway with your spouse or go on a peaceful trip with your family.
Here are a few activities you can enjoy on Samatian Island:
- Boat trips
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Nature walks
- Bird walks
- Suguta Valley
Also known as the “Valley of Death”, Suguta Valley is one of the most spectacular places in Kenya. The valley gets its nickname because of its scorching heat, rugged terrain and cattle rustling.
The terrain has many volcanic rocks and dips, which just adds to the beauty of the area.
The remoteness and unspoilt, raw landscape of the valley attracts many daring and thrill-seeking tourists every year.
- Arabuko Sokoke National Park
Arabuko Sokoke is a coastal forest that lets you have the best of both worlds – a magnificent forest with diverse flora and fauna, and a stunning shore. Arabuko Sokoke is home to beautiful birds and butterflies. It’s relatively uncrowded during the entire year, but the best time to visit is from July to September and December to February.
You can explore the forest on foot or on a 4×4.
Walk through the forest and then relax by the beach when you’re tired.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Kenya and have a great time at these 5 under-rated destinations! Don’t forget to check out 8 things to know before you visit the Masai Mara while you’re there.
