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Some people like safaris to the most remote areas during their vacation. These safaris have the extraordinary power of making you feel close to nature and far from city life. If you like the wilderness and the less populated attractions, then the hidden gems in Kenya might interest you as you plan your next safari.
This blog explains the off-the-beaten-path safari destinations where you can experience a real touch of nature. I promise there is much to explore in these less-known gems in Kenya. The good news is that most of these attractions have fewer people, and you will enjoy your views without pressure to leave.
Join me as I take you to the wilderness, far from the city’s hassle and bustle. However, do not worry about what to eat or where to stay because the areas have unique restaurants and accommodations.
7 Hidden Gems in Kenya: Off-the-Beaten Path Attractions
Kenya is a unique country with hundreds of attraction centers throughout the country. However, only a few are well-known and they attract tourists from all over the globe. For instance, the likes of Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Tsavo, Beaches, etc, are well known and usually have many people at any given time.
However, we have a list of less visited areas in Kenya with exceptional adventure and cultural diversities that cut through the community’s history. Let’s dive into the hidden gems in Kenya, where you will experience unique adventures and learn one or two sacred traditions or myths.
1. Mzima Springs, Tsavo West National Park
Mzima Springs is a hidden gem in Kenya, nestled at Tsavo West National Park, 48 kilometres from Mtito Andei. These springs emerge from the Chullu Hills lava flow. The hill’s lava flow is composed of rocks, which makes it hard for rivers to flow on the ground.
As a result, water is filtered by the stones, and it may stay underground for 25 years before emerging 50 kilometres down at the Mzima Springs. At Mzima, the water is very clean and crystal clear.
These springs are home to Nile crocodiles and hippos, making them one of the hidden gems in Kenya and attracting tourists who visit the Tsavo National Park.
From Mzima Springs, you can book accommodation in hotels such as Voyager Ziwani Camp, which is around 35 kilometres away.
Read Also: Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks safari.
2. Marafa Hells Kitchen, Malindi
The Marafa Hells Kitchen in Malindi is one of the hidden gems in Kenya. This attraction is made of brown sandstones, which hold a myth about a certain family.
The myth suggests that the area used to live a very rich and selfish family that used to bathe with milk. This action is said to have angered the gods, and the family was swallowed up and as a result, these sandstones were formed.
However, science suggests that the soil broke by itself. They say it was once a huge sandstone, and floods carried it and left the current form of the sandstone.
Nevertheless, the Marafa Hells Kitchen, locally known as ‘Nyara,’ is among the hidden gems in Kenya. It’s a less-known area, and you can visit Malindi.
Furthermore, you can seek accommodation from nearby hotels in Malindi town, where you can experience the coastal charm as you unveil the culture of the people around you.
3. Nzambani Rock, Kitui
The Nzambani Rock in Kitui County is among the hidden gems in Kenya where you can have fun and listen to mysterious myths about the stone. Over the last few years, this mysterious rock has been a centre of discussion in Kitui and Kenya.
Perhaps you are interested in learning the story behind the rock. The myth is that whoever goes around the Nzambani rock seven times could change to the opposite gender. Well, no one has ever been able to go around the stone seven times, though.
The Nzambani rock is about 183m above the ground and is one of Kenya’s longest and highest rocks. However, some elders in Kitui near the rock say there was no rock in that location.
According to the elders, the stone existed many years ago when a girl turned into a rock. The girl named Nzambaa was collecting firewood with her two friends when she picked a stone that seemed good for grounding tobacco. She thought it could help her parents and hid it on her chest.
However, the girl felt that the stone was growing big and decided to remove it, but eventually, it was too late since she had already turned into a rock, except for her head. By the following day, she had completely turned into a rock and could not be saved, even through the sacrifice of black sheep by the elders.
While on top of this rock, you will have a 360-degree view of Kitui County, and it takes 45 minutes to reach the top. There is a ladder that makes it easier for you.
You can book accommodation at one of the hotels in Kitui town. For instance, the Kitui Villa is a good place for comfortable and luxurious accommodation at an affordable rate.
4. The Mida Creek, Watamu
This tidal inlet expands into an area of 32 square kilometres in the Daboso village in Watamu. The Mida Creek consists of thick sand, mud, and mangrove forests that support the ecosystem. The area is perfect for feeding and breeding marine life, such as different fish species.
The mangrove trees support local constructions and the communities around are always replanting them to keep the ecosystem alive.
In addition, Mida Creek is well known for different bird species, some migrating from Europe and other parts of the world. The Creek has 65 bird species and 115 more in the surrounding areas, making it a perfect destination for bird lovers.
Mida Creek is among the hidden gems in Kenya, where you can relax and unwind at the coast. The good news is that the area is also known for its wellness centres, where you can have yoga and paddle boarding activities in Watamu Treehouse.
The Watamu Treehouse is a good destination, where you will get luxurious accommodation and a chance to do yoga with specialists.
Read Also: Hidden Treasures at the Kenyan Coast.
5. Kyamwilu Gravity Hill—Mysterious Hill in Machakos
One of the hidden gems in Kenya is the Kyamwilu Hill in Machakos. How would you explain how vehicles go uphill on a free gear? Or how water goes upwards on a hill? Kyamwilu Hill is just 12 kilometres from Machakos town.
The Kyamwilu Hill is a mysterious hill that defies gravity. As we all know, gravity is a power that pools objects to the ground. And this hill seems to deny that.
The residents in this area noticed that when you pour water on this hill, instead of going down the hill, it goes upwards, a phenomenon that seems to amaze them.
Read Also: Hotels in Kenya’s remote regions.
Over the past few years, this area has been attracting local and international tourists to curb their curiosity. Once you get on this hill, you will get locals with water jerricans, ready to illustrate the phenomenon to anyone who seems to care at a small fee.
You can stay in Machakos town during your safari to this mysterious hill. In addition, there is a People’s Park in Machakos where you can engage in other activities such as zip lining, dhow riding, horse riding, and camel riding. Furthermore, the park is child-friendly, with children’s play facilities.
6. Karura Forest
Karura Forest is another hidden gem in Kenya. It’s nestled in Nairobi city, just 7.8 kilometres via Limuru. The Kenya Forests and the Friends of Karura Forest Community manages this forest. In addition, the forest lies on 2570 acres.
The Karura Forest is home to many bird species and other animals such as rabbits, Columbus monkeys, bush pigs, squirrels, butterflies, etc. This forest is a nice destination for hiking enthusiasts on foot or by biking.
Karura Forest has approved picnic areas, Karura Gardens, Amani Garden, and in Obstacle Course within the Sigira Block. You can book these areas for an event or a celebration in the bushes.
You can stay in none of the luxurious hotels in Nairobi and enjoy other drives to the Nairobi National Park and the Kenya National Museum.
7. Blood-like Alkaline Lake, Kapedo
Turkana is one of the dryest and hottest regions in Kenya. But it holds one of the rare lakes in the world— the Blood-like Alkaline Lake in Kapedo. This lake is among the hidden gems in Kenya. This lake is in the southern part of Turkana County in Kenya, and it is 344 kilometres from Nairobi.
Read Also: Stargazing delights in Kenya.
The lake usually appears red during the dry season, when the water keeps reducing. Normally, the lake has very salty water and once the water reduces, there is more salt, leading to the breeding of Dunalliela Algae. This algae causes the water to look red, especially during the dry season.
There are accommodation options within Turkana County, where you can stay during your safari. In addition, before you leave northern Kenya, you can explore the culture and traditions of the people. In addition, you can explore the Samburu National Park on your way back to the city.
Read Also: Kenyan Travel on a Budget.
Hidden Gems in Kenya: What Next?
The hidden gems in Kenya show that there is still more to be explored—areas that fewer people know about. Furthermore, while you visit these hidden areas in Kenya, you can easily make friends with the locals, who are usually happy to have you around.
In addition, you can also note some business opportunities in these areas if you are an investor. For instance, you can invest in accommodations near these areas since most have hotels far away.
If you are into wildlife expeditions, this guide on the Nairobi, Samburu and Masai Mara National Parks could help you make the right decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best way to spot hidden gems in Kenya?
Searching in local travel websites can help you unveil the hidden attractions in Kenya. In addition, once you are on a safari in Kenya, you can ask the local communities about any hidden gem in their area, and they will be glad to show you amazing attractions.
2. What does a hidden gem mean?
A hidden gem is a location that has great attractions, mostly natural occurrences, that most tourists do not know about. These hidden gems offer great opportunities for people who want to expand their safari into less-known adventures.
3. Are there any underrated hiking trails in Kenya?
Yes. Kenya has lots of underrated hiking and attraction sites. Most of these attractions are in the country’s hidden and most remote areas. But they offer unique hiking trails and natural adventure with less crowds.
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