Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations You Must Explore

Embark on a journey of discovery as we unravel the enchanting allure of off-the-beaten-path destinations. While popular tourist spots have their charm, there’s something extraordinary about venturing beyond the ordinary. Join us as we unearth hidden gems that promise unique experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

1. Ngare Ndare Forest – Ngare Ndare is a lush, indigenous forest located at the foothills of Mount Kenya. It’s hardly visited by tourists and a true hidden gem. Branch off the A2 at Timau. From there, it’s a 15-kilometer detour on a rough road (45 minutes). Highly recommended! At Ngare Ndare you can hike to waterfalls, swim in azure blue pools and do a canopy walk – the longest one in East Africa. There is a big chance of spotting elephants, a special sight in the forest. For camping enthusiasts, there is a public campsite at Ngare Ndare.

2. Taita Skull Caves – Few people know about the Taita Skull Caves. These caves have thousands of skulls that depict a strange ancient burial culture among the native Taita community. Located in the Wundanyi area of the Taita, this destination is rich in traditional history. The skulls were taken to these caves once their buried bodies had decomposed. These caves are surrounded by spectacular cliffs on the sides. This cultural practice ceased to exist in the early 1900s, so all skulls are for people who died several centuries ago. If you want to immerse yourself in this ancient culture, we recommend visiting the site with a sustainable tour guide that respects the cultural significance.

3. Meru National Park – Meru is increasingly re-appearing on safari itineraries, and for good reason. Game viewing in Meru now easily matches the sort of safari experience you’ll have in the more popular Kenyan parks with increasingly frequent sightings of all the ‘Big Five’, plus cheetah and numerous other savannah species. Birdlife in Meru National Park is also exceptional. One of Meru’s biggest draws is the successful rhino sanctuary, home to both white and black rhinos. The sanctuary is located near the main gate. 

Recommended places to stay are Offbeat Meru, Ikweta Safari Camp, Rhino River Camp and, for those who can afford it, the fabulous Elsa’s Kopje.

4. Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Back in the colonial days, Ol Pejeta was a cattle ranch. Nowadays, it is praised for being one of the most successful private conservancies. Besides being home to a variety of animals including the Big Five, Ol Pejeta is a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees and the largest sanctuary in East Africa for the endangered Black Rhino. Visitors can participate in various exciting conservation experiences, such as lion tracking, night game drives, horse riding amongst the rhinos, or jogging in the wild – making this a fun and also very family-friendly safari destination.

5. Mida Creek – The Mida Creek is another Kenyan destination off the beaten path, particularly for sustainable travel enthusiasts. The 32 square kilometer tidal inlet is tucked in the serene village of Dabaso, a few kilometers from Watamu. It’s an ideal destination if you are looking for a relaxing getaway. The sundowner experience is worth relishing!

6. Kakamega Forest Reserve – This isolated piece of dense, tropical rainforest is a remnant of jungle that once stretched from Congo to Kenya. There are many walking trails to enjoy, and all local guides are very well-trained. Forest Guest House is a pretty campground where you can make a campfire and enjoy the sounds of the forest. 

7. Saiwa Swamp – Accessible only on foot through boardwalks and hiking trails, Saiwa Swamp is a small, secluded National Park. Boasting over 370 bird species, it is a birding enthusiast’s paradise. The well-maintained public campsite enhances the overall experience.

8. Takawiri Island – Lake Victoria has numerous islands, but nothing comes close to Takawiri. With a 1-hour boat ride from Rusinga Island, it is literally off the beaten path, and one of Kenya’s best destinations. It is a quintessential nature preserve with a scenic lake frontier and a sense of calm. This destination is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Make sure you have plenty of time to wander around and enjoy the place.

9. Ruma National Park – Tucked away and secluded, Ruma National Park features a distinctive habitat and is a haven for rare animals such as Roan antelopes and Bohr’s reedbuck—species found nowhere else. Self-sufficiency is key, as the campsite offers no facilities, allowing you to truly connect with the park’s unique wilderness.

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