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 Are you looking for hidden places to visit in Kenya that offer much more fun than what ordinary tourist locations provide?

 A hidden gem that excites you and makes your safari a once-in-a-lifetime experience? If yes, you have come to the right. Today, we will discuss hidden places you can visit with your family in Kenya.

This expert guide took more than 12 months to prepare to help you discover the hidden treasures of Kenya’s wild frontier. This guide tells you about hidden gems in Kenya and rarely-visited destinations that will leave you spellbound! Our off-the-beaten-path travel destinations offer an unparalleled Kenya safari that will envy every traveler.

Get In touch with one of our expert guides to plan a spellbound Kenya safari for you and your family.

What are Off the Beaten Path Travel Destinations?

Off the Beaten path travel destinations are places in Kenya that most tourists rarely visit. Kenya has alot to offer except sightseeing in the Masai mara and Tsavo national park. Tourists in Kenya who prefer offbeat safaris enjoy their stay more because they visit less crowded locations and experience authentic adventure travel. 

Examples of offbeat safaris are safaris to remote villages for a cultural experience. Examples of cultural experiences include spending time with the Maasai people and living among them. American and European tourists can also visit the Lamu cultural festival or fly to Turkana for their annual cultural event. 

If you stay in Nairobi, you can have a cultural experience by visiting the Bomas of Kenya or the National Museums of Kenya. 

Off the beaten path travel also involves traveling to hidden natural wonders and lesser-known historic sites. If you are a tourist who wants to get away from the crowd and experience nature in its raw form, we advise you to book offbeat safaris. 

11 Hidden Places to Visit in Kenya

The 11 hidden places listed in this guide are suitable for adventure travel because you get to see new things and explore the virgin jungles of Africa. These hidden gems in Kenya will require at least four days to explore. 

However, tourists can select one or two sites if their stay is shorter. 

The destinations are safe to visit and suitable for a Kenya family safari. Other places to visit in Kenya include the Masai mara and the Tsavo national parks. The Masai Mara national park is home to the great wildebeest migration, which forms part of the seven wonders of the world.

1. Chyulu Hills

Chyulu hills form part of one of the numerous National parks in Kenya. Tourists in Kenya can visit the park to see breathtaking views of the Chyllu hills, which are Verdant rolling hills in an endlessly green landscape. This hidden gem is located in eastern Kenya, 200km from the capital city of Nairobi. The hills are located between Tsavo and Amboseli national parks. 

The hills are home to numerous mammals such as elephants, buffalos, bushbucks, elands, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, giraffes, and leopards. It is also home to giraffes, buffalos, and reptiles.

The Chyulu hills are an excellent place to stay for a Kenya family safari. The main attraction at the site is the Shetani Lava flow. The flow is located 4km west of the Vhyulu gate, formed 500 years ago. This is a barren black stretch of land that is as a result of volcanic eruptions. 

The area has numerous mysterious caves that are waiting to be explored. Some of these caves create an otherworldly atmosphere, with the walls forming eerie shapes that seem to come to life in the shadows.

There are several activities you can do with your family. For starters, you can camp at night or enjoy a horse ride in the verdant rolling hills. The area is also suitable for bird watching and ideal for adventure tourism because of the numerous mountain climbing spots. 

When you go on a safari, have plenty of drinking water and camping equipment if you intend to stay for the night.

Other useful things to take on the safari include a camera, binoculars, guidebooks, torches, and sunscreen. Read our tips on how to plan the perfect Kenya safari to ensure you have a great time. 

2. Kakamega Forest

The Kakemega Forest is one of the many hidden gems in Kenya recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. The forest is a mid-altitude tropical forest with several species found nowhere else in the country. 

The forest is also known for its well-drained soils and undulating terrain. Currently, the Kakamega forest faces declining rainfall because of deforestation.

Activities at Kakamega Forest

A visit to the Kakamega forest national reserve is like a visit to ancient times when giant forests still dominated the wild. The forest has thick canopies of tropical rainforests, and adventure tourists walk in a forest surrounded by songbirds, chattering monkeys, and croaking frogs. 

Kakamega forest has more than 300 bird species, 400 butterfly species, 40 species of cobras, vipers, and the black mamba.

Tourists visiting the Kakamega forest can also see various types of monkeys, such as the Egyptian mongooses, Sykes monkeys, and the colobus. Some of the activities to enjoy in the park include night-time safaris, camping, birdwatching, and a cultural experience by spending time with natives of the forest.

Other fun activities to do at this hidden gem are:

1. Visit Mama Mutere – It’s the largest and oldest tree in the Kakamega forest. It is 250 years old and 40 meters high
2. Go to Buyangu hills – The hills provide breathtaking viewpoints of the forest
3. Sunrise viewing – Viewing the sunrise from Lirhanda hill takes place at 5 am and 5 pm
4. Birdwatching tours – The tour happens at 6:30 am and 4:30 pm for 2 hours
5. Cultural experience with the Luya tribe – learn 
6. Take a trip to river Yala and Isiukhu falls – 5 hour’s trip

3. Crying Stone of Ilesi

If you want a unique cultural experience in Kenya, drive to Kakamega in Western Kenya. You can spend time with the Luhya in Kakamega and experience their traditional dances. While in the western part of Kenya, we will drive you to the crying stone of Ilesi. The stone is a geological formation that resembles a person crying, especially during heavy rains.

The natives consider the stone a sacred site because they believe it is of spiritual significance. According to the Luhya tribe, this geological formation can grant your wishes and heart desires. According to locals, the crying stone of Ilesi was once a person who was turned into stone for disobeying the gods. 

Tourists on a safari can hike the geological formation and explore the surrounding area for various wildlife, such as butterflies, monkeys, and birds. 

4. Kiunga Marine National Reserve

The Kiunga Marine national reserve in Kenya is an excellent place to go for your Kenya safari tours. This pristine ecosystem comprises about 50 offshore islands and numerous coral reefs in the Lamu archipelago. The marine is one of the few secret spots in Kenya that allows visitors to swim with turtles and dugongs.

The Kiunga Marine national reserve Occupies an area of 270 square kilometers and has a humid climate with temperatures ranging from 22 – 34 degrees celsius. Tourists visiting this hidden gem must carry items such as sandals and a T-shirt to protect them from the reefs. 

Other items to carry when visiting Kiunga, Kenya, are cameras, a hat, insect repellants, and a guidebook. Tourists on a safari are also encouraged to come in groups to enjoy the fun together. 

Activities offered in Kiunga Kenya

1. Diving
2. Snorkeling
3. Sunbathing
4. Water skiing
5. Windsurfing
6. Fishing
7. Birdwatching

The Kiunga Marine national reserve allows European and American tourists to explore vibrant coral reefs. The reserve also has cultural importance because it is home to indigenous Communities such as the Bajuni people. The Bajuni people are a mixture of Swahili, Arabs, and Somalis. 

They live along the Indian Ocean coastline and make a living from fishing. Many of them are sailors, ocean merchants, and pastoralists. 

5. Lamu Island

The island is ideal for adventure safari or tourists who want to experience unique culture and food. Lamu island is unique because of its culture, sandy beaches, and traditional stone architecture. It is also home to numerous Kenya Safari lodges ideal for luxury tourists. The island is 150 miles Northeast of Mombasa and has a population of 25,000 people.

The first settlements within the Lamu archipelago happened in the 14th century. The island hosts one of the longest-established and best-preserved Swahili settlements.

The island first began as a vital trading Centre that attracted traders from as far as the Arabian Peninsula and China. 

Things to do at Lamu Island

Lamu island is an excellent place to go for your Kenya adventure. Tourists can travel the archipelago with their families because it is safe. On the island, you can learn about Lamu’s rich history and be mesmerized by the narrow winding streets, intricately carved doorways, open markets, food culture, and fantastic stone houses. 

The best way for tourists to explore the island is the traditional way, using donkey rides. The local population hosts several festivals at different times of the year. The most popular festivals are:

• The Lamu food festival.
• Lamu arts festival.
• Maulindi festival.
• Lamu Yoga Festival.
• The Lamu Cultural Festival. 

Activities at the three-day Festival include

1. Poetry readings
2. Traditional henna paintings {Female tourists will love this one!}
3. Dhow sailing races
4. Donkey races
5. Music performances
6. Competitive Bao game

6. Watamu Marine National Park

If you are planning a coastal Safari, you must visit the Watamu Marine National park. The park is considered a Haven for the Greene turtle and forms part of a complex marine and tidal habitat for wildlife such as exotic fish, birds, and dugongs. 

Visitors at the Watamu Marine National Park can view more than 100 species, including the Black Kite, speckled mousebird, white-browed coucal, and the Lilac Breasted Roller bird.

Apart from birds, Watamu National Park is also famous for its marine life, which includes more than 600 species of fish. 

The park is home to whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and coral reefs. 

Tourists on a coastal Safari can also visit the dense mangrove Forest to see the breeding ground of several fish species, such as crabs. Other species that breed in the mangrove Forest are:

• Barramundi – This is a game fish known for its taste. 
• Groupers – They are known for their fighting ability and large size.
• Snappers breed in the mangrove forest and consist of yellowtail and red snapper species.
• Mudskippers – One of the few fish that can breathe air and stay out of water for long periods

Things to do at the Watamu Marine Park

The Watamu Marine National Park has more than 150 species of hard and soft corals that attract more than 1,000 species of fish. The reefs are 300 meters offshore, making snorkeling an ideal activity. Other things to do at the Watamu Marine park are:

1. Big Game Fishing: Big game fishing is prohibited within the Marine National Park but allowed outside the park. The big game fishing competition is held from Decemeber – March.
2. Bird watching: Bird watching takes place in four Strategic areas within the park, such as Whale Island, Mida Creek, Dakatcha Woodland, and Sabaki River mouth. Tourists on a coastal safari can also observe migrant Birds such as Warblers, Orioles, and sunbirds.
3. Turtle Watching: The Watamu Marine national park has a turtle watch that rehabilitates turtles before releasing them into the sea. This is an excellent place to learn about turtles and their environmental importance.
4. Dolphin watching: The Park is home to the Indo-Pacific bottlenose, humpback, and Spinner dolphin. Dolphins are observed using boats, and they are naturally playful and curious. It is common to see the dolphins swim alongside the boat and play with the kids.
5. Sailing on traditional Arabic dhows: Your coastal safari cannot be complete without sailing in a traditional glass-bottomed Arabic dhow.  

Tourists can also engage in other activities like windsurfing, sunbathing, and water skiing. The best month to visit the Watamu Marine National park is the months of October – April. 

7. Hells Gate National Park

This national park is one of Kenya’s best off the beaten path travel destinations. Hell’s Gate national park is known for its intense geothermal activity and spectacular scenery, including water-gouged gorges, scrub-clad volcanoes, geothermal steam, and towering cliffs. 

This hidden gem in Kenya is located along the Great Rift Valley, and tourists staying in Nairobi can visit the park as a day safari. The Hells Gate National Park promotes eco-tourism and has a bio-diversity that includes wild animals such as Zebras, eland, hartebeest, the African buffalo, and Thomson’s Gazelle.

The park is also ideal for bird viewing because it has more than 100 species, including vultures, swift, augur buzzard and the Verreaux’s Eagles. Tourist visit in the park are encouraged to carry plenty of drinking water, picnic, and camping equipment {If applicable}>

Hells Gate Activities

There are several things to do at Hell’s Gate National Park. One of the activities is to appreciate the local flora and fauna. Tourists can do this by either walking within designated places in the park or biking in the park. The Kenya Wildlife Service maintains bikes that they lease out to tourists.

The main animals in the park include the Thomson gazelle, zebra, giraffe, antelope, birds, and African buffalo. Other things to do at Hells Gate National Park are:

• Cycling in the park – Tourists see various animals, such as Giraffes and Zebra
• Gorge hiking- This is ideal for adventure travelers who want to trek in water-gouged gorges.Travelers should hire a guide because it is easy to get lost.
• Mountain climbing at Fisher’s tower – The tower is ideal for beginner climbers because it is easy to climb. However, the climber must be fit and experienced enough to conquer the challenge.
• Picnicking in the wild– There are beautiful picnic sites at the Rangers post and another at the bottom of Fischer’s tower. Pack your lunch correctly, or the wild monkeys will keep it safe for you!

Tourists visiting Hell’s Gate National Park can end their safari by swimming at the Olkaria Geothermal Hot Spa. 

The Spa is made up of natural hot water collected from different wells in the form of hot steam. The steam is cooled using several pipes as it flows from one pool to another. The main pool has a temperature of 30 to 40 degrees centigrade.

It is important to note that of all geothermal hot spas, this is the largest of its kind in Africa. The geothermal Spa has several natural minerals, such as sulfur and silica. Technicians are on standby 24/7 to ensure the water is safe for human use. 

Unleash your inner adventurer on our Hell Gate National Park day trip safari! Get up close and personal with wildlife, capture breathtaking moments, and create unforgettable memories. Answer the call of the wild today!”

8. Mount Elgon National Park

Another Place to visit as part of your Kenya adventure is Mount Elgon National Park. This is an untamed wilderness secluded in Splendor. The mountain is the eighth-highest mountain in Africa and is one of the oldest extinct volcanoes in East Africa. 

One unique thing about this park is that it sits on the border of Kenya and Uganda. In addition, though the mountain has several peaks, the highest is on the Ugandan side. However, the second highest peak is in both Uganda and Kenya. The third highest peak is known as Koitobos.  

A Kenya safari to Mount Elgon exposes the beauty of the Elgon caldera {a large depression usually formed when a volcano erupts and collapses}, the largest intact caldera in the world. 

Tourists at the park will see diverse habitats ranging from Moorlands, tundra, and Montane forests.

The park boasts breathtaking scenery: waterfalls, caves, hot springs, mountain summits, and mesas. 

It also has hot springs that can reach a temperature of more than 48 degrees Celsius. Adventure tourists can explore several caves, one being the Kitum cave. 

Wild animals in the park include buffalos, elephants, bushbuck, antelopes, duiker, colobus monkeys, hyenas, African feral cats, leopards, and more than 118 bird species. 

Activities at the Mount Elgon National Park

1. Hiking/trekking in the park – The available wildlife poses little danger to tourists. This is a 2-hour trek in the wild
2. Cave exploration- Kitum cave has a depth of 200 meters
3. Bird photography
4. Picnics in the wild
5. Game viewing
6. Camping 
7. Mountain climbing to Koitoboss peak

There are two ways to reach Mount Elgon, National Park. Tourists can either consider a road Safari from Nairobi to Kitale, then Mt. Elgon Lodge using the Chorlim gate. Alternatively, you can use an Air safari from Nairobi to Kitale airstrip and then travel by road to Mount Elgon.

9. Kericho Tea Plantations

Another hidden gem in Kenya worth visiting is the Kericho tea farms in the western part of the country. Kericho tea plantations are spread across rolling hills, and the landscape has been described as breathtakingly beautiful. 

Tourists in the area will have guided tours to learn about Kenya’s famous tea and the cultivation process.

Visiting the Kericho tea plantation is excellent, especially if you want an eco tourism package. At the tea plantation, you will see tea pickers at work, visit the tea factories, and see how tea is processed and packaged.

Some famous tea estates in Kericho include the Tinderet and James Finlay Tea Estates. These tea estates commit to sustainable tourism by conserving the natural environment and supporting local communities. The tea estates are also historically significant because they were set up during British Colonial rule. 

Apart from seeing the natural beauty of the green landscape, tourists in Kericho also get an opportunity to live through the cultural experiences of the locals. In addition, you learn about the traditional tea-making process.

10. Kit Mikayi 

When on a Kenya family safari in the western part of Kenya, tell your tour guide to take you to Kit Mikayi. This 120-meter-high rock is located 29km west of Kisumu in Western Kenya. 

The stone is culturally important to the LUO tribe, who associate it with good fortune. The locals go to Kit Mikayi to pray, undertake rituals, take oaths, and enjoy its beauty. 

When the area suffers from a devastating drought, the Elders visit the site to perform a ritual, hoping it will rain. During the ceremonies, the men slaughter their animals while the women cook, dance, and sing. According to the local dialect, the stone means “The first wife.” 

A long time ago, an old man known Ngeso fell in love with a stone.

The man was so much in love that his wife would take breakfast and lunch to him at the stone. According to legend, the man became passionately in love with the stone, to the extent that when neighbors asked the wife where the man was, the wife would reply that the man was with the first wife. 

Most locals believe that the unique stone represents the Luo cultural polygamous family. According to the locals, the rock signifies a nuclear family where the father {Ngeso}, has three wives and a son.

It is important to note that UNESCO inscribed it under the ICH 2003 convention. This means the site is of significant cultural heritage that needs urgent safeguarding.

11. Saiwa Swamp National Park

This hidden gem list cannot be complete without mentioning Saiwa Swamp National park. Though little is known about this park, Saiwa Swamp is the country’s only sanctuary of the Sitatunga antelope. The sitatunga antelope is a swamp-dwelling antelope that can live in water and on land.

In addition, the Sitatunga antelope has elongated wide splayed hooves, enabling them to walk on soft terrains like marshes and swamps. When the antelope is threatened, it will Swim Deep in the water, only leaving its nose above the surface. 

The Saiwa swamp National Park is a paradise of exotic flowers, birds, and trees. The park is also home to endangered animals like De Brazza’s monkey.

If you visit this hidden gem in Kenya, you will also see several water birds, such as the lesser jacana, grey heron, and the African black duck. This fauna and flora make the Saiwa swamp an ideal place to visit for a botanical safari.

Saiwa Swamp is the smallest national park in Kenya, covering an area of 3 sq km. 

Things to do at Saiwa Swamp

Nature walks: There are nature trails set up for visitors to use. The trails go through wooded grasslands, reeds, and sedges.

1. Wildlife viewing: The nature trail exposes you to numerous wildlife such as the De brazza monkey, white and black colubus monkeys, bush back, giant forest squirrels, genet cats, and vervet monkeys.
2. Camping: Tourists can camp in the Saiwa swamp national park and spend a day or two in the wild. The park provides camping equipment to those who want to camp. 
3. Birding: There are several types of birds to observe, such as the yellow-billed stork, sunbirds, egrets, grey crowned crane, hamerkop, black goshawk, and the grey heron.

The park has several luxury accommodations for luxury travelers. You can stay at the Aturukan resort or the Sirikwa tented camp. 

In conclusion, If you are a tourist in Kenya looking for an authentic cultural experience, or to explore the unspoiled natural beauty in less crowded locations, we advice visiting hidden gems in Kenya. 

Some hidden places to visit in Kenya for a safari include the Hells gate national park and Chyulu hills. Other off the beaten path travel destinations to consider are Kakamega forest and Lamu Island. Get in touch for a customized Kenya family safari.