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Kenya is the most sought-after destination for safaris not only in Africa but all over the world. Its ever-growing biodiversity ensures that Kenya continues to flourish. A Kenya safari is among the most wonderful vacations you can ever take. There are numerous Kenya tour packages to choose from to make this holiday idea a reality.
Many national parks in Kenya are renowned for their gorgeous landscapes and wildlife. Masai Mara is among the most popular wherein beautiful scenery comes with an abundance of wildlife which also includes the famous Big Five Kenya. Similarly, Amboseli is known for its huge herds of elephants, while Lake Nakuru is known for its flamingo population. Salt Lick Safari Lodge is a great park to explore pure wilderness, and Ol Pejeta is an excellent conservancy to spot rhinos.
However, amidst the famous and well-known parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, many hidden gems of Kenya remain seemingly unexplored. They tend to attract lesser tourist crowds and attention. Yet they display unspoiled nature and varied habitats that are home to distinct animal and bird species.
Here are some of the lesser-known parks and reserves of Kenya
Mount Kenya National Park
Situated on the top of the second-highest peak in Africa, Mount Kenya National Park is considered to be the most scenic park. Standing at an altitude of 5199 meters, the park offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, serene lakes, dense forests, and even mineral springs. Undoubtedly, exploring Mount Kenya is an exciting adventure on its own.
The park supports a number of wildlife, birdlife, and plant life. The highlights of this park are elephants, several species of big and small cats, duikers, hogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, and more. Animals that can be tricky to spot but reside in the park are black rhinos, leopards, and bongo. Over 130 bird species continue to inhabit the park which includes scarlet tufted sunbird, long-tailed widowbird, African crowned eagle, and many others only found in Kenya.
One of the best activities offered by the Mount Kenya National Park is mountaineering. Being among the best spots for trekking or climbing, Mount Kenya has several established routes where both hiking and game viewing can be done.
Laikipia
The open plains of Laikipia are known to be one of the best regions for safaris. It is part of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by Mount Kenya in the north-west. Not only is the conservancy picturesque but it has a success story that drove it to the conservation site we see today.
The sparsely populated Laikipia houses a great number of wildlife. In fact, it boasts the second-highest concentration of animals after the Masai Mara. Its endangered yet impressive rhino population is witnessed frequently, as they roam the expansive plains. On the other hand, the conservancy has a sizeable population of rare wild dogs along with the unique species of Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffes. Other wildlife found in Laikipia are elephants, zebras, buffalos, elands, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and more.
Due to its isolated location, activities in Laikipia are exciting. You can opt for fly-in camping, camel trekking, and even track the elusive wild dogs.
Aberdare National Park
If you’re looking for an even quieter safari destination, Aberdare is ideal. This park is located on the majestic mountains of Aberdare, about 4000 meters above sea level. The park flaunts stunning hills, valleys, ravines, waterfalls, and mountains. Its open moorlands and lush forests provide the ultimate relaxation filled with spectacular sceneries.
This unusual national park is home to black serval, leopards, rhinos, and the eastern Bongo. Other animal species spotted in Aberdare are elephants, giraffes, lions, colobus monkeys and more. Elands, duiker, bushbucks, reedbucks, and giant forest hogs are also found. Over 250 bird species reside in the woodlands of the park such as various birds of prey, sunbirds, and plovers.
One can enjoy endless activities in Aberdare National Park such as game drives, sundowners, nature walks, and hikes. Explore the popular attractions in the park such as the dragon teeth, a volcanic rock formation that looks like a set of teeth. In the foggy moorlands of the park, the twin peaks are also a sight to behold.
Chyulu Hills National Park
Sitting in between Tsavo West National Park and the Amboseli is the unexplored Chyulu Hills National Park. Chyulu is a region displaying rugged wilderness that reflects its volcanic origins as well. The park also offers some of the best views of Kilimanjaro, the largest peak in Africa.
Chyulu’s green rolling hills are home to diverse wildlife species. A safari in the park exposes animals like giraffes, zebras, klipspringer, bushbucks, eastern black rhinos, cheetahs, baboons, and even Skye’s monkeys. Endemic bird species seen in Chyulu are white-bellied tit, Singing Cisticola, red-tailed shrike, common bulbul, spectacled weaver, and more.
Chyulu Hills National Park offers several activities such as hiking, guided walking excursions, mountain biking, cultural experiences, and many more.
Ruma National Park
A park filled with distinct landscapes, Ruma is the only national park referred to as the ‘Last Retreat of the Roan Antelope’. It is also the only park that protects the indigenous population of the Roan antelopes.
Ruma’s woodlands, savannahs, and cliffs inhabit several animals including the Rothschild giraffe, African elephant, impalas, roan antelopes, buffalos, hartebeest, and more. Leopards and cheetahs stalk the savannahs of the park. Ruma has made an effort to reintroduce the Black rhinos as well. The park boasts around 400 colorful bird species and is a haven for bird watchers. It is the only protected area in the country to regularly record the endangered blue swallow. African fish eagles, sunbirds, ostriches, kingfishers, and many more are part of Ruma’s avifauna.
One of the main highlights of the park is that it sits close to Lake Victoria. Undoubtedly, one can enjoy boat safaris on the shores of the lake and marvel at animals like hippos, and crocodiles along with aquatic bird species. Boat safaris coupled with sunsets, barbeques, and a glass of juice comes close to bliss in Ruma.
A Kenya safari to these hidden gems is expected to take you on an off-road adventure. Contact your travel company today offering Kenya tour packages to kickstart your very own safari.
