At times you have probably wanted to travel but the feeling you may have exhausted all the ‘nice’ destinations may keep you from doing so or you just don’t want a destination so mainstream. Kenya is a hotbed of gems, those widely known to the world and others so well hidden and serene that a few hours in them you never want to leave. Here are a few places that you should pay a visit to in Kenya.
TURKANA/CHALBI DESERT
The North of Kenya is widely blessed with rich cultures, desert terrains and unique experiences native only to the region, and alas! Chalbi Desert. Whoever said you can’t have a desert safari in Kenya did not know what they were talking about? Chalbi desert in the only real desert in Kenya and it has a load of experience to offer from a driving desert safari to experiencing the desert on camel backs. The difficulty level is medium and as long as you are equipped with a knowledgeable guide, you will be good to go.
So, the next time you are thinking that only Dubai will give you that ultimate desert experience, think again and think Chalbi Desert.
TAKAWIRI ISLAND
If you are not aware of the nature of Kenyan beaches, then know they are as pristine and as azure as they come and widely beloved. What about an alternative?
Takawiri Island is your perfect alternative, located in western Kenya, it is an island of Lake Victoria the largest fresh water lake in Africa approximately 15km from the mainland. The island has white sandy beaches resembling Indian Ocean beaches, the surroundings are complimented by tall beach like palm trees that bring the breeze to you and you will need this since the region is really warm. Still not convinced? Then how about blue clear waters without a single hyacinth in site and to enhance your experience, bird watching will be a complimentary activity, on nature. The location is also very ideal for sundowners with your day ending to a beautiful sunset.
SAIWA SWAMP
You haven’t really experienced the epitome of serenity and raw nature if you have not paid this secluded park a visit. Located in Trans-Nzoia county, it is one of the national parks in Kenya, but with a twist. At Saiwa you will not see elephants, or lions or even hyenas, But the rare Sitatunga antelopes nicknamed ‘the water dancer’. They prefer to reside in Swamps and float through them grazing on the rich swamp vegetation. The Park is also most ideal for nature walks with nature trails that are completely covered in ‘nature’ and for relaxation, there are observation towers that will give you a bird’s eye view of the thick vegetation, Oh! And a tree house to spend the night glaring at the magnificence of nature, alongside a camping site to welcome the sunset or sunrise.
You will be truly spoilt of choice.
The Gem below; Kakamega Rainforest will give you a similar experience if not better.
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Our list would not be complete if we left this gem out. This forest is lush and as indigenous as they come located at the foothills of Mt. Kenya and what makes it a spectacle is the glistening pool at the bottom of the waterfall. The canopy stretches for quite the distance and this makes it ideal for a variety of animal specie and birdlife to thrive undisturbed. The icing of this cake is the fact that the forest is a wildlife corridor that links Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Mt. Kenya and elephants are a common sighting here.
NB: These gems are all widely spread across Kenya and that means a journey to say two, will have you not only experiencing the attractions, but also the diversity of cultures, cuisine and wildlife that are generously spread across Kenya.
Another Gem is Mt. Elgon which deserves a visit from you.
