Kenya is well-known for many things and one of them is amazing safaris. Experiencing a safari Kenya holidays is one of the most memorable experiences one can have. People travel worldwide to visit the country and experience the most amazing landscapes, wilderness, and wild animals.
However, not many people know enough about this country. It is because there is a wide variety of attractions. Other than the most popular national parks and reserves, there is so much more and many hidden gems. So, if you are looking to enjoy a Kenya Safari holiday, this guide will show you some hidden destinations that will make your safari holiday the most memorable.
1. Meru National Park’s Elsa Kopje
Meru National Park is one of those hidden parks in Kenya. It is located on the slopes of Mt. Kenya and the environment provides the best savannah experience with a backsplash of highlands. The main reason Meru National Park is the ideal safari Kenya holiday destination, is its environment, attractions, and location.
First, it is one of the most popular national parks. However, not many people visit there, meaning you will have a lot of space to experience the place. Note, that does not mean it is lacking in any way. Here, you will be sure to see the Big 5. That is Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalo, and Rhinos.
In addition, there are unique and rare wild animals to see here such as Gerenuk, Lesser Kudu, Grevy’s Zebra, and reticulated Giraffe.
Another attractive aspect of the Meru National Park is Elsa Kopje. Named after an orphan lioness, this luxury camp has grown with time to become the place to go when visiting the park. It is a modern luxury camp yet offers the best camp and safari holiday combination. What you get here is top-notch accommodation, amazing food, a swimming pool, great views of the park and so much more.
2. Shaba National Reserve
The Shaba National Reserve is not exactly a hidden safari holiday destination, but it is definitely a very interesting holiday place to visit. If you are looking for a place that offers enough safari attractions such as the big 5, African savannah, wildlife action, dry climate, and vast landscapes, this is a good place to visit.
The location of the Shaba National Reserve is another factor that makes it a good safari Kenya holiday destination. The reserve is found in the northern part of the country. It is also home to several unique animals that you will not see anywhere else such as the Somali Ostrich and the Reticulated Giraffe.
Shaba National Reserve is also home to some of the most amazing lodges making the experience even better. Some of the most popular and luxurious lodges in Shaba National Reserve include; Sarova Shaba Lodge, Samburu Safari lodge, and Larsens Tented Camp.
3. Menengai Crater
One special feature about Kenya is that it lies along the Great Rift Valley. As a result, there are several natural features that can be found along this path that has also become attractive tourist destinations. Some of these natural attractions include lakes, valleys, rivers, craters and so much more.
As a result, one of the most unique safari Kenya holiday destinations here is the Menengai Crater. It is a popular crater that was formed as a result of Volcanic eruptions. The Menengai Crater is a volcanic caldera that is one of the biggest even in Africa.
Due to this, climbing and going around the Menengai crater is such an amazing safari activity one can do during their safari holiday in Kenya.
As you climb to the crater, there is so much to enjoy including a wide variety of wild animals such as elephants and buffalos. In addition, the peak of the crater gives stunning views of the land below which includes many lodges and parks such as Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru.
However, this is ideal for hiking enthusiasts. For someone who does not enjoy hiking, climbing the Menengai crater will not be as enjoyable. Below the crater, there are several lodges that offer amazing holiday packages. The amenities such as swimming pools, 5-star accommodation, and food are definitely worth the experience.
4. Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is arguably the most popular boutique hotel in Nairobi. Giraffe Manor is also so popular on Instagram due to its amazing experiences. It is an exquisite destination that will definitely amuse anyone looking to experience the best of Giraffes in the city of Nairobi.
Giraffe Manor is a hotel that offers customers a chance to witness Giraffes up close and even feed them. Since the hotel is within a sanctuary, Giraffes visit the hotel and tourists can feed them from their room windows or on the compound. This is a feature that has made the hotel to be one of the most popular ones even on Instagram.
For someone looking for a nice environment to spend their time within Nairobi and experience a safari, and wildlife attraction, then this is a good place to check. However, one must make sure that they can check and book the hotel way in advance. This is because the hotel receives hundreds of bookings several months in advance.
5. Masai Mara Reserve
One cannot talk about safari holidays in Kenya without talking about Masai Mara. Masai Mara over the years has become the best safari destination in Kenya. Masai Mara is a national reserve located on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. It has repeatedly for several years offered tourists the best experiences of safari seeing the big 5 is a must.
When you visit the Masai Mara, you get a chance to see the Big 5 and in plenty. However, the best attraction in the Mara is the famous Wildebeest Migration. The Wildebeest migration is a natural phenomenon where over 2 million wild animals migrate between Kenya and Tanzania in search of pasture. These animals include wildebeest, gazelles and zebras. The Migration takes place mostly twice a yr and the animals have been following the same migration route for decades.
As a result, witnessing this experience is the best safari experience in the Mara. The best time to visit the Mara for this experience is between June and October.
Other factors that make Masai Mara national reserve a preferred safari holiday destination are the hotels and lodges. There are many luxury camps and lodges that make the experience similar to staying in a 5-star hotel only with the addition of experiencing natural wildlife.
Conclusion
Kenya is arguably the best country in Africa to go on a safari. Due to this, there are several hidden gems within the country that many people have not discovered and need to do when visiting the country. Safari Kenya holidays will for sure be epic when the above-mentioned places are included.