Kenya’s off the beaten path | Discover the Kenya’s undiscovered treasures

Kenya is quite beautiful. The majority of tour companies only include the well-known, pricy, and touristy sites. However, as a  self drive road tripper, you see Kenya in a whole new light when you’re traveling in your own car with your rooftop tent  and  camping Equipment packed in the back.

Create your itinerary while on the road, meet genuine locals and inspire other travelers, and eat and sleep for free. Put bucket list travel on hold and discover Kenya’s hidden gems!
Some fantastic off-the-beaten-path locations for an exciting road trip in Kenya are listed in this guide. Do you have a secret treasure to share? Send us an email; we would be delighted to hear about it!

Western Kenya’s hidden treasures

There are a lot of lakes, a huge mountain, a number of national parks, a verdant jungle, and not many tourists in western Kenya. Our top picks for off-the-beaten-path activities in this area are as follows:

  • Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano that separates Kenya and Uganda. It takes four days to climb to the top of Mount Elgon. The region provides fantastic day treks along tranquil routes for people looking for shorter experiences.
  • Kerio Valley Drive is a breathtaking rollercoaster that leads up to Iten along the Rift Valley wall. Consider spending the night in the picturesque Lelin Overland Campsite after enjoying a delicious lunch and stunning views at the Kerio View Hotel.
  • The Kakamega Forest Reserve is a remote area of thick tropical rainforest that was formerly part of the Congo and Kenya. All of the local guides are well qualified, and there are plenty of walking trails to explore. Enjoy a cozy campfire and the tranquil sounds of the forest at the charming Forest Guest House campground.
  • The Saiwa Swamp is a tiny, remote national park that can only be reached on foot via boardwalks and hiking routes. With more than 370 bird species, it is a haven for birdwatchers. The entire experience is improved by the well-kept public campground.
  • Ruma National Park Secluded and hidden, Ruma National Park has a unique ecology and is home to uncommon creatures including Bohr’s reedbuck and Roan antelopes, which are unique to this area. Since there are no amenities at the campsite, self-sufficiency is essential if you want to fully experience the park’s distinctive environment.

North and central Kenya’s hidden treasures

Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Ol Pejeta was a cattle ranch during the colonial era. It is now hailed as one of the most prosperous private conservancies. Ol Pejeta is home to many wildlife, including the Big Five, and is also the largest sanctuary for the endangered Black Rhino in East Africa and a sanctuary for chimpanzees that have been rescued. Furthermore, Ol Pejeta boasts one of Kenya’s greatest numbers of predators. Lion tracking, night game drives, horseback riding among rhinos, and running in the wild are just a few of the thrilling conservation activities available to visitors, making this a pleasant and family-friendly safari destination.The park has a great conservancy website where you can plan and reserve your visit and activities.

Olpejeta conservancy wildlife sanctuary

Ngare Nadre Forest: The lush, native woodland known as Ngare Ndare is situated in the foothills of Mount Kenya. It is a real hidden gem and rarely seen by visitors. At Timau, take a detour off the A2. It takes 45 minutes to make the 15-kilometer detour on a bumpy route from there. Strongly recommended! You may bathe in azure pools, stroll to waterfalls, and take the longest canopy walk in East Africa at Ngare Ndare. Elephants are a unique sight in the forest, and there is a good probability of seeing them. It costs 4000 KSh per person to enter, plus an additional 1000 KSh for the ranger. Make sure a ranger is available to show you to the pools by giving them a call in advance; they are very kind and informed. There is a public campsite at Ngare Ndare for those who enjoy camping. If not, proceed to Nanyuki, the town that serves as the entry point to Ol Pejeta, which takes 90 minutes. There are a few decent restaurants, motels, and a well-stocked grocery in Nanyuki.

Our Off the Beaten Track self-drive journey includes a day trip to Kenya’s Ngare Ndare Forest.

Are you prepared to explore Kenya away from the tourists?

Our self-drive trips take you to off-the-beaten-path locations, such as savannahs, isolated lakes, and secret lodges. So that you can concentrate on the trip, we will set out your 4×4 itinerary and lodging.