Epic Places in Kenya You Didn't Know Existed

Saiwa Swamp National Park is the smallest national park in Kenya. It is home to the rare swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope and the old world De Brazza’s monkey, recognisable for its white goatee. The acacia and riverine forest make this 3sqkm (1sqmi) park a stunning place to explore.

Samatian is a private island on Lake Baringo in the Great Rift Valley. The Laikipia escarpment lies behind it, making for a breathtaking sunset backdrop. There is also a vast array of bird life, with more than 500 species. Take a scenic boat trip, go fishing or enjoy a nature walk during your stay.

Lake Victoria has around 1,000 islands, ranging from spits to inhabitable islets, but only a few are well documented. Takawiri is one such island, and has a resort, fishing village and a glorious white sandy beach lined with palm trees. From here you can visit other islands, like Rusinga, which is an hour’s boat ride away.

Kazuri means small and beautiful in Swahili, and this business started out as a compact beading workshop. The beads are exquisite and reflect the wildlife and culture of Kenya. The company employs more than 400 women and exports the beautiful beads to many countries. Every bead is special and unique, as you will learn when you visit.

Nani’s Kitengela Glass & Cottages, near Nairobi National Park, is adorned with glass sculptures and mosaic ornaments. Here you can watch artisans transform recycled glass into art and decor, as well as partake in some activities yourself, including camel riding, felting and mosaic classes. Eco-cottages are available for a longer visit.

This resort, 45km (28mi) from Nairobi, was initially a ranch house with spacious accommodation, surrounded by 200 acres of rolling grasslands. One of the main attractions today, however, is the giant ostrich, the beautiful flightless bird that stands at around 2m (6.6ft) high. Although there are some ethical concerns about ostrich riding, this activity is listed here. Other activities include swimming and farm tours.

The Brandy Bus is an old school bus that has been revamped, and it makes a great Airbnb listing. Set in a lush mature garden in Karen, Nairobi, the doubledecker has two double beds upstairs and two small beds downstairs, as well as a kitchenette and outdoor firepit.

Home to over 20 percent of Kenya’s bird species, 30 percent of its butterfly species, and at least 24 rare and endemic birds, mammals, and other species, Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve is as diverse a landscape as you’ll find. This is the largest coastal forest in East Africa; explore the reserve via its tracks and trails.

Fairview Coffee Estate is a must visit farm if you’re looking for a full sensory experience. You’ll explore the fields and the factory before partaking in a coffee tasting session conducted by a skilled barista. After this, you can enjoy a cup of your favourite blend in the lush gardens surrounded by waterfalls, birds and unique flowers.

The Chalbi Desert is in Marsabit County, east of Lake Turkana. Here, you’ll traverse the bleached soils and walk on coarse sand and rocks. The desert is so salty that animals use it as a naturally occurring salt lick. There is an oasis in this desert called Kalacha, where travellers and animals go to quench their thirst under the palm and acacia trees.

This is a historical and archaeological site on the coast of the Indian Ocean, located near the town of Gedi in Kilifi County. One of Kenya’s mysteries, the Gedi Ruins consist of a walled town, which includes mosques, a palace and numerous houses, and is thought to have prospered between the 11th and 17th centuries, until it was abandoned.