THE MOST UNDERRATED AFRICAN SAFARI DESTINATIONS
While many people are familiar with famous African parks like the Serengeti, Kruger, and Masai Mara, there are many lesser-known parks that offer incredible wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes. In this post, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of some of Africa’s hidden gems, from the lush forests of Uganda to the rugged savannahs of Namibia. Get ready to discover some of the most underrated African safari destinations, yet unforgettable, parks.
1. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in central Kenya and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) as well as other rare and endangered species such as the Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest. The conservancy is also home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is a leader in the fight against poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Visitors to the conservancy can go on game drives, guided walks, and horseback safaris to explore the conservancy and its diverse wildlife. The conservancy also offers a variety of unique experiences, such as night game drives, lion tracking, and chimpanzee encounters.
One of the highlights of Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which is home to over 40 rescued chimpanzees that have been orphaned or confiscated from the illegal pet trade. Visitors can learn about the sanctuary’s ongoing conservation efforts and even participate in feeding the chimpanzees.
The conservancy also offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxurious tented camps to budget-friendly options, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers. Overall, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and looking for a unique and memorable safari experience in Kenya. If you stay at Sweetwaters Tented Camp, there is a large waterhole infront of the camp regularly visited by herds of elephants, cape buffalo, rhinoceros and much more.
2. Ndutu, Tanzania
Ndutu is a hidden gem located in the southern Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania. The area is best known for the annual wildebeest migration, which takes place from December to April when millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grass and water.
The area is also home to a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as other wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and hyenas. Visitors to Ndutu can go on game drives to witness the migration up close and see the predators in action.
One of the unique experiences offered in Ndutu is the opportunity to go on a walking safari. This allows visitors to explore the area on foot and get up close to the wildlife, offering a different perspective than a traditional game drive.
Another highlight of Ndutu is the beautiful scenery, with its vast grasslands and acacia trees. The area is also home to Lake Ndutu, which attracts a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers.
Ndutu offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxurious tented camps to budget-friendly options, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers. It is a great destination for those looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path safari experience in Tanzania.
3. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is often overlooked by visitors who flock to the nearby Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. However, Tarangire offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience, with its towering baobab trees, open savannahs, and seasonal swamps that attract large herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and other wildlife.
The park is also home to a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as a variety of bird species. Visitors to the park can go on game drives, guided walks, and hot air balloon rides to explore the park and its diverse wildlife. The park also offers a unique cultural experience, with the Maasai people living in the surrounding area and offering visitors a chance to learn about their traditional way of life.
One of the highlights of Tarangire National Park is the Tarangire River, which flows through the park and provides a vital source of water for the wildlife. During the dry season, large herds of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife congregate around the river, making it a great time to visit. Overall, Tarangire National Park is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a different safari experience from the more popular parks in the region.
4. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Samburu National Reserve is a hidden gem located in northern Kenya, just a few hours’ flight from the popular Masai Mara Reserve. The reserve is named after the Samburu people, who are a semi-nomadic tribe that live in the area and have a rich cultural heritage. The reserve is home to a variety of unique and rare wildlife, including the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Grevy’s zebra.
Visitors to the reserve can also encounter elephants, lions, and leopards, as well as a variety of bird species. The reserve is also home to the Ewaso Nyiro River, which attracts a variety of wildlife and provides a stunning backdrop for game drives and guided walks. The reserve is also a great destination for birdwatching, with over 450 bird species recorded in the area.
The reserve offers a unique cultural experience, with the Samburu people living in the surrounding area andoffering visitors a chance to learn about their traditional way of life. Visitors can participate in cultural activities such as traditional dances, beadwork, and warrior training, and learn about the Samburu’s unique relationship with the wildlife in the area.
One of the highlights of Samburu National Reserve is the stunning landscape, with its rugged hills, acacia forests, and open savannahs. The reserve is also located close to other popular safari destinations, such as the Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve, making it a great addition to any safari itinerary in the region.
5. Nairobi National Park, Kenya
Nairobi National Park is a unique destination located just a few kilometers from the bustling city of Nairobi. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, and giraffes, as well as over 400 bird species. The park also offers a unique safari experience, with the city skyline serving as a dramatic backdrop to the wildlife-filled plains.
Visitors to the park can go on game drives, guided walks, and visit the animal orphanage, which is home to a variety of rescued animals such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The park also offers a variety of picnic sites and viewpoints, making it a great destination for a day trip from Nairobi.
One of the highlights of Nairobi National Park is the Ivory Burning Site Monument, which commemorates the burning of over 12 tons of elephant tusks and rhino horns by the Kenyan government in 1989 to draw attention to the ivory poaching crisis. The monument serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Overall, Nairobi National Park is a unique and accessible destination that offers a different safari experience from the more remote parks in the region. It is a great option for those short on time or looking for a quick safari experience while in Nairobi.
6. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Kenya
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem located in southern Kenya, just a few hours’ drive from the coastal city of Mombasa. The sanctuary spans over 28,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and leopards. One of the highlights of the sanctuary is the Taita Hills Lodge, which offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Visitors to the sanctuary can go on game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching tours to explore the sanctuary and its diverse wildlife. The sanctuary is also home to the Taita Hills Wildlife Research and Conservation Center, which is dedicated to studying and protecting the wildlife of the region. Visitors can learn about the ongoing conservation efforts and participate in activities such as tree planting and wildlife monitoring.
The sanctuary is located in a beautiful and unique landscape, with the Taita Hills forming a dramatic backdrop to the wildlife-filled plains. The area is also home to the Taita people, who have a rich cultural heritage and offer visitors a chance to experience traditional dances, songs, and crafts. Overall, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic African safari experience in a beautiful and unique setting.
In conclusion, while popular destinations like the Maasai Mara and Serengeti are undoubtedly incredible places to witness Africa’s incredible wildlife, they are not the only destinations worth exploring. Taita Hills, Tarangire, Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nairobi National Park, and Ndutu are all underrated safari destinations that offer unique experiences and incredible wildlife sightings. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveler, these destinations are definitely worth considering for your next African adventure. Visit Brady’s Wildlife Adventures for more information on all our upcoming tours visiting these beautiful and unique parks throughout East Africa.
