5 Unique Safari Experiences You Should Consider

Written by: Felix Abel, Local Expert

While most travelers think of Kenya’s Masai Mara or Tanzania’s famous Serengeti when they envision a safari in East Africa, there are several lesser-known parks in these countries which offer distinctive and equally exhilarating safari experiences. These hidden gems are perfect for travelers who are returning to Africa for a second, or even third time, or those who have a bit of extra time in their itinerary.

1. Meru National Park

Northeast of Mount Kenya and just over 200 miles from Nairobi, Meru National Reserve is where Joy Adamson of “Born Free” fame released Elsa the lioness back into the wild. This beautiful park was, at one time, one of the most popular in Kenya. However, the uptick in poaching in the 1980’s resulted in the tragic slaughter of 80% of Meru’s rhinos and 90% of its elephants.

In 2000, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the International Fund for Animal Welfare put a team of anti-poaching rangers in place and rebuilt the park’s infrastructure, which has resulted in thriving numbers of protected black and white rhinos (over 80, in fact) within the 30 square mile reserve. Free of crowds, Meru is a spectacular place for game drives with abundant sightings of both rhino species at close range. You can also visit Elsa the lioness’ gravesite, which is inside the park.

2. Aberdares National Park

About 60 miles north of Nairobi in Central Kenya, Aberdares National Park encompasses varied terrain, from mountain peaks rising 13,000 feet above sea level to deep valleys, to rainforest. The park is also home to the stunning Treetops Lodge, a lodge on stilts made famous as the place where Queen Elizabeth II visited as a princess and left as queen.

Treetops is set in the path of an ancient migratory route for elephants between the Aberdare Mountains and Mt Kenya National Park in front of a watering hole, making it ideal for relaxing stints of game-viewing from the lodge. The lodge is so entrenched in its surroundings that there’s even an old tree growing right through the hotel. Enjoy a unique safari with a visit to Treetops with Natural World Kenya Safaris.

3. Ol Pejeta Conservancy

In Central Kenya’s Laikipia region, the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa. A not-for-profit endeavor employing highly trained rhino protection rangers and an international team of veterinarians, the conservancy is home to over 110 critically endangered black rhino and the only two remaining northern white rhino on earth. Visit this inspiring place on a Natural World Kenya Safari and see how Kenya is doing its part to protect critically endangered wildlife with the help of the surrounding community.

4. Tarangire National Park

This lesser-known park in northern Tanzania, just south of Lake Manyara, is a protected area of giant baobab trees, sweeping grasslands, and vast herds of elephant. During the dry season, visitors can expect to see as many as 3,000 elephants here, the largest concentration in the world. Tarangire is also home to 700 lion and is an excellent spot for bird watching. One of the most underrated parks in Tanzania due to its slightly out of the way location, Tarangire affords those who visit more space and exclusivity with some of the best game drives in Africa.

5. Arusha National Park

Just a few miles northeast of the town of Arusha, Arusha National Park is home not only to Mount Meru, the second highest peak in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro, but also to mountain rainforests, sweeping savannahs, and lush moorlands. One of Tanzania’s most varied parks, Arusha National Park offers a range of experiences for those who visit it including hiking up majestic Mount Meru and canoeing in one or even all the seven Momela Lakes in the park.

Spot flamingoes from your canoe, or even zebra, warthog ,and giraffe onshore. In fact, some say that Arusha National Park has the world’s largest population of giraffe. Walking safaris are also especially lovely here, given the park’s lush green hills and woodlands and immense swaths of forest filled with blue and colobus monkeys.