These are among Kenya’s most marketed and picturesque postcard destinations. But when you dig a little bit deeper, you will find they have been overrated and sometimes with underlying issues. It doesn’t mean they are not exquisite destinations, but rather other alternatives which are equally beautiful, if not better, are overlooked. Most of these places are also overpriced and usually suffer from overcrowding.
In this article, we answer why they are overrated and their alternatives.
5. Karura Forest
Karura Forest is a Green Space on 1041 hectares piece of land in the Capital city of Kenya, Nairobi.
Karura Forest is Kenya’s most famous urban Green Space located in the heart of Nairobi. Its neighbourhood includes the middle and upper-class suburbs (e.g. Runda, Parklands and Westlands). Hence it can be a bit overcrowded during the weekends.
The proximity to government institutions, colleges and foreign Embassies is also a primary contributor to its overcrowding. Still, the facility itself is well managed and has enough greenery.
what’s the alternative?
On the other side of Nairobi is another Green Space known as Oloolua Nature Trail. It has everything you need: you can have a picnic or take a walk through the 5.2km/3.2 mile trail around the facility. It also has a 20-foot waterfall.
The whole facility is on 250 hectares of land.
4. Mombasa.
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city along the Kenyan Coastline. It is currently with a population of 1.3 million residents.
Mombasa is on this list due to the many hotels concentrated along its beaches. The beaches are usually overcrowded in and out of season. During the holidays, accommodation prices tend to skyrocket. The public beaches are not well maintained. While accessing the private beaches requires premium pay.
Tourists can also find Beach Boys, ‘local guides’, as annoying (especially Caucasians as they stand out from the locals).
what’s the alternative?
Watamu is 105km North of Mombasa and is more private but slightly more expensive than Mombasa.
The Beaches are pristine, with more Green Spaces.
3. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most famous National Parks situated in the Southern part of the country.
It is the place to go if you want to see lots of Elephants. If fortunate to find a clear morning sky, you will view the spectacular Mt. Kilimanjaro in the far background.
It’s got thicker forests than other parks, and therefore not easy to spot the Big Cats. You will need an experienced tour guide to spot the wildlife behind bushes.
what’s the alternative?
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of the most underrated conservancies in Kenya.
The Conservancy is managed privately, in conjunction with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Lodges found in the Conservancy regularly appear in Africa’s top-ranked hotels in different surveys example, the Sirikoi Lodge.
It is currently home to 169 Black Rhinos, an endangered species. It also has the Big Five, which you can easily spot on the valleys.
2. Lamu Island
Lamu is one of Kenya’s most iconic and historic ports. It is a UNESCO heritage site.
Take a look at Trip Advisor, and you will realize it has one of the most ranges of reviews in Kenya.
Those who rate it positively also acknowledge its faults. It’s a very pricey, overrated and dirty town. To get the best of Lamu, one needs a recommended local tour guide. Also, it is an Islamic community, so female tourists are encouraged to dress modestly. It is indeed one of the most preserved historical towns but might be overrated as you compare it with other towns along the Kenyan Coast.
what’s the alternative?
Chale Island is on the South Coast of Kenya (10km from Diani).
Though without the historical appeal of Lamu, it has clean beaches with white sand. It’s also surrounded by indigenous trees on the island.
1. Giraffe Manor
Africa’s most Instagrammed Hotel is located in Nairobi.
Giraffe Manor is part of The Safari Collection which manages a portfolio of Luxury African Lodges.
It’s a favourite for most travel influencers and celebrities. It’s also important to note that Giraffe Manor is expensive costing almost $1,000 a night. Emergency booking might not be an option as it can be fully booked up to a month in advance.
It’s out of reach for most Kenyans and tourists on a Budget.
what’s the alternative?
Giraffe Centre is located in the same location as Giraffe Manor.
In fact, the same Giraffes are fed on both properties. The difference is that Giraffe Centre is open to the public and does not need one to spend the night there. The cost of entry is a fraction of that for Giraffe Manor.
