By Gladys Mutie
Kenya can surprise you one day at a time because you get to discover new places you never knew existed. Today, let’s talk about our hidden gems. Surprise…!! We can visit these places by a 45minute-1 hour helicopter ride from Nairobi. They include:
1. The Chalbi Desert
Our first gem is Kenya’s largest desert lake. It stretches over 100,00 sq kilometers. It also harbors some pastoralist communities; if interested, you can go for a camel ride. The extensive, bleached coarse shimmer-like sand stretch is an amazing and unforgettable sight.
2. Namarunu Volcano
Located in The Great Rift Valley, Namarunu is our second hidden gem in Kenya. The volcano has been dormant for millennia and extends within the Suguta Valley (we’ll also discuss this). For thrill-seekers, you can engage in rock-climbing activities. It is also an unforgettable experience with your friends and family.
Namarunu Volcano aerial view
3. Paka Volcano
This is our third hidden gem in Kenya. It is also located in the Great Rift Valley. The volcano is common for its geothermal activity and can be perfect for someone seeking a good summer vacation. The cold is becoming too much, right? The volcano has a caldera and small craters, creating a beautiful scenery. You’ll also get to interact with the native community living there and experience an important part of Kenya’s culture. You also get to see some exotic domestic animals like donkeys and camels, and go for a ride, maybe?
Paka Volcano
4. Emuruangogolak Volcano
Our fourth gem almost engulfs the Gregory Rift Valley. It also lies within the Suguta-Baringo trough and is its narrowest part. It has smoking fissures and parasitic cones that encompass its beauty.
Emuruangogolak Volcano
5. Barrier Volcano
Another shield volcano located on the northern side of Kenya, the Barrier volcano, is our fifth gem. True to its name, it separates the Suguta Trough from Lake Turkana. Thus, it acts as a barrier between the two. Who wouldn’t want to see a barricade of two great sights? There is an added plus. Since the barrier is also a great sight, you’ll get to see three beautiful sceneries at once.
Barrier Volcano
6. Lake Logipi
Lake Logipi is truly a diamond in the rough. Located in the middle of nowhere, Logipi is a small Lake in the northern Rift Valley. Surprisingly, it is separated by ‘The Barrier,’ from L. Turkana. It forms part of the Suguta trough. You can also have a short excursion trip and take home a ‘gem.’
Lake Logipi
7. Mount Silali
Our 7th gem is located on the northern part of Suguta Valley in Kapedo. It is the largest Quartenery volcano in the northern part of Rift Valley. It is also a memorable sight that you, your family, and your friends will remember.
Silali Crater
8. Suguta Valley
I decided to talk about Suguta Valley last because I consider it ‘The Secret World.’ It holds all of the gems we have discussed and many more. It has numerous destinations, including volcanoes, lakes, deserts, and calderas. It is also suitable for an odyssey since it has all these beautiful sites.
A desert in Suguta Valley
Why a Helicopter Ride?
You can tour these places with a tour van and other vehicles if you please. However, we recommend a helicopter ride, and here’s why. The Suguta Valley stretches across the Great Rift Valley. You can get to see other wonders of the Great Rift from above, things you never imagined. Also, there is nothing better than getting an aerial view of a mountain, lake, or crater; the experience is unforgettable. Lastly, I mean, it’s a helicopter Ride; who wouldn’t want that for an adventure?
Contact us for this invigorating and unforgettable adventure.