Rift Valley: Journey through Valleys and Lakes

Unique Selling Points

How to get there:

Air: The region can be accessed by charter to the Naishi airstrip in L. Nakuru National Park or through private airstrips.

Road: This is a popular way to get to the region.

Rail: One can access Naivasha through the standard gauge railway line which is currently being finalized.

The Finest Lakes

The Great Rift Valley is not only home to some of the world’s finest lakes, it plays an important role in the earth’s natural history in that it is a 6,000-mile crack in the earth’s crust that stretches from Lebanon to Mozambique—much of it is found in Kenya, where it has literally cut the country in two. It is a geological wonder and for that reason, the Rift Valley is distinctive and unique.

Attractions:

The lakes of the Rift Valley are among its greatest features; Lake Baringo, Lake Bagoria, Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita, and Lake Naivasha all support a large proportion of Kenya’s wildlife. Fever tree-lined Lake Nakuru and Lake Bagoria have huge flocks of flamingo; Lake Baringo is home to 500 species of birds; and scenic, freshwater Lake Naivasha supports healthy populations of hippo.

Also in the Rift Valley, visitors will find the dramatic red cliffs of Hell’s Gate National Park.

Activities: In addition to visiting the lakes and enjoying a walking safari with the Maasai in the plains, visitors might wish to hike in Eburru forest or see Crescent Island, a private island sanctuary in Lake Naivasha, and Elsamere, a museum and home of the late Joy Adamson, the wildlife conservationist and author of “Born Free.” Tours of the flower farms and visits to the geothermal spa at Olkaria are also possible.

Experiences:

The sweeping Rift Valley provides opportunities for unforgettable experiences. Given its pastoral landscapes and breathtaking scenery, the region is excellent for hiking and trekking, as well as game viewing.

Visitors can also take guided walks around the lakes, enjoy a picnic lunch, and go birdwatching, especially near the lakes. Community visits and shopping at farm stands is also a wonderful way to immerse oneself in the local culture.

About the Rift Valley

Journey through Valleys and Lakes. The Great Rift Valley is one of the natural wonders of the world. Kenya’s Great Rift Valley is part of a continental fault system that runs over 3,500 miles across the Middle East and Africa, creating a literal rift across Kenya in its wake. The fresh water and soda lakes that line the floor of the valley each offer fantastic scenery and birdlife, including the world’s largest flamingo population.

Where is the Rift Valley?

The Great Rift Valley is part of an intra-continental ridge system that runs through Kenya from north to south.

Rift Valley Highlights

Kenya's Lake Systems of Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Elementaita are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Highlights of the Great Rift Valley include the scenic freshwater Lake Naivasha, the dramatic cliffs of Hell's Gate, a string of towns along the Mau escarpment, and Lake Nakuru National Park with its fever-tree-lined shores.

The valley’s shape also means it forms a natural migration corridor for birdlife, and huge flocks of flamingos by the thousands are not uncommon, particularly near Lake Bogoria. Active travelers can explore the dormant volcanoes of Longonot, Suswa, and Menengai or even ride mountain bikes through herds of zebra beneath the cliffs of Hell’s Gate.

Shores along Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha provide ideal spots for those who want to relax and enjoy idyllic weekends.