Great Rift Valley

Africa’s Great Rift Valley is a 6,000 mile crack in the Earth’s crust, stretching down from Lebanon to Mozambique. The dramatic section which runs through Kenya has a stunning mix of freshwater and alkaline soda lakes. The Kenya Lake system is surrounded by the steep escarpment of the Rift Valley, which provides a spectacular backdrop.

Of Kenya’s 64 lakes, 8 are in the Kenyan section of the Great Rift Valley.

Lake Turkana, “The Jade Sea” is the largest desert lake in the world. And, it supports one of the largest populations of Nile Crocodiles on the continent

Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria are usually visited as a day trip from Lake Nakuru or Lake Naivasha. Lakes Bogoria, Nakuru and Elementeita have some of the most diverse populations of birds in the world. The lakes are also the home of thirteen globally threatened species of bird. The alkaline soda lakes are an important nesting and breeding site for great white pelicans. In addition, they are an important feeding area for lesser flamingos in the world.

Lake Magadi, an alkaline soda lake, home to lesser flamingos.

highlights

Birdlife

Each of the lakes of the Rift Valley in Kenya, there is a plethora of birdlife to marvel.
The main attraction of the Rift Valley lakes are the immense flocks of greater and lesser flamingo that fly between Lake Bogoria and Lake Magadi. In addition to flamingos, the lakes host a great variety of birdlife, both local and migratory. At the most famous of these lakes, Lake Nakuru, almost 400 bird species have been recorded altogether, including great numbers of pelicans along the lake’s southern and eastern shores. Large flocks of flamingo also congregate profusely at Lake Bogoria when conditions at Lake Nakuru are unsuited to them. Lake Baringo, supporting in excess of 500 species of birds, is an ornithologists paradise.

Wildlife

Most of Rift Valley lakes are now national parks hosting an abundance of wildlife. Lake Bogoria National Reserve was gazetted in 1973 as a sanctuary for its resident greater kudu, an antelope which is rare in most parts of Kenya. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding the lake, is famous for a great variety of wildlife. Both black and white rhino as found here as are a herd of the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. Other mammals include large herds of buffalo, lion, leopard and hyena; it is the best place in Kenya to see Bohor reedbuck and Defassa waterbuck. Most of these lakes house a large number of hippo, Lake Turkana is famous for its large population of crocodiles.

Flamingos

Flamingos are one of the most iconic birds in the world and with about two thirds of the population occurring in East Africa, it’s no wonder that they are up on the list to see along with the famous big 5, large Tusker Elephants or Mountain Gorillas.

Fishing

For guests who love to fish, the opportunity for catch and release fishing of the iconic Nile Perch and Tilapia is an opportunity that should not be missed. Coupled with some beautiful properties and the famous Kenyan hospitality, fishing on a secluded island is a truly remarkable experience.

Boat Rides

The opportunity to experience wildlife from the water offers a unique experience in Kenya. Boat rides are an excellent way to see Hippos in their natural environment, while also having the opportunity to see some unique birdlife.

Horse Riding

The Camps in Soysambu Conservancy offer a unique opportunity to go horse riding in the conservancy. Experienced riders can venture out into this stunning conservancy and explore the beautiful shoreline of Lake Elmenteita. Guests are provided with a helmet and are always accompanied by an experienced rider guide.

Island Visits

Lake Turkana is huge and within the lake are three islands, North Island, Central Island and South Island which can be visited as part of day trips while exploring the North. These islands can be accessed by boat or by helicopter.

Cultural Visits

Kenya has a rich and diverse culture. Interacting and understanding how different cultures live and survive is an important part of understanding the heritage of Kenya. With some really wonderful authentic cultural visits, guests can be sure to have a wonderful and enriching experience.

Cultural Festivals

Rift Valley Music Festival
The annual Rift Valley Music Festival is Kenya’s first international music festival which takes place late August at Fisherman’s Camp on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The festival features mostly Kenyan artists and a few international acts playing from a single, central stage to an audience of a few thousand. The festival also features a craft market, open-air cinema and children’s play area.

Lake Turkana Cultural Festival
The Lake Turkana Festival takes place annually in Loiyangalani, a small town located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Turkana.
The 3-day unique festival brings together the ethnic communities who live in this remote and forgotten region. The festival is a celebration of the rich cultures of the El Molo, Samburu, Gabbra, Rendile, Watta, Dasannach and the Turkana all who live around the Jade Sea. The underlying goal of this festival is the promotion of peace and furthermore the appreciation of these fascinating tribes. This festival is a must-attend for photographers who want to capture the colourful tribes of Kenya.

Suguta Valley

A desolate, extraordinary and isolated place, the best way to see the Suguta valley is by taking a scenic helicopter flight. One of the hottest places on earth is nicknamed ‘The Valley of Death’. It’s a photographers and geologists paradise, full of extraordinary landscape and ancient fossils and rock formations. Giant granite rocks perched atop eroded volcanic ash stacks dot the valley, before giving way to the ‘Painted Valley’. Here, the deep rocky gorge is layered with contrasting strata of rock and volcanic ash, creating a rainbow-like effect. The valley opens up into a flat expanse of grassland and palm trees, before giving way to miles and miles of sand dunes, created by the relentless winds that sweep through the Suguta Valley. Touch down to disembark and fully take in this desolate and extraordinary place with no signs of life for miles around.

Historical Site Visits

En route to Lake Magadi – Olorgesailie is an area containing a group of archaeological sites. Ancient tools have been discovered. Tools such as hand made axes, that are important in understanding the evolution of humans and survival using hand made tools to hunt. In the north near Lake Turkana, Sibiloi National Park is known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ housing archaeological sites where fossils have been discovered and still remain. These fossils have given us a deep insight into the evolution of humans.

Best time to visit

As the lakes are scattered across the country, anytime of the year is suitable to visit different lakes. The drier seasons which are from June – September and December – March are better times to enjoy the activities on the lakes. However for some of the lakes, especially for Lake Magadi and Lake Turkana, as the weather in those environments can get quite extreme, we suggest a visit during the cooler months, which are from April – August.

Great Rift Valley

Great Rift Valley

highlights

Birdlife

Wildlife

Flamingos

Fishing

Boat Rides

Horse Riding

Island Visits

Cultural Visits

Cultural Festivals

Suguta Valley

Historical Site Visits

Best time to visit

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