Rift Valley
in Kenya
- Lakes and Volcanoes
- Pink Flamingos
- Colonial Mansions
The Great Rift Valley,
The Great African Rift
This is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Just being here is an unforgettable experience, as the panoramic views are breathtaking. The fact is, East Africa has been drifting eastward for eons, separating from the major continent. This results from a colossal fracture – a rift in the tectonic plates. Part of this ancient process involved the Arabian Peninsula breaking away from Africa, leading to forming the Red Sea. In East Africa, this fault line in the Earth’s crust has given rise to many rift valley lakes, as well as a chain of extinct volcanoes, including the famous African peaks of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.
The Great Rift Valley carves its way through the entirety of Kenya and Tanzania. It’s wide – ranging from thirty to a hundred kilometers! – and picturesque. Imagine a vibrant yellow-green carpet of vegetation, punctuated by the sapphire splashes of lakes. The Rift Valley features many lakes such as Nakuru, Bogoria, Baringo, Elmenteita, and Oloidien. All of them are crater lakes, some freshwater, others saline. Flying over the Rift Valley lakes in a helicopter offers not only stunning landscape vistas but also the chance to observe the local wildlife: crocodiles lying motionless in wait for prey and elegant flamingos.
A true gem among the rift valley lakes is the freshwater Lake Naivasha. Firstly, it’s renowned for its rich fauna, boasting an incredible variety of birds (over 400 species!). You can observe them from the shore or from a boat, including majestic pelicans, graceful flamingos, and the remarkable African fish eagle, whose hunting displays are a true spectacle. Secondly, Lake Naivasha sits at a higher altitude than other rift valley lakes, granting it magnificent scenery.
Every year, thousands of tourists visit the shores of Lake Naivasha, staying in lodges nestled along its banks and nearby. These lodges often border rose greenhouses, which cultivate flowers for sale in Europe and Asia. While most lodges cater to mass tourism, a couple of private sanctuaries cater to the more discerning traveler. Here, the lodges are more like luxurious lakeside estates, offering top-tier service that includes a personal butler, Moroccan-style picnics on carpets and cushions, and game drives at any time of day or night within the sanctuary. Guests can also enjoy the unique experience of watching wildlife stroll by during breakfast served on fine china.
Beyond the birds, Lake Naivasha is famous for its large hippopotamus population. A boat trip here is a particular highlight, offering the chance to observe these charming behemoths from a close distance. The opportunity to see hippos in their natural habitat is a major draw for those embarking on a Kenyan safari.
While the lake itself has no islands, the Crescent Island peninsula is home to numerous herbivores and no predators. Here, you can enjoy a walking safari, observing giraffes, waterbucks, antelopes, and zebras. Horseback riding among herds of African ungulates is also a consistently popular activity, allowing you to experience the herd’s dynamics from within.
Lake Naivasha can be visited year-round. Thanks to its unique location, the climate here never becomes oppressively hot. However, during the rainy season, there’s a higher chance of getting caught in a downpour during the day. On the plus side, this is when the lake swells with water, expands, and becomes even more breathtaking. Full of life and impressive in size, surrounded by picturesque hills, it continues its natural rhythm and generously extends its hospitality to the diverse inhabitants of Africa.
Africa is first and foremost the wild animal world of the national parks, each of which is unique.
Why go to the Rift Valley
and what to experience there
Emotions and new experiences are unique. Uniting with wild nature through experiences, feeling the power of ancient cultures, learning the wisdom of the African land is priceless.
Hotels in Africa have unforgettable dreams, the magic of comfort and wildlife can only be felt here
WHERE TO SLEEP?
or amazing hotels
Please select your overnight accommodations below,
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Nestled on a historic working farm along the shores of Lake Naivasha, Loldia House offers a variety of accommodations to suit any taste. Choose from a room in the original family home, a garden cottage with stunning views of the lake and Mount Longonot (an extinct volcano), or a hilltop haven for ultimate seclusion. The lodge is equipped to pamper you and provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy the lush, blooming gardens, the mesmerizing vistas of the valleys and lake, a refreshing dip in the pool, and indulge in the luxurious spa. The spa features the famed Kenyan massage, rejuvenating facials and body treatments, and a full nail service. The rooms themselves evoke the charm of the colonial era, but with a definite touch of modern chic and comfort.
colonial lakefront mansion
Built in 1933, Hippo Point Mansion sits on a narrow isthmus between the western shore of Lake Naivasha and Lake Oloyedean. Hippo Point is a private reserve where zebras, giraffes, hippos, warthogs, water goats, impalas, Thomson’s gazelles, leopards and black and white colobus, a rare species of beautiful monkeys also called “king monkeys” roam freely. The house is built in Elizabethan style: turn-of-the-century English and French furniture; spacious rooms with lake and garden views; fireplaces and wooden floors; two dining rooms, one of which is al fresco; a library with a selection of African literature; and a 25-meter swimming pool close to the house. Take a boat ride on the lake surrounded by pristine nature and don’t forget to have a traditional African drink at sunset.
Cypress-clad and soaring 120 feet into the sky, the pagoda, a recent addition, punctuates the landscape of vibrant yellow trees at Hippo Point estate, whose main house dates back to 1933. Nestled in the East African Rift Valley, on a slender isthmus between Lakes Naivasha and Oloidien – where you’re all but guaranteed to share the water with hippos – this place is best approached by helicopter for truly unforgettable aerial views.
Customized tours
to Rift Valley
We know and love Africa. All of our routes are designed, tested, and personally traveled by us. These are just examples of what your trip could look like. We will create a personalized program just for you, one that will divide your life into “before” and “after,” and you’ll want to return, again and again.
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