While on a Great Rift Valley Safari Tour holiday Kenya, Tanzania you visit one of the wonders of the world. The valley forms a wide trench (about 5400 miles long) down the length of Africa that is visible from the moon. If you are planning to partake in a Great Rift Valley safari in Kenya, chances are you'll be visiting Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru. Lake Nakuru is a saltwater lake and together with its neighbouring park is famous for attracting large flocks of flamingos. The sight of thousands of bright pink birds as they collect against the soda crusted shoreline is striking. In complete contrast, Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake that is home to buffalos and hippos - as well as being the ideal safari destination for birders! Among the resident birds are fish eagles, ospreys, lily-trotters, black crakes and a large variety of herons.
Numerous mammals graze around this fresh water lake and you can also expect to see zebra, impala, giraffe and kongoni. Truth be told, you will find many wonders on safari through the Great Rift Valley.The Rift Valley is one of the wonders of the world, stretching from the Middle East, down through Africa, reaching as far as Mozambique. The staggering view, as you approach from Nairobi, Kenya is quite unbelievable. The ground suddenly disappears from under you to show the huge expanse of the great rift, stretching for thousands of miles in either direction. Whilst this stunning introduction to the Rift valley is amazing in itself, actually descending and exploring the Lakes area of the Rift in Kenya is a "not to be missed" opportunity.
The first lake approached is the beautiful, deep-green Naivasha. Whilst not a National park or Reserve itself, the Lake Naivasha Basin holds two small National Parks, both of which are well worth a visit. Naivasha of course is well worth a visit despite not being a National park! Excellent bird watching, a large population of hippo, good fishing and a wide range of superb hotels, camps and lodges make Lake Naivasha a favoured spot for weekend breaks.The first Park in the area, the Mount Longonot National Park is based around a young volcano, which rises up to 2,776 metres.
Created amongst the massive eruptions that formed the Rift itself, Longonot has beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges covered in forest, which are a haven for a variety of birds and animals. With hiking, rock climbing, biking joining the more normal game viewing activities, this park is perfect for the more active visitor. The second park is the Hell's Gate National Park. Famous for its natural hot geysers, eagle and vulture breeding grounds, obsidian deposits and extinct volcanoes, it is possible to walk, game drive, camp, cycle and rock climb within the park.
Beautiful rock gorges and natural steam vents add to the beauty of this tiny, 68 square km. Park. Game to view includes hyrax, buffalo, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, lion and leopard. As with all of the Rift Valley Parks, Hell's Gate is also an ornithologist's dream. The cliffs of Hell's Gate are the breeding grounds for vultures, Verreaux Eagles, Auger Buzzards and thousands of swifts.Heading further northwest, Lake Nakuru is the next stop. This world famous Park was created to protect its stunning flocks of lesser flamingo, which literally turn the lakeshore pink in colour. The park spans an attractive range of wooded and bush grassland around the lake, offering a wide range of eco-diversity.
Notable game within the lake area is hippo and the diverse bird life. Both black and white rhino are now resident in the sanctuary and Rothschild giraffe, buffalo, impala, eland, warthog, Mountain Reedbuck, klipspringers and Black and White Colobus Monkeys are all plentiful. This park is world-renowned and is a beacon for ornithologists, scientists and wildlife filmmakers. The next lake jewel scattered along the Rift Valley floor is Lake Bogoria. Most of this reserve is covered by the lake itself, which is a spectacular sight, reflecting searing blue skies and the rose pink of flamingo. With over 135 species of bird recorded, the area is of significant ornithological interest.
As does Lake Nakuru, Bogoria waters grow rich blue-green algae, which seasonally attract thousands of flamingos. The surrounding bushed grasslands are home to a number of animals, most notably the very rare Greater Kudu antelope. The tiny Lake Kamnarok Reserve is the last stop on this circuit. Lake Kamnarok has a diverse landscape centred around a 4,000-foot deep valley with semi-tropical vegetation on the sides contrasting with the dry thorn bush at its base. Here you can find bush pigs, waterbuck, buffalo, elephant, pelicans and grebes. As you travel through this small section of the entire Rift Valley with the rising Mau Escarpment on one side, and the Aberdare Mountains on the other, the lush, green forests of these mountain ranges frame the arid landscape of the Valley floor. With a huge variety of landscapes, activities, accommodation and wildlife, the Rift Valley Lakes area is an excellent part of any safari holiday.
Lake Baringo Kenya - The largest of the southern lakes at 80 square miles, Lake Baringo is one of only two fresh water lakes in Kenya. Four hundred species of bird have been listed in the area and the Goliath Heronry on a rocky islet in the lake (known locally as Gibraltar) is world famous. Hippo and crocodile are plentiful here and bird watching, on foot or by boat, is only one of several leisure activities available. Others include fishing, water sports or a visit to a local Njemps village where traditional crafts and dancing are enjoyed.
Lake Naivasha Kenya - the second freshwater lake and the highest of the Rift Valley lakes is Lake Naivasha, at about 6,170 feet. The lake level varies quite considerably - in 1926 it was reported as 19 feet higher. Eons ago it was a great deal higher than that and its waters gushed through Njorowa gorge now high above the lake and the dramatic entrance to Hell's Gate National Park. Lakes are not normally fresh unless water can escape but there is now no visible outlet to the lake by the Gilgil and Malewa rivers in the north. This lake is also a birdwatchers fantasy. There are over 450 species in the immediate area including the highland escarpments that surround the lake to the south and west.
Lake Naivasha Club Hotel - An hour’s drive from Nairobi, this famous club is located in the central Rift Valley, amongst the numerous game infested lakes. The Old Colonial architecture is solid and comfortable with accommodation in fully appointed rooms and cottages. The residents lounge has a massive fireplace and large bay windows. The bar is cosy and adjoins colonial adorned snooker room. The focus is on activity, as there is plenty to do here.
Delamere Club - On the shoreline of the alkaline Lake Elmenteia deep within the Great Rift Valley is one of Kenya's smallest, most exclusive permanent tented lodges and private wildlife reserves: The Soysambu Wildlife Sanctuary. Elmenteia is reserved exclusively for the few guests of the Delamere Club. The lake is not only home to hundreds of thousands of Lesser and Greater Flamingos, and Kenya's only breeding population of Great White Pelicans, but also a myriad of large and small water birds.
Kiangazi - Kiangazi, meaning 'hot dry season' in Kiswahili, is a beautiful, private, colonial-style ranch house overlooking Oloidien Bay on the southern shores of Lake Naivasha. The house faces breathtaking views of the Lake and scenic mountains of the Great Rift Valley. Accommodation is in a guest-house with large verandah overlooking the valley.
Deloraine - Built in 1920 by Lord Francis Scott, this has to be one of the grandest examples of colonial architecture in Kenya. It is set in the middle of a five thousand acre commercial farm, at six thousand feet on the lower slopes of Londiani Mountain (a forest and bamboo covered volcano on the western edge of the Great Rift Valley). Accommodation consists of six double rooms with en-suite facilities.
Loldia House - Loldia House was built among the acacia trees during the Second World War. It has breathtaking views of the dormant volcano — Mt. Longonot. The camp is ideally situated for visits to the Flamingo Lakes of Elementaita, Borori, and Nakuru, where there is a Rhino sanctuary. Accommodation includes four double rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The newer Loldia Cottage offers three double bedrooms each with private bath. Around the Camp guests can explore, on foot or horseback.
Mundui - Mundui Estate on the shores of Lake Naivasha, just a couple of hours’ drive from Nairobi, consists of 1200 acres of acacia woodland and grass plains, offering spectacular walking scenery, allowing you to savour the Kenyan landscape without the need to step into a safari vehicle. Mundui is home to wildlife in staggering diversity and profusion: giraffe, zebra, eland, cheetah and hippopotamus all roam the grounds. The two houses are situated in creatively landscaped grounds that run right down to the water’s edge.
Olerai - Located on the north shore of Lake Naivasha, this flower-covered farmhouse is watched over in the far distance by the extinct blue volcano, Mt. Longonot. Olerai House has five luxurious en-suite rooms, each with two double beds. It is a nice break in the safari itinerary, as the attitude here is quite laid back and the staff is ready to cater to your every need. If you do desire to venture out, Olerai can easily arrange one of their famous "Walk Alongside the Elephants" treks. A great way to experience the power and beauty of these animals up close and personal.
Great Rift Valley Lodge is a great place to relax with the family with plenty of activities for all to enjoy and a truly stunning view across the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha. Heritage's Adventurers' Club will keep the children occupied with special activities set up just for them while adults can take in a round of golf, tennis match or go fishing on Lake Naivasha. Accommodation is luxurious with four poster beds and private balconies to make the most of that fantastic view. With plenty of activities and facilities Great Rift Valley Lodge is a sociable and relaxing haven for any trip to Kenya.
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