THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY
Stretching from Ethiopia to Malawi, the Rift Valley is home to a series of stunning lakes, some of the oldest, deepest, and most biodiverse in the world. These lakes, like Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Baringo, are havens for wildlife, with over 800 species of cichlid fish, massive flamingo colonies, and rare creatures like rhinos and Rothschild giraffes. Many of these lakes are alkaline soda lakes, teeming with specialized organisms that thrive in these unique ecosystems. The lakes are recognized by the World Wide Fund for Nature as critical conservation zones.
Day 1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara
Today we pick you up early in the morning from your Hotel for Maasai Mara through the famous Rift valley viewpoint for photos and viewing along the way with spectular viewing sceneries, as you proceed for the Masai Mara Game Reserve to arrive intime for lunch.
Depart for an afternoon gamedrive in this magnificent Park, which forms the same eco-system with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park back early evening.
Day 2: Masai Mara (Full Day)
At sunrise we wake up for an early breakfast followed by a full day of game drives within the Reserve. The Masai Mara is famous for it’s wildlife concentration and abundance that is second to none in the region. Elephant, lion and buffalo can be seen with relative ease though luck is a necessary factor for spotting rhino and leopard that complete the big five as the two animals are very timid and sparsely numbered. We will cater for a picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool where with luck you may spot crocodiles basking on the rocks. Numerous plains game including antelopes, wildebeest, zebra and maasai giraffe can be seen as well as scavengers like hyena and vulture.
Day 3: Masai Mara – Naivasha
On this day after breakfast, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai people with a visit to a traditional Maasai village.
Explore the village, including the distinctive “enkangs” (homes) and the traditional practices passed down through generations. Enjoy traditional dances, songs, and demonstrations of Maasai crafts, and take the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the community. This cultural immersion provides a deeper understanding of the Maasai’s deep-rooted connection to the land and their sustainable lifestyle. The experience will be a meaningful and enriching addition to your safari journey before continuing on to Naivasha for the next leg of your adventure arriving in the late afternoon.
Afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha and guided nature walk on Crescent Island among giraffes, zebras, and antelope.
Day 4: Naivasha – Lake Elementaita – Nakuru
After breakfast, stop at Lake Elementaita for a scenic visit and photo opportunity.
Nestled between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita is a shallow soda lake that’s part of the UNESCO-listed Kenya Lake System. Surrounded by ancient volcanic hills and acacia woodlands, this serene lake offers an oasis of calm and is a haven for birdlife.
- Birdwatching Paradise: Home to flamingos (both lesser and greater), pelicans, and over 400 other bird species.
- Scenic Beauty: Elementaita is often admired for its surreal morning mists and golden-hued sunsets.
Lake Elementaita remains relatively untouched, offering a more intimate experience compared to larger, more touristic lakes.
Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park for a game drive. This Park is famous for its ecosystem which comprises of the lake, surrounded by mainly wooded and bushy grasslands. The Park supports a wide ecological diversity with flamingos (greater and lesser) and other water birds being the major attractions of the area. The ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals including the white rhino and buffaloes and a variety of terrestrial birds numbering nearly 450 species.
Day 5: Nakuru to Lake Baringo
Depart early for Lake Baringo (approx. 2.5 hrs drive)
Take a boat ride on the lake, spot crocodiles, hippos, and birds.
Unlike most Rift Valley lakes, Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake, making it ecologically distinct. Located in a semi-arid region, it supports a variety of aquatic life and is an important stopover for migratory birds.
- Birding Hotspot: Over 470 bird species recorded, including fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers.
- Boat Rides: Guided boat trips offer close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and bird colonies.
- Cultural Experience: The lake area is inhabited by the Njemps, a semi-nomadic tribe who blend fishing with pastoral traditions.
- Geology: Nearby cliffs and volcanic formations add dramatic texture to the landscape.
Lake Baringo’s tranquil waters and cultural richness make it a rewarding destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Afternoon drive to nearby Lake Bogoria area
Day 6: Explore Lake Bogoria
Morning exploration of Lake Bogoria – Famed for its steaming geysers, hot springs, and volcanic landscape, Lake Bogoria is one of Kenya’s most unique and geologically active lakes. This saline, alkaline lake is dramatically set beneath the Laikipia Escarpment and is a designated Ramsar wetland site.
- Flamingo Spectacle: A seasonal magnet for thousands — sometimes millions — of lesser flamingos feeding on the lake’s blue-green algae.
- Thermal Features: Boiling hot springs and geysers shoot up along the shores, offering a rare geothermal spectacle.
- Wildlife Encounters: While the lake has no hippos or crocodiles due to its salinity, the surrounding national reserve is home to zebras, gazelles, leopards, and greater kudu.
Lake Bogoria is often described as otherworldly, combining raw natural forces with serene birdlife in a way few places on earth can.
Visit the Kipsaraman viewpoint or local villages later drive back to Nairobi with lunch enroute.
LAKE NAIVASHA
The lake is famous for its thriving bird population — over 400 species have been recorded here, including fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and herons. Its calm waters are also home to large pods of hippos, while the shores often attract giraffes, zebras, and antelopes that graze in the surrounding conservancies. The papyrus-fringed edges and acacia woodlands create a perfect setting for boat rides, birdwatching, and photography.
HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK
The park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes — towering cliffs, gorges, volcanic rock formations, and hot springs shaped by geothermal activity. Among its highlights are Fischer’s Tower, a striking volcanic plug popular with rock climbers, and the Ol Njorowa Gorge, known for its winding trails, sandstone walls, and geothermal vents. The park also lies within Kenya’s geothermal power hub, with steam vents and natural hot springs.
MT LONGONOT NATIONAL PARK
The trail climbs steeply through thick forest on the lower slopes, eventually opening up to sweeping views across the Rift Valley. At the summit, hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramas of the jagged crater — a massive caldera, 8 km in diameter, partly covered with dense vegetation. For the more adventurous, a trek around the rim (approximately 7 km) provides unforgettable 360-degree views.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Beyond birds, the park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife. Visitors can spot both black and white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions, leopards, waterbuck, baboons, and warthogs. The park has been a key sanctuary for rhino conservation, offering one of the best chances to see these endangered giants up close.
LAKE ELEMENTEITA
Just a short distance from Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementeita is a lesser-known but equally captivating lake. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this soda lake is home to both greater and lesser flamingos. Its shores attract an array of wildlife, and the nearby Soysambu ranch, with over 12,000 wild animals, adds to the area’s appeal.
LAKE BOGORIA
The lake is most famous for its flocks of lesser flamingos, which gather in their thousands, often transforming the shoreline into a vivid pink spectacle. With over 350 bird species recorded, Lake Bogoria is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Its alkaline waters support algae that feed the flamingos, making it one of their most reliable habitats.
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