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.
MOUNT LONGONOT AND HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARKS
Just 90 kilometers from Nairobi, Mount Longonot National Park offers a breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley, with its towering volcano and sprawling crater. It’s perfect for hiking and offers a peek into the volcanic landscape. Nearby, Hell’s Gate National Park invites visitors for a day trip through its natural hot geysers, abundant wildlife like buffaloes and cheetahs, and dramatic geological features such as Fischer’s Tower. These parks are perfect for family-friendly adventures and wildlife viewing.
LAKE NAIVASHA
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater oasis surrounded by acacia woodlands and dormant volcanoes. Known for its serene beauty, the lake supports a thriving ecosystem with birds, hippos, and countless species of plants. It’s not just a place of natural wonder but also a vital resource for flower farming, fishing, and geothermal power. With its fragile yet dynamic ecology, it’s a place to connect with nature and witness the delicate balance of life.
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.
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.
CRESENT ISLAND
Nestled in the heart of Lake Naivasha, you can walk freely among wildlife like zebras, giraffes, and gazelles. With stunning views of nearby mountains, this is an intimate wildlife experience unlike any other, where you can enjoy walking safaris and birdwatching in peace.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
a spectacle of color when millions of these magnificent birds gather around the shallow alkaline waters. The lake, surrounded by the Lake Nakuru National Park, also serves as a sanctuary for endangered species, including black and white rhinos. It’s a must-visit destination for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
LAKE BOGORIA
In the volcanic landscapes of Lake Bogoria, you’ll find one of the world’s largest flamingo populations, and at times, the lake is dotted with up to 2 million flamingos! The lake’s alkaline waters and dramatic geysers that shoot steam into the sky make it a surreal destination. Along with abundant birdlife, the reserve offers a chance to view unique mammals, including the elusive greater kudu.
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