The Lakes of the Great Rift Valley, Kenya are freshwater eco regions of great biodiversity, while others are alkaline "soda lakes" supporting highly specialized organisms. The main lakes of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley include Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, Lake Magadi, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Logipi, Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria. Many of these are surrounded by wilderness areas or game reserves which provide opportunities to see pelicans, flamingos, buffalo, lion, rhino, elephant and more.
The main lakes of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley include Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, Lake Magadi, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Logipi, Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria. Possibly one of Kenya’s most famous images is that of clouds of brilliant pink flamingos rising from a glittering lake with the shadow of the Great Rift Valley wall behind at Lake Nakuru. The hot springs of lake Bogoria, the pelicans and hippos of Lake Naivasha, the fish eagles of Lake Baringo.
Documented by countless nature films it is even more spectacular to see in real life. Standing on the lake shore at Nakuru hearing the gabble of flamingos and watching pelicans swoop low over the water is spectacular. Many of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley Lakes are surrounded by wilderness areas or game reserves. These provide wonderful opportunities for not only enjoying the pelicans and flamingos but big game such as buffalo, lion, rhino, elephant and more.
Lake Nakuru
The most famous of the rift valley lakes is probably Lake Nakuru. A shallow alkaline lake rich in phytoplankton upon which both lesser and greater flamingos love to graze. Numbers of flamingos can fluctuate throughout the year from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands forming a bright pink layer over the lake.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, an hour's drive from Nakuru is fresh water and surrounded by farms, many of which are flower farms. With a number of small homesteads and nature reserves and within driving distance of Nairobi it makes an ideal place to start a safari. A special place to visit while at Lake Naivasha is the Hells Gate National Park with its spectacular gorges, bicycle tracks and rock buffs believed to have inspired the scenes in the Lion King Movie.
Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is little known, a shallow alkaline lake in Kenya’s far south. It is a wild area with a number of Maasai communities, the largest soda ash producer in the world and nomadic wild game. Scenery is dramatic, there is only one small but spectacular lodge luxury – this is a place for the truly adventurous.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria lies just outside the Rift Valley and is surrounded by numerous villages and small towns. Whilst the lake shore can be unremarkable there are a number of small tropical islands that are idyllic. Hills covered in lush vegetation drop down to clear blue waters dotted with white-sailed dhows. An hour’s flight in light aircraft from the Masai Mara there is no better place to put your feet up and relax after a safari.
Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria is a caustic cauldron fringed by geysers and populated by over a million flamingoes
Other Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya include:
- Lake Elementaita
- Lake Baringo
- Lake Turkana
- Lake Logipi
Why Visit Lakes of The Great Rift Valley, Kenya.
- The Great biodiversity found on the lakes and surrounding areas.
- Discover the many bird species found on the lakes and surrounding areas.
- Explore the surrounding wilderness from the lakes.
- The sceneries and landscapes around the lakes.
- Each of the Rift Valley Lakes is special take time to discover why they are special and unique.
Featured Lakes of The Great Rift Valley, Safari Holiday Vacation Trips
Tanzania Family And Friends Safari Holiday Vacation - 7 Days
Tanzania Family And Friends Safari Holiday Vacation - 7 Days. We all know that these days it is difficult to find a family holiday that suits everyone. This sample trip is action packed providing a...
Migration, Lake & Crater Kenya and Tanzania Safari Holiday Experience - 10 Days
Migration, Lake & Crater Kenya and Tanzania Safari Holiday Experience - 10 Days. Discover the lands of classic safari as you follow the Great Migration from the spotted land of the Masai Mara to the...
Sanctuary’s Best of Tanzania Safari Holiday Expedition – 8 Days
Sanctuary’s Best of Tanzania Safari Holiday Expedition – 8 Days and 7 Nights Safari holiday expedition Package show casing the very best bush safari destinations Tanzania has to offer.
Luxury Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Honeymoon - 12 Days
Luxury Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Honeymoon - 12 Days is designed for honeymooners who want the ultimate in luxury. Each of the lodges listed in this itinerary are some of the best in Tanzania...
Wonders of Kenya Safari Holiday Vacation - 8 Days
Wonders of Kenya Safari Holiday Vacation - 8 Days is a new safari that offers an in-depth look at an extraordinarily diverse range of animals and scenery Kenya has to offer. From the great flying...
Classic Tanzania Safari Holiday Experience – 8 Days
Classic Tanzania Safari Holiday Experience is an 8 Day and 7 night classic safari holiday expedition to the popular Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit. Experience some of the best National parks and...
Unsurpassed Kenya Holiday Safari Vacation – 6 Days
Unsurpassed Kenya Holiday Safari Vacation – 6 Days. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas of Kenya, travelling through Lake Elementaita and its flamingo lined shores home to abundant birdlife, to the...
Cheetah Serena Safari Family and Friends Safari Holiday Vacation – 8 Days
Cheetah Serena Safari Family and Friends Safari Holiday Vacation – 8 Days. Our popular Cheetah Serena Safari stays at the beautiful lodges managed by Serena. Mileages are quite long and road...
Rwanda Highlights Adventure Safari Holiday – 8 Days
Rwanda Highlights Adventure Safari Holiday – 8 Days the ultimate Rwandan safari experience, this adventure will take you through some of Rwanda’s most important towns, sites and National Parks.
Leopard Safari Across Kenya Safari Holiday Vacation - 12 Days
Leopard Safari Across Kenya Safari Holiday Vacation - 12 Days. This is an extensive and beautiful road journey across Kenya experiencing all the highlights of these vast, game rich plains, whilst...
Extended Highlights of Tanzania Safari Holiday Experience – 12 Days
Extended Highlights of Tanzania Safari Holiday Experience is a 12 Days / 10 Nights safari holiday experience, highlights some of the best, famous and well known destinations in the wonderful, scenic...
