Discover the Great Rift Valley’s spectacular lakes, Nakuru & Naivasha
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The Great Rift Valley is a natural masterpiece. Sprawling across the Middle East and Africa, it is one of the largest geographical marks on the continent and a must-visit during a Kenya safari tour. The monumental Rift was formed by ancient geological forces, and today it is a dramatic natural wonder brimmed with vast freshwater and alkaline lakes, towering volcanoes, and panoramic savannahs.
The spectacular lakes are the centrepiece of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering an area of 180km² and offering an unparalleled Kenya adventure. This beautiful Kenya national park is draped with lush grassland and is renowned for its prolific birdlife. Its safaris introduce you to a myriad of Kenya wildlife, including the hippo, buffalo, leopard lion, and the endangered black and white rhino.
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located 100km from Nairobi. This shallow lake attracts a plethora of wildlife, including pods of hippos, colobus monkeys, gazelle, and zebra. Ornithologists also gather in Naivasha for its colourful aviary communities. The Great Rift Valley is a magical place to go hiking through the wooded trails, have a scenic lake-side picnic, go bird watching or take a game drive to see Kenya’s incredible wildlife at home.
When to visit the Great Rift Valley
Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha are excellent year-round destinations, although the best months to visit are during the Kenya dry season from June to early October. During this period, temperatures are moderate and there’s little rain chance of rain (although this region does experience the occasional shower during the dry season).If you’re visiting Kenya and the Masai Mara from August to October to witness the Wildebeest Migration, we recommend that you also include Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha in your Kenya itinerary.
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