THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY LAKES - LAKE NAKURU & LAKE NAIVASHA

While on a Great Rift Valley Safari, you will 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!

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

The first rhino sanctuary in Kenya, this small but beautiful park lies 8 kms south of Nakuru covering an area of 200 sq kms.

The park is unquestionably "the greatest ornithological spectacle on earth.", serving as the congregation point for a roseatte mass of some 100,000 to 2 million flamingos and over 450 other species of birds - a spectacle of immense beauty. Other wildlife to be seen in the park are waterbuck, reedbuck, zebra, impala, Gazelle, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, and rhino, especially in the olive tree forest to the south west.

Located in the Rift Valley, 1750 meters above sea level, in Central Kenya, 140 km. north-west of Nairobi. Only two hours leisurely drive from Nairobi, through some of the most exciting scenery to be seen anywhere in Africa. The 156 Km Nairobi-Nakuru road gives the visitor an unrivalled view of the majestic Great Rift Valley, winding through a series of Lakes and forested uplands all the way to the bustling market town of Nakuru.

The Park itself surrounds the Lake entirely and has recently been expanded to provide sanctuary for black rhino. This step has required the erection of a large fence around the perimeter of the park to prevent poachers from entering the park.

Both Black and White Rhinos are being given a new lease of life in this 188 sq.km fully electrically fenced park and they are carefully protected. The present Rhino population is 53 and continue to multiply.

The Rothschilds giraffe is another unique and the park has it's fair share of the Buffalo, Leopard, Wild dog, Zebra, Eland, Waterbuck and the territorial Lion.

LAKE NAIVASHA

From the top of the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley you can see Lake Naivasha sparkling in the sun thousands of feet below. Just an hour's drive from Nairobi, Naivasha is one of the gems in a necklace of Rift Valley lakes.

Covering 170 sq kms this beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills and extinct volcanoes is home to over 450 species of birds. The lake's water is used to irrigate the bountiful agriculture on its shores and a visit to these farms, for those interested in agriculture, is well worth while. Strawberries, flowers, asparagus and numerous other crops are grown for domestic consumption and export. Black bass and tilapia make for entertaining fishing and a delicious meal.

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus. The lake and its surrounds are rich in natural bounty, and the fertile soils and water supply have made this one of Kenya's prime agricultural regions.

Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree. These forests abound with bird life, and Naivasha is known as a world class birding destination.

The waters of the lake draw a great range of game to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, Buffalo wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the Lakes large hippo population sleep the day out in the shallows.

Hell's Gate National Park lies beside the lake. This Park was named for its pair of massive red tinged cliffs framing a geothermically active interior of steam vents and bubbling springs. The park is home to a profusion of plains game and birdlife. Walking is permitted, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

Boat trips on the lake are widely available, and is a great way to spend an afternoon or morning.

Sunsets are always stunning, with the haunting call of a Fish Eagle high over the Lake bringing the day to a perfect end....

Lake Naivasha is a birdwatchers dream come true. Some areas of Lake shore have recorded over 400 species. The acacia forests teem with Hoopoe, Woodpeckers, Rollers, Shrikes, Hawks, cuckoos and much more.

A trip out onto the Lake is even more impressive. The water is dotted with Pelicans, and the papyrus alive with Kingfisher, Heron, Jacanas and more, while high in the trees over the Lake you will find Africa's largest concentration of African Fish Eagles.

These mighty birds dominate the air over the Lake, their haunting cries echoing across the shores as they plunge to the surface and pull fish from the water.

Colobus monkeys are often seen in the canopy of the Acacia forests around the lake, and on the north shore of the lake Buffalo, Waterbuck and Eland are often seen grazing.

Crescent Island, a partially submerged volcanic crater, is a private game sanctuary with herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, gazelle and other plains game. Many local lodges can organize boat trips to the island, where you can walk among the herds of game.

North West of the Lake is the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. This is a small private sanctuary centred around a volcanic crater lake with spectacular green water. The lake attracts many flamingo, and the surrounding forests and plains have plenty of game. This is a good place to explore on foot.

Leopards are often seen at dusk.