Great Rift Valley Lakes

Beautiful Great Rift valley soda lakes filled with grunting hippos, gentle wildlife and the air pink with flamingos. Boating, birding, flamingos, and atmospheric lodges make this a scenic complement to any safari..

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Overview

The Great Rift Valley is a huge geological fault-line through Africa, and the heart of Kenya. Its floor is dotted with a chain of shimmering lakes. From the soda lakes of Nakuru and Bogoria, where flamingos gather in pink clouds, to the freshwater shores of Naivasha and Baringo, this is a landscape of both drama and tranquillity.

For many travellers, the Rift Valley is the perfect curtain raiser to a safari. Just two hours by road from Nairobi, or a short flight, it offers a soft landing: slower days by the water, boating among hippos, and sundowners at old colonial farmhouses turned into boutique lodges.

Loldia House, on the shores of Naivasha, is one of our favourites – atmospheric, elegant, and full of colonial character.

The Rift Valley highlands were once settled by early colonial farmers and many lodges today are restored family estates with an old-world charm.

Naivasha, Nakuru & Bogoria – Scenic Soda Lakes of the Rift Valley

The wildlife is rich, though the game-viewing is a gentler experience than in the great reserves. The picturesque ‘flamingo lake’ of Lake Nakuru is famous for its colourful flamingos and abundant rhino which roam the acacia woods of the surrounding Lake Nakuru National Park.

While Hell’s Gate offers dramatic canyons, hot springs, and Rift valley walking safaris among giraffe and antelope. Nearby the freshwater lakes of Naivasha and Baringo offer good boating and fishing. On Naivasha’s Crescent Island, you can picnic among grazing zebra and impala, while the air is alive with bird calls.

Unusual Fact: Lake Bogoria is one of the few places in the world where you can see geysers and hot springs alongside great flocks of flamingos.

For those continuing on to the Masai Mara (via a direct flight) or Laikipia, the Rift Valley makes a beautiful pause – a chance to slow down, absorb the scenery, and begin to feel the rhythm of Kenya before the great drama of the plains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Rift Valley Lake is best for flamingos?
Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria are most famous, with seasonal flamingo gatherings that can turn the lakes pink.

Is the Rift Valley worth visiting if I’m going to the Masai Mara?
Yes as it makes an easy, scenic stopover before the activity of the Mara with beautiful lakeside lodges and a more relaxed pace. Also gives you time to recover from jetlag!

Can you do walking safaris in the Rift Valley?
Yes – at Hell’s Gate, Crater Lake, and on Naivasha’s Crescent Island.

Begin your safari gently – let us add a Rift Valley lakeside retreat before the drama of the Mara.

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Why We Love It

Lakes alive with grunting hippos, cool crocodiles and the air pink with flamingos
Accessible curtain raiser to a safari – just two hours from Nairobi
Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingos and excellent rhino sightings
Freshwater Naivasha offers boating, fishing, and atmospheric lodges like Loldia House
Hell’s Gate National Park – spectacular canyon, hot springs, and adventurous walking safaris
Picnic on Crescent Island or take a guided walk around Crater Lake

On The Map

When to visit Great Rift Valley Lakes

Good time to visit

This is the warmest time of the year with maximum of 28-29C. Occasional afternoon showers cool it down. It rains every month (at least 40-50-mm). This is a good time to visit; there’s plenty of resident wildlife, the skies are clear during the day, the landscape is lush and babies are being born.

AVG RAINFALL 48 mm

MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 82 ℉

MIN TEMP 9 ℃ / 48 ℉

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Long Rains with hard afternoon showers

The long rains , starting in late March here take the form of hard afternoon showers so there is still plenty of sunshine. April & May are similarly wet.

AVG RAINFALL 135 mm

MAX TEMP 26 ℃ / 79 ℉

MIN TEMP 12 ℃ / 54 ℉

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Light afternoon showers, good time to visit

Interestingly it continues to rain here through the winter months, though not as much as in April/May with at least 8090mm each month. The temperatures are cooler but remain a pleasant 24-26C whilst nights can dip down to 9-10C.

AVG RAINFALL 91 mm

MAX TEMP 24 ℃ / 75 ℉

MIN TEMP 10 ℃ / 50 ℉

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Afternoon thunder showers

Unlike further south, there is no real short rain period. In fact it tends to be very similar to the later summer months with a gradual rise to warmer temperatures but nothing hectic.

AVG RAINFALL 62 mm

MAX TEMP 24 ℃ / 75 ℉

MIN TEMP 10 ℃ / 50 ℉

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