Rift Valley lakes
Exploring your destinations
The Rift Valley Lakes
Close to Nairobi, and worth the stop
The chain of lakes running along the Rift Valley floor is the easiest wildlife country to reach from Nairobi. Several are within two or three hours, making them useful at the start of a longer trip or as a short break in their own right.
Each lake is different, and the differences are worth understanding before choosing.
Plan My SafariLake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park is fenced, which is unusual in Kenya, and is managed partly as a rhino sanctuary. Both black and white rhino are present, and chances of seeing white rhino are as good here as anywhere in the country.
Rothschild's giraffe were introduced and have done well. Lion and leopard are also present.
The flamingos Nakuru was famous for are no longer reliable. Water levels rose substantially from 2013, changing lake conditions and affecting the algae that flamingos feed on. Large numbers moved to other lakes. They return in some years and not in others, so ask us about current conditions rather than arriving expecting the old photographs.
Lake Naivasha
Naivasha is freshwater and offers a different kind of day. Boat trips take you among hippo and fish eagles.
Crescent Island can be explored on foot because there are no large predators, and giraffe and zebra can be approached closely. Hell's Gate National Park is next door and can be cycled or walked, which is rare in Kenya. The gorge walk is worth doing with a guide.
Elsamere, the former home of Joy and George Adamson, is open to visitors.
Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria
Further north and less visited, Baringo is freshwater and a serious birding destination.
Bogoria is a soda lake with hot springs and geysers along the shore. Flamingo numbers here are often better than at Nakuru, although they still vary with lake conditions. Greater kudu occur around Bogoria and are difficult to see elsewhere in Kenya.
Getting There
Naivasha is around two hours from Nairobi, and Nakuru around three. Both are reached on good tarmac roads.
They work well as the first stop on a route heading towards the Mara.
How Long to Stay
One or two nights at Naivasha or Nakuru is enough. Add two more if continuing to Baringo and Bogoria.
Safaris
Trips that include The Rift Valley Lakes
Plan a Rift Valley Trip
Tell us how much time you have
Tell us whether you want rhino, birds, boat trips, walking or a stop on the way to the Mara. We will suggest the right lake and route.