Dominated by sprawling lakes and incredible wildlife, The Great Rift boasts of beautiful lakes and escarpments, which provide havens for plentiful wildlife. Commonly known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, it attracts a number of species to its sparkling lake shores – most notably huge flocks of flamingos that happily wade near hippos and other game species.
Three exceptional bodies of water, Lake Naivasha (the highest of the Rift Valley lakes), Lake Nakuru (renowned for its pelican colony) and Lake Elementaita, are the most well-known. In recent years changing water levels have affected the populations of algae that the flamingos feed on, so they move between the lakes seeking the best places to feed.
While Nakuru is situated in a national park, private conservancies around the other lakes offer the freedom to explore different safari experiences, like full-day nature walks and bush dinners, a round of golf on a quirky 9-hole ‘bush course’ or even playing hide-and-seek with young anti-poaching bloodhounds! Travelers visiting the region will be treated to exceptional sightings of leopard, white rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe and an assortment of plains game.
Highlights
- Witness the enthralling beauty of pink flamingoes
- Rare wildlife encounters at Lake Nakuru National Park
- Exceptional Bird watching opportunities
- Boat trips and Sunset Cruises on Lake Naivasha
- Guided bush walks on Crescent Island
- Cycling and Hiking at Hells Gate National Park
- Up-close leopard sightings and the other Big Five
- Home to the Black Rhino and the Rotschild Giraffe
Safari Activities
- Bird watching
- Big Five Safaris
- Boat Trips
- Guided Walking Safaris
When to go
If you’re looking to see the beautiful flamingoes, best time to visit is between June and February
During these months the weather is dry and sunny with less rainfall. This makes it easier to see wildlife and birds. Animals tent to congregate near water sources during the dry season making sightings more frequent.
