The Great Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley is one of the wonders of the world, stretching from the Middle East, down through Africa, running the full length of Kenya and reaching as far as Mozambique. The deep cleft of the Great Rift Valley has a string of lakes scattered all along it. The better known, such as the deep-green Lake Naivasha and, to a lesser extent, Lake Baringo, are fresh water, while Bagoria, Nakuru and Mgadai, are saline, and provide a food source for the vast flocks of pink flamingos which add a touch of brilliance to the natural beauty of the lakes. The Lakes area of the Rift in Kenya is an opportunity not to be missed opportunity.
To the west of Naivasha, and the old colonial houses which are dotted along its shore, the first Park in the area, the Mount Longonot National Park is based around a young shimmering grey volcano of Mount Longonot, created amongst the eruptions that formed the Rift itself. Longonot has beautiful V shaped valleys and ridges covered in forest, which are a haven for a variety of flora and fauna, while further west still is the great inland sea of Lake Victoria.
With a huge variety of landscapes, activities, accommodation including Rusinga Lodge, Mfangano Island Camp and the colonial Deloraine and wildlife, the Rift Valley Lakes area is an excellent part of any Kenyan safari holiday, particularly for birders and those wanting a slightly more relaxing start or end to a wilflife safari with a chance to get out on the water.