| Rift valley is the greatest valley in the world a | | | | Lake Naivasha, 83 kilometers from Nairobi, is the |
| continental fault system which stretches from the | | | | highest of the Rift valley Lakes surprisingly; Lake |
| dead sea all the way to Mozambique .in Kenya, | | | | Naivasha (1888 meters) is at a higher altitude than |
| the valley forms a great rift through the middle | | | | Nairobi (1670 meters). This beautiful freshwater |
| of the country beginning from Turkana in the | | | | lake has large floating islands of papyrus, a |
| north to lake Magadi to the south. in between are | | | | mysteriously fluctuating water level, a healthy |
| a series of other lakes: Lake Barigo,Lake Bogoria, | | | | hippo population and wonderful and diverse bird |
| Lake Nakuru, lake Elmentaita, and Lake | | | | life. Its shores are lined with yellow-barked fever |
| Naivasha.only two of these lakes (Naivasha and | | | | trees and horticultural farms and vineyards .there |
| Baringo) are fresh water lakes. The others are | | | | is a yacht club on Crescent Island for sailing and |
| shallow soda lakes. | | | | windsurfing. Fishing is popular and there are even |
| Dozens of Volcanoes erupted in and around the | | | | fresh water crayfish in the lake. There are a |
| Rift valley. Most of them are now extinct, but | | | | whole host of places to stay around the lake, |
| have left their mark on the landscape in the form | | | | ranging from bustling hotels to catered home |
| of half submerged islands, giant calderas, and the | | | | stays. Naivasha proximity to Nairobi makes it ideal |
| distinctive cone shapes which dot the landscape. | | | | for a weekend (or longer) getaway. There is |
| The Rift valley evokes a sense of immense | | | | much to see and do in the area. |
| mystery and the power of time. | | | | Crescent Island |
| Most visitors to Kenya first see the Rift Valley | | | | This small Island in Lake Naivasha is the outer rim |
| when traveling on the Nairobi-Naivasha road. This | | | | of a submerged volcano. there is a private game |
| first view almost always a stunning surprise. After | | | | sanctuary on the island and it is safe to walk |
| driving through cool conifer forests suddenly you | | | | among wild animals |
| are at the edge of the distinctive volcanic shape | | | | Hells Gate National Park |
| of Mt longonot dominates the scene. Forty-eight | | | | The geological formation of this park is particularly |
| kilometers across rises the dark blue escarpment | | | | impressive with soaring red cliffs, isolated volcanic |
| of the other side of the valley. At the viewpoints, | | | | plugs, spreading grasslands dotted with game and |
| persistent souvenir salesmen force you back to | | | | deed gorges where visitors can walk. There is a |
| reality | | | | geothermal project at the far end of the park. |
| The Masai have been in the Rift Valley Kenya for | | | | Elsamere Conservation center |
| centuries. Today the most popular tourist areas | | | | This former home of Joy Adamson of born free |
| are around Lakes Naivasha, Nakuru and Baringo. | | | | fame is now a residential conservation center. it is |
| All of these Kenya Rift Valley lakes have several | | | | open to visitors for afternoon teas. |
| accommodation options and are linked by | | | | Crater Lake sanctuary |
| relatively good tarmac roads. The lakes are | | | | A vivid green lake has formed in the caldera of |
| known for their exceptional bird life, especially the | | | | an extinct volcano. This is a peaceful and remote |
| pink flocks of flamingos which feed in the soda | | | | spot with lovely views. |
| lakes. National parks have been established around | | | | Mount Longonot |
| Lake Nakuru and lake Bogoria. | | | | This extinct volcano has a path to the top and |
| Lake Naivasha Area | | | | around the rim. There are magnificent views. |