The Great Rift Valley is another iconic safari destination, boating the world's finest lakes and breathtaking escarpments. The region, which is the largest terrestrial geographic feature on earth, covers about 6000 miles. The valley’s formation began 20 million years ago due to tectonic activity, which divided the African continent into Somali and Nubian plates. The geological World’s Wonder extends from Tanzania through Kenya, into Ethiopia, from south to north, and much of it is in the Kenyan Rift Valley region. Its escarpments provide a beautiful home to the Kenyan diverse wildlife. The Great Rift Valley is a geological wonder worth exploring.
Why Is the great rift a Natural Wonder?
East Africa’s Great Rift Valley features some of the world’s deepest lakes and fault lines, which are still deepening with time. The region features the tallest mountains, beautiful National Parks, and Game Reserves that house a variety of wild animals. The diversity of birds, fish, and plants is enormous. Moreover, the Great Rift Valley is home to Kenya’s amazing cultural tribes, including the Maasai and the Samburu. The beautiful lakes as well as the fact that the region has a combination of the world's most stunning lakes, grassy plains, animals, forests, and swamps make it a natural wonder worth being on the bucket list of every lover of nature.
Main Attractions in The Great Rift Valley
The Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Migration is a major tourist attraction. It happens between Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti in Tanzania and is the most spectacular event in the world. Over 2 million wildebeests, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate in search of greener pasture. The most popular part of this event is the river crossings at Mara and Grumeti rivers. Visitors can stay in the many camps located near the Mara River. There is always more to watch during the World’s Natural Wonder – from the numerous herds of moving animals, lions in the grasslands, and crocodiles trying to catch their prey as the river crossing continues. The best way to get the most out of the Great Migration safari is to go on horse riding or in a hot air balloon. Visitors can have the most breathtaking of the event.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Beautiful Kenya's Lake Nakuru National Park is another destination in the Great Rift Valley region. Travelers can have the best experience of the park’s ecological diversity and view wild animals from their natural habitats. Breathtaking escarpments and beautiful ridges worth exploring surround Lake Nakuru National Park. Here, one can also enjoy birdwatching, picnic, hiking, and game drives.
Hell’s Gate National Park
There are two of Kenya's wildlife tour destinations that allow visitors to explore the wildlife safari on foot - Hell's Gate is one of them. The park is best suited for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and cycling activities. Wild animals, including giraffes, eland, zebra, warthog, baboon, and gazelle. Hiring a tour guide to show someone around the geological features of this beautiful landscape will make the safari experience even better.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is 2 hours drive from Nairobi. There is so much to do in Lake Naivasha. One can go for a trip via boat to view the herons, hippos, pelicans, and many other varying bird species. Hiking on Mount Elgon is another enjoyable activity on a Lake Naivasha safari. Climbing the volcano and enjoying the view of the entire crater is the best experience ever. Travelers can see the monkeys' footprints as they walk around the volcano. One should be mindful of the volcano. Entering the crater would be a bad idea because some poisonous snakes can bite and cause a disaster. One can still go to Mt. Suswa, camp on the flat grass, and enjoy exploring the large volcano, which tourists hardly visit.
Lake Baringo
Baringo is about 168 sq km, which is larger than Lake Naivasha. Lake Baringo houses plenty of birds, hippos, and crocodiles. One can enjoy the view of these animals either by taking a boat trip or just staying by the lakeshore hotels. There are not many wild animals to experience here. But, visitors will have the best birdwatching experience. There are many water-associated species in this place.
The Elsamere Conservation Center
Visitors can enjoy a good safari experience of the Great Rift Valley at the Elsamere Conservation Center. Here, one can learn about the history of Joy Adamson, a former naturalist, and painter. The center is located in Joy Adamson’s home, and inside, there is a guesthouse and a museum to keep visitors excited about their safari experience. There are many spots from which travelers can admire the Great Rift Valley from this place, and take home some epic photographs for Instagram.
The lakes, national parks, and its rich volcanic soil are the key attractions in the Great Rift Valley. Although the number of wildlife has reduced here, there is still more to experience. The Great Rift Valley is, indeed, a Geological Wonder worth exploring.