An African safari holiday and more specifically a Kenya safari can take you to various parts of the country with absolutely many picturesque, charming and wonderful national parks and reserves and coastal beaches. The parks welcome thousands upon thousands of excited visitors who have the opportunity to see the magical experience that Kenya has to offer.
The Great Rift Valley is truly one of the amazing wonders of the world. It cuts through the Middle East and down through Africa to Mozambique, a distance of about 5,400 miles long. In East Africa, it separates into 2 arms, the Western Great Rift running through Uganda and the Eastern Rift running through Kenya to Tanzania and Malawi.
The Great Rift Valley boasts of several parks and reserves in Kenya. From the North we have the L. Turkana where we arrive at the Sibiloi National Reserve. This is an oasis in this northern desert. Running south is the Samburu National Reserve known for the Beisa Oryx and Grevy’s Zebra. Continuing further south, it reaches the highest point in the country, Mount Kenya. The second highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya is a haven for climbers and outdoor adventurers.
Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo also lie on the floor of the Rift Valley. L. Bogoria is famous for geysers and several species of birds. Further south and you are in the Aberdare Ranges. The Aberdares National Park is a tribute to elephants and other animals. It is a place where you will enjoy watching night games in the comfort of your balcony. 225 km from Aberdares takes you to the home of the flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park. Approximately 180 square kilometers, L. Nakuru also boasts of black and white rhino, leopard, cheetah, lion, baboon, buffalo among others. The elephants are conspicuously missing here.
70 km to the east you will find L. Naivasha. This is the only freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Nearby is Hell’s Gate National Park. The only park in Kenya where you can walk. Driving further south is the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Known for the seventh wonder of the modern world and the big five wildebeest migration, Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous safari destination. The park is 1,510 square kilometers and is surrounded by the Maasai people who still stick to their tradition. Thus, this is a wonderful wildlife and cultural safari destination.
Driving 225 km away, to the northeast is the capital city, Nairobi. With the National Museum and the Bomas of Kenya, the place where you can see the diversity of the culture of Kenyans. In the Central Business District are the National Archives and the Railway Museum, where you can follow the history of the country and the line of the East African Railway. A few kilometers away is the Nairobi National Park, the only park in the immediate vicinity of a city. You can see lions, zebras, giraffes, among others. A 15-minute drive takes you to the giraffe center where you can feed the long-necked animals.
A home to many animals and a great menu to behold, the great Rift Valley is also a cradle of humanity. What great place would you be in the Great Valley? A safari to Kenya is not complete without the Rift Valley.