The Rift Valley Lakes
Lake Magadi is 120 km from Nairobi. Temperatures are very high and from a distance you can view the evaporation of water from the lake. This leaves a crust of sodium carbonate (soda ash) which is mined and exported by a local mining company resident in the area. At Magadi, you will also have the opportunity to see birdlife which come to feed on the algae found in the mounds near the lake. The Maasai community living in the area will also tell you about their culture.

Lake Nakuru National Park is located 160 km from Nairobi. This 30 sq km shallow alkaline lake is also the home of millions of pink flamingos which feed on algae found in the lake. The fish eating pelican and cormorants and over 400 species of birds are found in the lake and national park. The national park was gazetted to protect the flamingos and also provide sanctuary to endangered species like the Rhino. Although the main attraction to the park is the pink flamingos, a visitor will also get to see plenty of giraffes, waterbucks and other game.

Lake Elmenteita is about 30 km from lake Nakuru. The lake is located on private land but visitors are allowed to go in. The lake is also rich with abundant bird life and visitors will also get a splendid view of the vast Rift Valley. Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, at 1880 meters above sea level. It is a fresh water lake and home to over 450 species of birds including the African Fish Eagle.

Lake Baringo is also a fresh water lake found in the Rift Valley. The 130 sq km lake is located in Baringo district, a semi-desert area. As you take a boat trip across the lake, you will get a chance to see birdlife and spot crocodiles and hippos. Fishing and water sports are some of the activities visitors can enjoy. If you want to get a feel of the culture of the people living around the lake, there is a village belonging to the Njemp community nearby and all your questions will be answered. There is also a snake park in the area where you can have a closer look at the reptiles.

Lake Bogoria is located in the Ngendelel escarpment. Visitors to the lake get an opportunity to marvel at the hot water springs and even have some cooking lessons by boiling eggs or maize. There is plenty of birdlife and game to see and you can catch a glimpse of the Greater Kudu. A nearby campsite with plenty of fig trees will offer a shade away from the scorching sun.

Lake Turkana This is the largest of the Rift Valley lakes, covering an area of 6,405 sq km. The lake is located in the north-western part of Kenya about 650 km from Nairobi. It was originally known as lake Rudolf, a name given by the first Europeans who saw it in 1888. It acquired its current name (lake Turkana) in 1975. The lake is also a prehistoric site and a good place to find out about the history of man. Lake Logipe is one of the lesser known Rift Valley lakes located south of lake Turkana.