Where Nature Paints, Cultures Thrive, and Birds Rule the Sky
The Great Rift Valley Trail takes you through one of the world’s most awe-inspiring geological wonders—a colossal trench stretching from Lebanon to Mozambique, slicing dramatically through Kenya. This circuit offers travelers an immersion in breathtaking freshwater and soda lakes, dramatic escarpments, volcanic craters, rich birdlife, and centuries-old cultural heritage.
From boating on Lake Naivasha to flamingo-filled Lake Nakuru, hiking Mount Longonot, or exploring prehistoric relics at Kariandusi, this trail is a living canvas of Kenya’s natural artistry and ancient stories.
Top Attractions
Lake Naivasha (100 km, 1.5 hrs drive / 30 min flight)
A serene freshwater lake with hippos, boat rides, and crescent island walks.
Hell’s Gate National Park (95 km)
Hiking, rock climbing, cycling among gorges and geothermal features.
Mount Longonot National Park (70 km)
A dormant stratovolcano perfect for crater hikes and panoramic views.
Lake Elementaita (120 km)
A UNESCO Ramsar site, home to flamingos and pelicans.
Lake Nakuru National Park (160 km, 2.5 hrs drive / 40 min flight)
Famed for pink flamingos, white rhinos, and forested hills.
Menengai Crater (180 km)
One of the world’s largest calderas, great for hiking and mystic folklore.
Lake Baringo (280 km, 5 hrs drive / 1 hr flight)
Freshwater lake with crocodiles, birdlife, cultural visits to Njemps villages.
Lake Bogoria National Reserve (290 km)
Hot springs, geysers, and dramatic flocks of lesser flamingos.
Kariandusi Prehistoric Site (130 km)
One of East Africa’s earliest archaeological sites, linked to Homo erectus.
✈️ Airstrip & Flight Info
Flights from Wilson Airport to:
Naivasha, Nakuru, Baringo (Lake Baringo Airstrip or Kabarnet)
Regional Airstrips:
Naivasha (Loldia), Nakuru Lanet Airstrip, Baringo/Kabarnet Airstrip
Airlines: Safarilink, Air Kenya (charters)
🏨 Accommodation Options
Naivasha:
Luxury: Chui Lodge, Loldia House
Mid-range: Lake Naivasha Sopa, Elsamere
Budget: Fish Eagle Inn
Nakuru:
Luxury: The Cliff Nakuru, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Mid-range: Ziwa Bush Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge
Budget: Hotel Cathay
Elementaita:
Luxury: Lake Elementaita Serena Camp
Mid-range: Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge
Baringo & Bogoria:
Luxury: Soi Safari Lodge, Samatian Island Lodge
Budget: Lake Bogoria Spa Resort (near hot springs)
Cultural, Culinary & Hidden Gems
Geysers of Loboi (Bogoria)
Culture:
- Visit Ilchamus/Njemps fishermen of Baringo
- Kikuyu folklore of Menengai Crater
Prehistoric tools and sites at Kariandusi & Hyrax Hill Museum
Cuisine:
- Fresh tilapia at Naivasha lakeside grills
- “Mutura” and local nyama choma in Nakuru
Organic farm meals at Njuguna’s and Tilapia Beach Restaurant
Hidden Gems:
- Crater Lake Game Sanctuary (Naivasha)
- Mau escarpment viewpoints
- Drive from Nairobi and hike the crater rim for epic Rift Valley views
Overnight: Naivasha
- Morning boat ride with hippos, walking safari with giraffes
Optional visit to Elsamere or Crater Lake Sanctuary
Overnight: Chui Lodge
Hell’s Gate & Lake Elementaita
- Cycle or hike in Hell’s Gate, then head north to Elementaita for birdwatching
Overnight: Serena Elementaita
- Game drives to see flamingos, rhinos, leopards, and baboons
Visit Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls
Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
- Game drives to see flamingos, rhinos, leopards, and baboons
Visit Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls
Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Menengai Crater Exploration
- Hike or drive to the crater floor and viewpoint
- Cultural history and scenic picnic stops
Overnight: Nakuru town
- Birdwatching, boat rides, and cultural visits in Baringo
- Continue to Bogoria to see flamingos and hot springs
Overnight: Soi Lodge or Lake Bogoria Spa Resort
- Birdwatching, boat rides, and cultural visits in Baringo
- Continue to Bogoria to see flamingos and hot springs
Overnight: Soi Lodge or Lake Bogoria Spa Resort