Where to go

Lake Nakuru & Naivasha

Beautiful Kenyan lakes formed by the Great Rift Valley

Lake Naivasha - flamingos
Lake Naivasha - flamingos

The Rift Valley Lakes, in particular Naivasha and Nakuru, are the series of lakes that sit in the valley that runs to the west of Nairobi, and stretches from Ethiopia to central Tanzania. The major feature, and reason to visit the lakes is for both their good game populations (white rhino is a particular feature of Nakuru), but also the famed numbers of lesser flamingo that flock to Nakuru to breed and feed.

Lake Naivasha and Nakuru

Located around a 2 hour drive from Nairobi, Naivasha and Nakuru can be simply added to an itinerary, either as a drive out day trip, or as part of a larger driving circuit around the country. The only drawback that we would point out for the lakes is that, due to this location, they are now pretty busy and so, if it is flamingo that you are after, it may be worth considering Lake Natron or Manyara in Tanzania for a longer stay.

Lake Victoria

Often considered as one of Kenya's great lakes, Lake Victoria, is a vast body of water that borders Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The second largest freshwater lake in the world, at approximately 70,000 km squared, it played a huge role in the western discovery of East Africa and the search for the Nile, but is, today, fairly insignificant. Simply gotten to from the Mara or Nairobi, the islands of Rusinga or Mfangano, are very good spots to relax, see local rock art or try to land the infamous Nile Perch.

Itineraries: 

Best time to visit the Rift Lakes:

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    At a glance... Lake Nakuru

    • Size 45 square kilometres
    • LocationSouthwest Kenya, North of Lake Naivasha
    • Recommended time Day trip or 1-2 nights
    • Time to visit Year round
    • Safari Activities Driving, walking
    • Topography Freshwater body of water, max depth 2.8m
    • Main species Great birding, buffalo, antelope, giraffe

    Further reading...

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