Rift Valley Lakes
Kenya’s Great Rift Valley is home to a chain of remarkable lakes—each with its own unique ecosystem, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Among the most celebrated are Lakes Naivasha, Elmenteita, Nakuru, and Bogoria, all within a few hours’ drive of Nairobi, making them easily accessible yet dramatically diverse in character.
Lake Nakuru, located in a national park established in 1960, remains one of Kenya’s most popular wildlife destinations. Once world-renowned for its vast flocks of flamingos, changing water levels have altered the lake’s alkalinity, reducing the algae that sustained these birds. While flamingos now gather in greater numbers at nearby Lake Bogoria, Nakuru continues to thrive as a sanctuary for rhinos, lions, leopards, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Its compact 188 square kilometres allow visitors to explore the park’s woodlands, grasslands, and lakeshore in a single day, with prolific birdlife that includes pelicans, herons, and fish eagles.
To the south lies Lake Elmenteita, a tranquil UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria. This soda lake is a haven for over 450 bird species—including both Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Great White Pelicans, and African Spoonbills. The surrounding conservancies protect endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, eland, zebra, and colobus monkeys, offering a quieter, more intimate safari experience.
Lake Naivasha, by contrast, is a freshwater lake teeming with hippos and birdlife. Its lush surroundings attract giraffes, buffaloes, and antelope, and its waters are ideal for boat excursions and birdwatching.
Together, the Rift Valley lakes form a mosaic of habitats that showcase Kenya’s natural diversity—each one a vital refuge for wildlife, an ornithologist’s paradise, and a deeply rewarding addition to any Kenyan safari itinerary.
A Taste of the Rift Valley Lakes
Rift Valley Lakes Accommodation
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Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!Â
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.comÂ
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.Â
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
NORTH AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM
SOUTH AMERICA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
ENQUIRY FORM
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rick Mcintyre 
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Julie Roggow 
Hi, I'm Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Rachel Chambers 
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How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya
Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.
How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya
Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.
How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya
Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.
