Great Rift Valley Lakes

Tailor-made Great Rift Valley Lakes Holidays

Birdwatchers flock to Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, a volcanic wonderland dotted with shimmering lakes that draw candyfloss-coloured flamingos and prehistoric-beaked pelicans in their thousands. Formed by tectonic shifting a million years ago, the valley sliced across Kenya creating sheer rock walls and a valley floor carpeted with plains and forests, dormant volcanoes, geysers and mineral lakes. Most of these oasis-like pools are filled with alkaline water that breeds the coveted algae birds come to feast on. By contrast, the valley’s two freshwater lakes bring life to surrounding forests and farms where fields of flowers and earthy vegetables are harvested.

Sail across Naivasha, the valley’s highest lake, surrounded by 400 species of colourful African birds. In its fresh waters, a protected hippo population submerge and reappear like submarines, wading onto shores fringed with thick greenery. If it’s birds you crave, Lake Nakuru is where blue-green algae thrives, attracting flocks of up to two million flamingos, while its surrounding National Park is home to lions, leopards and endangered black rhino. Meanwhile, at Lake Elmenteita, just one type of Tilapia fish survives in the salt-saturated waters, which are backed by dormant volcanoes that the Maasai people believe resemble a sleeping warrior.

Ready to experience the Great Rift Valley Lakes? Let our Kenya experts arrange birdwatching trips, boat excursions and safaris on the shores of these famous waters.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the safari rangers, local village chiefs and camp managers you'll be talking about for years to come. Start planning today, call us, email an enquiry or arrange a phone or video appointment for ideas and advice.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.
Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.
Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.
Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.
Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.
Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.