Great Rift Lakes Circuit – Nature, Birds & Springs

The Great Rift Valley is one of Africa’s most geologically fascinating regions – and Kenya offers Rift Lake scenery that goes far beyond classic wildlife viewing. The Great Rift Lakes Circuit leads through the heart of the East African Rift: past shimmering alkaline lakes, steaming geysers, acacia woodlands, and escarpments rising over 600 meters. This four-day journey connects Lake Naivasha, Lake Bogoria, and Lake Baringo into a compact, nature-focused route without a rush – ideal for birders, photographers, and anyone seeking safari beyond the Big Five.

Region, Landscape, Atmosphere

The Great Rift Valley extends from Ethiopia to Mozambique and traverses Kenya for over 600 kilometres. The lakes along this tectonic fault are geological treasures: Lake Naivasha sits at 1,890 meters altitude, surrounded by papyrus swamps and acacia forests. Lake Bogoria, about 100 kilometres north, is a soda lake with active hot springs and geysers – one of the few places worldwide where geothermal activity can be experienced directly at the lakeshore. Lake Baringo, the northernmost point of the route, is a freshwater lake with rocky shores, doum palms, and exceptional bird density.

The atmosphere of this tour is calm, contemplative, yet full of discoveries: Mornings bring mist rising over water surfaces, midday sees lakes glittering under blue skies, evenings paint horizons red and orange over escarpments. The sounds differ from classic game parks – here bird calls dominate, the bubbling of hot springs, and the gentle lapping of waves.

Lodge Experiences & Accommodation of Great Rift Lakes Circuit

The selected accommodations sit directly on water or at exposed locations with wide views. Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp offers tented chalets with private bathrooms, surrounded by acacias and mere meters from the lakeshore – mornings begin with hippos in the front yard. Lake Bogoria Spa Resort combines nature with comfort: the lodge features hot thermal pools fed by the lake’s springs – a bath under the stars after a day of exploration is unforgettable. Tumbili Cliff Lodge at Lake Baringo perches on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views over the lake and surrounding hills – sundowners on the terrace rank among this journey’s finest moments.

All lodges are small, authentic, and nature-experience focused. Early game drives are absent here; instead, days begin with sunrise over the lake, birdwatching from balconies, or short walks along shores. Evenings feature campfires, soft music, and the starry sky over the savanna creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Tips & Notes for Great Rift Lakes Circuit

The best time for the Great Rift Lakes Circuit is January to March and July to October – during these months roads are well-maintained, visibility optimal, and birdlife particularly active. During rainy season (April to June, November), sections of the route to Bogoria and Baringo can become muddy – a 4×4 vehicle is then mandatory. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is generally recommended for this tour, especially for sections north of Nakuru.

Clothing should be light and breathable: daytime temperatures reach 25–30 °C, evenings and mornings can drop to 15 °C, especially at Lake Naivasha. A light jacket or fleece is advisable. Sturdy footwear is important for the walking safari on Crescent Island and for walks along rocky shores of Bogoria and Baringo. Sun protection (hat, cream, sunglasses) is essential – altitude and water reflection intensify UV radiation.

Photographers should bring a telephoto lens (at least 300 mm) – especially for bird photography and hippos in water. A wide-angle suits landscape shots along escarpments and at Menengai Crater. Binoculars are essential for birdwatching – over 470 bird species have been documented at Lake Baringo.

Why This Experience of Great Rift Lakes Circuits Exceptional

The Great Rift Lakes Circuit is unique because it redefines safari: Instead of hours-long game drives searching for big cats, here the diversity of Rift Valley ecosystems takes centre stage. Where else on a four-day tour can one observe steaming geysers, walk on foot among giraffes and zebras, experience hippos up close from a boat, and photograph millions of flamingos at an alkaline lake?

This tour combines geological wonders with wildlife: Lake Bogoria is one of only three places in Kenya where large flamingo flocks regularly rest – in good years up to two million Lesser Flamingos turn the lake pink. The hot springs and geysers at the shore are active witnesses to the East African rifting process – some geysers reach heights over ten meters.

Lake Baringo ranks as East Africa’s bird paradise: over 470 species live here, including endemic species like Jackson’s Hornbill and rare visitors like Hemprich’s Hornbill. Boat trips on the lake offer unique perspectives: fish eagles circle over water, Nile monitors sun themselves on rocks, and on small islands bee-eater colonies nest in colourful swarms.

Crescent Island at Lake Naivasha is Kenya’s only island where walking safari is possible – without predators, but with giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and wildebeests accustomed to humans. The walk over grass-covered hills with views of Mount Longonot is a highlight for nature lovers.

Key Highlights of Great Rift Lakes Circuit

Crescent Island Walking Safari: On foot among wildlife – giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and wildebeests up close, without vehicle. The island is car-free and offers 360-degree views over Lake Naivasha and surrounding volcanoes.

Lake Bogoria Geysers & Hot Springs: Active geysers shooting up to ten meters high, hot springs at the lakeshore, and – during peak season – millions of flamingos turning the lake pink. The sight of this geothermal activity is spectacular and not experienced elsewhere in Kenya.

Lake Baringo Boat Safari: Fish eagle shows up close, Nile monitors on rocks, hippos surfacing from water, and over 470 bird species. The boat trip leads to small islands where bee-eater colonies nest in shore walls.

Menengai Crater: is the second largest in Africa and the largest in Kenya. The view from the rim over the forested crater floor and surrounding hills is breathtaking. A short walk along the rim offers photo opportunities and geological insights.

Great Rift Valley Viewpoint: The classic panoramic view over the Rift Valley – escarpments dropping 600 meters, lakes glittering in the distance, and the vastness of Kenyan savanna. This viewpoint is one of Kenya’s most photographed locations.

Species by Region of Great Rift Lakes Circuit

Lake Naivasha: Hippos (large population, especially visible during boat trips), giraffes (Rothschild and Masai giraffes on Crescent Island), zebras, waterbucks, wildebeests, impalas. Over 400 bird species including African Fish Eagles, pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers, and marabou storks.

Lake Bogoria: Lesser Flamingos (up to two million birds during peak season July to November), Greater Flamingos, Greater Kudu (rare antelope living in acacia woodlands around the lake), impala, dik-dik. Over 135 bird species including pelicans, cormorants, and herons.

Lake Baringo: Hippos (large population, especially active evenings), Nile crocodiles (often on rocks and sandbanks), Nile monitors (up to 1.5 meters long). Over 470 bird species including Jackson’s Hornbill (endemic), Verreaux’s Eagle, Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle, bee-eaters (several species nesting in colonies), Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher.

Menengai Crater: Baboons, bushbucks, did-diks. Bird species like Augur Buzzard, Rüppell’s Vulture, and various raptors circling over the crater.

Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to experience Kenya beyond classic safari routes – book your Great Rift Lakes Circuit now and discover the geological wonders and bird diversity of the Rift Valley.