Rift Valley Lakes
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Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, located about 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. It is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes in Kenya, and is situated at an elevation of 1,884 meters above sea level. Lake Naivasha is surrounded by a variety of habitats, including papyrus swamps, acacia forests, and grasslands.
Lake Naivasha is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 species of birds. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing and boat rides.
Here are some of the things you can do at Lake Naivasha:
- Take a boat ride: Boat rides are a great way to see the lake's wildlife and scenery. You can see hippos swimming in the water, giraffes feeding on the shore, and a variety of birds flying overhead.
- Go on a game drive: There are several national parks and reserves located near Lake Naivasha, where you can go on a game drive to see a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
- Visit the Crescent Island: Crescent Island is a small island located in the middle of Lake Naivasha. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and impalas. Visitors can take a boat ride to the island and go on a walking safari to see the animals.
- Go fishing: Lake Naivasha is a popular spot for fishing. There are a variety of fish species in the lake, including tilapia, bass, and catfish. You can hire a fishing guide to take you out on the lake or fish from the shore.
- Visit the Hell's Gate National Park: Hell's Gate National Park is located near Lake Naivasha. The park is known for its dramatic scenery, which includes volcanic gorges, cliffs, and waterfalls. Visitors can go on game drives, hike, or bike in the park.
Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita is a soda lake located in the Great Rift Valley, about 120 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Kenya. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya, known for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural significance.
The lake is home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and eagles. It is also a breeding ground for the greater and lesser flamingos. The lake is also home to a variety of other wildlife, such as hippos, zebras, and giraffes.
Here are some of the things you can do at Lake Elementaita:
- Take a boat ride: Boat rides are a great way to see the lake's wildlife and scenery. You can see flamingos swimming in the water, hippos grazing on the shore, and a variety of birds flying overhead.
- Go on a game drive: The Soysambu Conservancy, which surrounds Lake Elementaita, is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. You can go on a game drive in the conservancy to see these animals.
- Visit the Kariandusi Prehistoric Site: The Kariandusi Prehistoric Site is located near Lake Elementaita. The site is home to some of the oldest human fossils ever found in Africa. Visitors can learn about the history of human evolution at the site's museum.
- Visit the Lake Elementaita Hot Springs: The Lake Elementaita Hot Springs are located on the shores of the lake. The hot springs are said to have healing properties, and visitors can soak in the hot water to relax and rejuvenate.
Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria is a saline alkaline lake located in the Great Rift Valley, about 230 kilometers north of Nairobi, Kenya. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya, known for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and geothermal features.
The lake is home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and eagles. It is also a breeding ground for the greater and lesser flamingos. The lake is also home to a variety of other wildlife, such as hippos, zebras, and giraffes.
Lake Bogoria is also known for its geothermal features, which include geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The geysers erupt periodically, sending jets of hot water and steam into the air. The hot springs are said to have healing properties, and visitors can soak in the hot water to relax and rejuvenate.
Here are some of the things you can do at Lake Bogoria:
- Take a boat ride: Boat rides are a great way to see the lake's wildlife and scenery. You can see flamingos swimming in the water, hippos grazing on the shore, and a variety of birds flying overhead.
- Game drive in Lake Bogoria National Reserve: The Lake Bogoria National Reserve is located on the shores of the lake. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, hippos, and zebras. Visitors can go on game drives, hike, or bike in the reserve.
- Visit the Loburu Geysers: The Loburu Geysers are located on the shores of Lake Bogoria. The geysers erupt periodically, sending jets of hot water and steam into the air. Visitors can watch the geysers erupt from a safe distance.
- Soak in the hot springs: The Lake Bogoria hot springs are located on the shores of the lake. The hot springs are said to have healing properties, and visitors can soak in the cooler parts of the hot geysers to relax and rejuvenate.
Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley, about 250 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Kenya. It is the seventh largest lake in Kenya, and is known for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural significance.
The lake is home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and eagles. It is also a breeding ground for the greater and lesser flamingos. The lake is also home to a variety of other wildlife, such as hippos, zebras, and giraffes.
Lake Baringo is also a significant cultural site for the Tugen and Ilchamus people. The lake is considered to be a sacred place, and the Tugen and Ilchamus often come to the lake to pray and perform rituals.
Here are some of the things you can do at Lake Baringo:
- Take a boat ride: Boat rides are a great way to see the lake's wildlife and scenery. You can see flamingos swimming in the water, hippos grazing on the shore, and a variety of birds flying overhead.
- Go on a game drive: The Lake Baringo National Park, which surrounds the lake, is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras. You can go on a game drive in the park to see these animals.
- Visit the Ol Kokwe Island: Ol Kokwe Island is a small island located in Lake Baringo. The island is home to hot springs, fumaroles, and a variety of birdlife. Visitors can take a boat ride to the island and go for a hike to see the island's features.
- Visit the Njemps Cultural Centre: The Njemps Cultural Centre is located on the shores of Lake Baringo. The center is a museum that showcases the culture and history of the Njemps people. Visitors can learn about the Njemps people's way of life, see traditional artifacts, and watch cultural performances.
- Visit the Ruko Community Conservancy: The Ruko Community Conservancy is located on the shores of Lake Baringo. The conservancy is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Visitors can go on game drives, hike, or bike in the conservancy.
PHOTO CREDIT: The Standard
Lake Oloiden
Lake Oloiden is a volcanic crater lake located in the Great Rift Valley, about 120 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Kenya. It is a smaller lake than its neighbor, Lake Naivasha, but is no less beautiful. Lake Oloiden is known for its clear water, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife.
The lake is home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and eagles. It is also a breeding ground for the greater and lesser flamingos. The lake is also home to a variety of other wildlife, such as hippos, zebras, and giraffes.
Here are some of the things you can do at Lake Oloiden:
- Take a boat ride: Boat rides are a great way to see the lake's wildlife and scenery. You can see flamingos swimming in the water, hippos grazing on the shore, and a variety of birds flying overhead.
- Go on a game drive: The Kongoni Wildlife Conservancy, which surrounds Lake Oloiden, is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. You can go on a game drive in the conservancy to see these animals.
- Go for a hike: There are several hiking trails in the area around Lake Oloiden. You can hike to the top of the Oloiden hill for stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
PHOTO CREDIT: Governors Camps
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana is a saline alkaline lake located in the Great Rift Valley, in northern Kenya, with its far northern end crossing into Ethiopia. It is the world's largest permanent desert lake, the world's largest alkaline lake, and the fourth-largest lake in Africa by volume.
Here are some of the things you need to know about Lake Turkana:
- Geography: Lake Turkana is a long, narrow lake that is about 249 kilometers long and 44 kilometers wide at its widest point. The lake is surrounded by arid and semi-arid land, and the water is salty and alkaline.
- Wildlife: Lake Turkana is home to a variety of wildlife, including Nile crocodiles, hippos, and over 400 species of birds. The lake is also a breeding ground for the Nile perch, one of the most important commercial fish species in Africa.
- Culture: Lake Turkana is home to a number of different cultures, including the Turkana, El Molo, and Rendille people. These cultures have a rich history and culture that is reflected in their traditional dress, music, and dance.
Here are some of the things you can do at Lake Turkana:
- Go on a boat ride: You can take a boat ride on Lake Turkana to see the lake's wildlife and scenery. Some of the most popular boat trips include visits to the Central Island National Park and the Sibiloi National Park.
- Visit a crocodile camp: There are a number of crocodile camps located on the shores of Lake Turkana, where you can learn about these fascinating creatures and see them up close.
- Visit a Turkana village: The Turkana are a semi-nomadic people who live on the shores of Lake Turkana. You can visit a Turkana village to learn about their culture and way of life.
- Go for a hike: There are a number of hiking trails in the area around Lake Turkana, where you can enjoy the lake's stunning scenery. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Central Island National Park and the Sibiloi National Park.
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Great White Pelicans
The Great White Pelican is the largest pelican species, with a wingspan of up to 3.6 meters and a weight of up to 15 kilograms. They are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. In Kenya, they can be found in the Great Rift Valley lakes, such as Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru.
Great White Pelicans are social birds that live in colonies of up to 10,000 individuals. They are fish-eaters, and they use their long bills to scoop up fish from the water. They can hold up to 13 liters of water in their bills!
Great White Pelicans are an important part of the ecosystem, as they help to control the population of fish. They are also a popular tourist attraction, and visitors to Kenya can often see them swimming and fishing in the lakes.
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Purple Heron
Photo taken in Lake Baringo, Kenya
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Pink Flamingoes in Lake Bogoria, next to the hot geysers
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