GREAT RIFT VALLEY LAKES
The great rift valley was formed about 25 million years ago by the violent separation of two of the earth’s continental plates floating on the molten magma of its core. It runs 4,000 miles long, from the Red Sea to Mozambique, and its sides are still moving apart, slowly but imperceptibly. This slow separation brings dramatic outpourings from the molten core which have created volcanoes, mountains and escarpments.The Rift creates a long fissure in the landscape and water collects in depressions and has no way out except by evaporation which leaves sediment and salts behind. We know these depressions as lakes and wetlands, but here they are unique because of this geological accident.
The accumulation of salts by evaporation can eventually produce caustic soda water. Very few species can live in such harsh conditions, but those that can, do so in spectacular abundance.For this reason the great lakes of the rift valley have always been one of the best tourist attractions in Africa.Every year Thousands of lesser flamingo, an animal highly specialized to filter microbes through its beak,gather around Lake Bogoria in Northern Kenya to feed on the blue-green ‘alga’,that cover the lake.The intense green of the lake waters often contrasts with the vivid pink of the flamingos gathered along the shores. Up to a million birds congregate on a single small lake creating “the top bird-watching spectacles in the world”.
RIFT VALLEY LAKES YOU MUST VISIT
LAKE NAIVASHA
Unlike other Rift Valley lakes,Lake Naivasha is characterized by freshwater.It acts as an important lifeline in the area.At the beginning of the 20th Century, Lake Naivasha completely dried up and was used as farmland, until heavy rains a few years later caused the lake to swallow up the new establishments.Today the Lake is almost 13kms across, but its waters are shallow with an average depth of five metres.As a result,great range of game come to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, Buffalo wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the Lakes large hippo population sleep the day out in the shallows.Hell’s Gate National Park lies beside the lake,The park is home to a profusion of plains game and birdlife. Walking is permitted, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Boat trips on the lake are widely available, alternatively you can visit crescent Island Game Park, the only park in Kenya Where you can walk with animals.There are more animals per acre than any other Kenyan Park, hence many film companies have been to the Island to film the herds of Wildebeeste, Waterbuck, Zebra and Gazelle.
LAKE NAKURU
On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, lies another stunning lake,the beautiful Lake Nakuru. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. The surface of the Lake Nakuru occupies about a third of the park and supports a dense bloom of the blue-green algae that is an important food source to lesser flamingos.However,dramatic increase in water levels in 2013 led to the migration of flamingos to Lake Bogoria. The Lake hosts 56 different species of wildlife making Lake Nakuru National Park a must go destination.The park has Kenya’s largest population of rhinos,huge numbers herds of waterbuck, zebra, buffalo, the endangered Rothschild Giraffe,Lions and more.
LAKE BOGORIA
Lake Bogoria lies at the beginnig of Kenya’s great Northern Wilderness.The lake is the heart of an arid landscape, in the shadow of the dramatic walls of the Siracho Range. The soda waters of the lake attract massive flocks of Flamingo, and the lake is often carpeted with pink.The lake is still volcanically active, and the Western shore is lined with spouting geysers, spurting steam and bubbling geothermal pools. Fresh water springs at the lake edge attract an abundance of birds and wildlife. There are many Fish Eagles, which often prey on the local flamingos.Other wildlife in the game reserve include the Gazelle, Zebra, Ostrich and this is one of the best places to see Greater Kudu.
LAKE ELEMENTAITA
Elmenteita is a small (18 sq km) soda lake, nestled in the eastern sweep of the Great Rift Valley. The Lake is surrounded by spectacular country that played an important role in the early colonial history of Kenya. This was the estate and stronghold of Lord Delamere, the builder of the Kenya colony.Today Elmenteita is a peaceful and low-key place, lying in the shadow of an impressively peaked hill known locally known as the ‘Sleeping Maasai’. The lake attracts many visiting flamingo, and it shores are grazed by zebra, gazelle, eland and families of warthog. The lake and its surrounding forests are perfect for long walks and birding
LAKE VICTORIA
Although not a Rift Valley Lake, The largest lake in Africa is truly a point of interest.This massive (67,493 sq kms) lake, commonly known as Nyanza, is twice the size of Wales, and forms a natural boundary between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The lake is the heart of the African continent, the source of its mightiest river, the Nile. In the 19th century the riddle of the Nile was one of the great enigmas of African exploration. After many expeditions failed, John Hanning Speke finally reached these shores in 1858. The Nile flows northwards, carrying the waters of Nyanza to Egypt and beyond into the Mediterranean. This mighty body of water is rich in fish life, with shimmering shoals of colourful cichlids and large Nile Perch. Nyanza province is the heartland of the Luo, a tribe known as formidable fisherman. Fishing brings many visitors to this lake, mainly in search of the Nile Perch, considered a world class game fish. There are three separate fishing lodges on islands within Victoria. Kisumu is a quiet port town on the Lakeshore, with wide streets and fine colonial architecture. To the south fishing villages line the lake towards the broad waters of Homa Bay. This area is home to Ruma National Park, a small but attractive park with many unique species. The best way to appreciate the beauty of this region is on the lake itself. The sun shines brightly, and gentle breezes rise from the water. On trees along the shore, Fish Eagles call to each other with long haunting cries. Sunsets turn the water to gold, as the local fisherman in their canoes pull in their nets and slowly turn for home.