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The natural wonder of the Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley lies in the west of Kenya: this deep crevice between 2 plates in the earth’s crust runs from Mozambique in south-eastern Africa to Syria in Asia. Thousands of kilometres of the Great Rift lie in East Africa. This impressive gorge is between 30 and 100 kilometres wide and features the deepest lakes and highest mountains.

Nature

Diverse wildlife at Lake Nakuru

An explosion of unique animals

Because of their unique natural phenomena, the 3 interconnected lakes of Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elmenteita in the Great Valley have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Home to 13 endangered bird species, the region features a great diversity and large concentration of birds. The geysers make it even more spectacular. Lake Elmenteita, the smallest of the 3 lakes, has beautiful birds and unique hot springs. Lake Bogoria is a saltwater lake and is even more spectacular because of the large numbers of flamingos that flock there. But Lake Nakuru is best known for its population of the elegant pink birds and has even been nicknamed The Pink Lake. Hundreds of thousands, or even millions of flamingos live among pink pelicans and rhinos. The area around the lake in Lake Nakuru National Park is home to all of the Big Five. But you will also find zebras, baboons, giraffes and gazelles here. Bird watchers will definitely also love this area with over 500 species of birds, including bee-eaters and crowned cranes.

The smaller ‘lesser’ flamingo

Fun flamingo facts

The lakes of the Great Rift Valley are home to 2 species of flamingo: the smaller ’lesser’ flamingo and the large ‘greater’ flamingo. The birds prefer shallow water; after it rains they will often move to the next lake. Another fun fact: often seen balancing on one leg, the flamingo is born white/grey and not pink. The bright pink colour is the result of its food intake as here they feed on algae that live in the lake. It uses its beak to filter the algae from the water.

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Nature

Shopping

Active & Outdoor

Nature

To learn more about life, nature and culture in Kenya, visit the Nairobi National Museum. The museum is located near Museum Hill, a 10-minute drive from the city centre. In addition to the museum, which was beautifully renovated in 2005, you will be able to visit the botanical gardens, a nature trail, shops and restaurant facilities.

Nature

Kenya is a paradise for safari lovers. There are almost 50 national parks which are home to millions of impressive animals. Elephants, lions, hippos and leopards: that is just a small sample of the huge diversity of animals. In the water, on the savannah, in the trees or in the mountains, magnificent animals are everywhere. This is Africa at its best!

Shopping

The name of the Village Market, located in Nairobi's embassy district, is a bit misleading. There are some outdoor market stalls, but this is hardly a simple village market: in fact this is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in East Africa. However, it does have a rural feel – albeit a very chic one.

Active & Outdoor

The Karura Forest is a green oasis inside the city, just a 15-minute drive from Nairobi’s central business district. Three rivers flow through the park and there is a 49-foot-high waterfall, a bamboo jungle, a series of caves and a wetland. The park also boasts up to 31 miles of walking trails.