The Great Rift Valley is one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. Formed by volcanic activity and stretching over 6,000 kilometres, this Valley is home to an incredible array of wildlife and many fascinating cultures.
With its dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, and vast plains, the Great Rift Valley is a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature or adventure.
In this article, we’ll explore the history and geography of the region, take an in-depth look at its unique wildlife, and discuss some exciting ways to experience this great area.
Where is the Great Rift Valley
The Rift Valley is a prominent geographical feature that runs through much of eastern Africa. It is a long, narrow, deep trench in the Earth’s surface that stretches for about 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometres) from the Red Sea in the Middle East to the Zambezi River in southern Africa. The Rift Valley passes through several countries in eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
It is a geologically active region home to several volcanoes and hot springs. It is also home to many unique and diverse species of plants and animals. The Great Rift Valley is one of Africa’s most critical and dramatic landscapes. It is a popular destination for tourists and adventurers who want to experience the region’s natural beauty.
It originally formed due to the movement of the Earth’s crust through a process that began about 30 million years ago when the African continent began to split apart. As the continent slowly drifted apart, the Earth’s crust began to stretch and thin, forming the Great Rift Valley. The process is still ongoing, and this Rift Valley continues to grow and change.
The Great Rift Valley is home to many ecosystems, including grasslands, savannas, forests, and wetlands. It is also home to many unique and diverse species of plants and animals, including many found nowhere else in the world. Some of the more well-known species found here include the giraffe, the zebra, the lion, the elephant, the rhinoceros, and the hippopotamus.
Valley is home to many indigenous communities, including the Maasai and Kamba. They have lived in the region for centuries, developing a deep understanding and respect for the natural environment.
From north to south, this valley is a region of great cultural and historical significance, and it has played a central role in the development of human civilization. It is the site of many important archaeological discoveries, including the remains of early human ancestors and the remains of ancient civilizations. It is also home to many important cultural landmarks, including the Olduvai Gorge, which is considered one of the most critical sites in the study of human evolution.
Activities one can engage in while visiting the Rift include:
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Game Viewing
- Photography
- Guided walks around the crater lakes
- Picnic lunches
- Bird watching
- Golfing
- Community visits
Accommodation in the Great Rift Valley
While visiting the Great Rift Valley, you will obviously want to stay close to the area for easy access to the scheduled activities.
If this is your first time visiting The Great Rift Valley, you can also use a list of travel agencies and tour companies to help you have a gratifying stay.
Here are a couple of accommodation spots you can look into while there.
1. Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort
2. Enashipai Resort & Spa
3. Lake Naivasha Resort
4. Lake Naivasha Country Club-Sun Africa Hotels
5. Sawela Lodges
6. Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge
7. Sweet Lake Resort
8. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
9. Sarova Woodlands
10. Burch’s Resort Naivasha