What Is The Great Rift Valley Of Africa? : How Do You Get There? One of the Seven Wonders of Nature, The African Rift Valley is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking vistas and pristine ecosystems. The East African Rift Valley, often known as the Great Rift Valley or just the Rift Valley, has an eastern branch that is located here.
Where is the Great Rift Valley located in Africa? The Great Rift Valley is situated along a fault line that extends from Mozambique through Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia before ending in Mozambique.
How was the Great Rift Valley formed? Tectonic plates parted around 40 million years ago, creating the East African Rift and the Great Rift Valley. The length of this geographic depression is roughly 6000 kilometers (3700 miles).
EXPERIENCE THE LAKES AND ANIMALS OF THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY
The Great Rift Valley is Africa’s most biologically diverse region, and the basaltic cliffs of the Rift Valley, northwest of Nairobi, Kenya, enclose a typical East African landscape of open savannah studded with mountain ranges covered in forest, valleys, volcanoes, rivers, grasslands, and enormous lakes.
It is not surprising that Kenya is home to more than half of Africa’s lakes given its enviable location on a section of the Great Rift Valley. Thousands of flamingos have descended on the area to feed on the algae, and crabs have been observed scuttling sideways between the reeds. Many of these resemble swampy marshlands that are dispersed across the terrain and painted pink by their presence.
In search of the Great Rift Valley Lakes, visitors can ride along the valley in open-air safari vehicles. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, and monkeys are among the animals that call the Great Rift Valley home. The region is known for its abundant birdlife, with the major draw being the flamingo flocks over a million strong that frequently congregate in Nakuru and Bogoria lakes. The areas around Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, and Bogoria provide the best chances to see these fuchsia-colored birds. The Rift Valley’s alkaline lakes serve as a thriving hub for algae and tiny crustaceans, drawing enormous flocks of greater and lesser flamingos to the region for food. The occasional fish eagle that flies in to hunt down our long-legged buddies can be heard as its muscular wings beat rapidly.
The Rift Valley Lakes region of Kenya includes a variety of indigenous species and well-preserved hominid fossils. It was formed millions of years ago as the African tectonic plates started to shift and edge apart. Because of the abundance of hominid fossils discovered there, Lake Turkana in particular is frequently referred to as the “cradle of humanity.”
WHERE TO VISIT THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY OF AFRICA
The Rift Valley province of Kenya is frequently cited as having the Great Rift Valley’s most picturesque region. It is surrounded by some of Africa’s highest mountains and has some of the deepest lakes in the world. Numerous national parks with amazing habitats for African wildlife and bird species can be found along this stretch of breathtaking terrain.
TOP GAME PARKS OF THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA
Several national parks and game reserves exist in the region, but the following stand out:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Nakuru National Park is well-known for its Rothschild’s giraffes, tree-climbing lions, and black and white rhinos. Large flocks of flamingos were also seen in this lake in the African Rift Valley (until 2014).
The hot springs and geysers at Lake Bogoria are famous. Here, the picturesque Great Rift Valley’s seismic activity may be fully understood. Large flamingo flocks now congregate at Lake Bogoria throughout the appropriate season.
Another significant national park in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley is Lake Naivasha. It supports large populations of zebras, impalas, giraffes, hippos, and over 400 other bird species.
Walking safaris are available in Hell’s Gate National Park in the Great Rift Valley for those looking for a more personal encounter with the wild. Visitors can get a close-up look at the region’s geological features and an amazing array of African flora and fauna.
VISITING THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY ON A BUDGET
We offer many tours to the Great Rift Valley at Focus East Africa Tours. With the help of our small group excursions and safari packages, tourists may easily, affordably, and safely discover the amazing geological riches that are the African Rift Valley.
READY TO BOOK YOUR TRIP TO THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
You can choose from a variety of safari package at Focus East Africa Tours that will take you straight to the center of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. You will be picked up in a significant capital city and dropped off there once more at the conclusion of your safari. Focus East Africa Tours’ team of travel professionals will recommend the best trip for you, whether you wish to go on safari in Africa for a few days or even more than 7 days.
