Top destinations in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya

The Great Rift Valley is a global wonder by the virtue of its 6000 kilometers length stretching from Northern Jordan in Asia to Mozambique in southern Africa. The floor of the Great Rift Valley comprises of amazing ecosystems, scenic landscapes and a wide biodiversity that makes it a top priority destination in Africa. Although the Great Rift Valley stretches from Jordan to Mozambique, it is in Kenya where its magnificence is truly evident. Here are the top destinations in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya

The Magical Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National reserve is perhaps the most precious jewel in the entire Great Rift Valley. The reserve is the theater of the Great wildebeest migration, one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. The wildebeest migration is a phenomenal experience. It involves annual migration of over 2 million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras and Thomson gazelles from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. During the migration, the animals cross River Mara, which is infested with the giant Nile crocodiles. Seeing the millions of animals swimming desperately across the river to avoid the hungry crocodiles and the predatory lions and cheetahs is a sight to behold.

The Kenya Lake System in Great Rift

The Kenya lake system in the Great Rift Valley is a recognized UNESCO world heritage site. The lake system comprises of three interlinked shallow lake basins, namely Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita and Lake Bogoria. This aquatic system is one of the richest ecological sites in Africa, comprising of a wide diversity of animals and some of the most endangered species in the world. The ecosystem holds over 13 rare and endangered bird species in the world and it is crucial foraging grounds for millions of flamingo birds. If you wish to take a dip in the therapeutic geysers, the hot springs of Lake Bogoria is the perfect place for you to relax after eventful safari in the Great Rift Valley.

Lake-Nakuru-Baboon-Hill-View

Olkaria, the Biggest Geothermal energy Production Site in Africa

The demand for green energy has never been greater especially in the wake of adverse global warming effects. Olkaria, which is located in the floor of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, is home to one of the biggest power plants generating electricity from geothermal energy in the world. The plants have the largest potential in the world of producing over 10,000 Megawatts of electricity. The giant winding tubing and the white spurts of steam from the bowels of the earth are some of the most remarkable sights to behold in Olkaria.

The Mighty Mount Kenya

Although the humongous mountain is not on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, it is a prominent and

scenic feature that casts an imposing shadow as you travel in the great rift. Mt Kenya is the second highest point in Africa with an elevation of over 17,000 feet above sea level. The mountain straddles across the Equator and amazingly, it has glaciers at its peak, in a region that records temperatures as high as 40oC! Mount Kenya offers a formidable challenge for upcoming mountain and rock climbers. In addition, it is home to one of the most natural forests in Kenya and UNESCO World Heritage site, Mt Kenya National Park.