Rift Valley Safaris

The perfect safari holiday in The Rift Valley

Breath taking scenery, with a range of habitats for a wealth of animals, with superb bird watching on a tailor made Rift Valley safari.

Stretching 6,000 kilometres from Lebanon to Mozambique, Africa’s Great Rift Valley is one of the most spectacular geological features in the world. The dramatic section slicing through Kenya provides the perfect contrast to the savannahs of the national parks, with extinct volcanoes, flamingos and salt flats to explore. The Rift Valley lakes attract an impressive array of wildlife, and are a particular highlight for birders.

Lake Naivasha is the largest of the Rift Valley Lakes in Kenya, and not far by road or air from Nairobi. A magnet for bird life and hippos, the best way to explore is by boat, and it’s also a popular place for fishing, horse riding and golf. This is prime flower growing country and sprawling rose farms hug the lake shores. Day trips from Naivasha include climbing Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano offering spectacular views form the crater rim, and Hell’s Gate National Park, which is one of the few places in East Africa where you can combine a safari with walking and cycling. A couple of days here make an excellent start or finish to a safari holiday in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its flamingos, although rising water levels mean that sightings can’t be guaranteed. There is a healthy number of black and white rhino present as well as tree-climbing lions and the usual plains game.

Located in the semi-desert region of northern Kenya, Lake Turkana is a 270 kilometre stretch of sparkling jade water surrounded by volcanic boulders and purple hills. It’s an ideal destination for the intrepid traveller looking to experience bio-diversity at its best: ornithology, anthropology, archaeology, culture, fishing, game viewing and photography. It’s all here.

Second only to Turkana in remoteness, Lake Baringo is perfect for those looking to escape from it all on a luxury Rift Valley holiday. Come here if you want to see a dazzling array of colourful birds, watch fishermen continuing a trade little changed for centuries, and spectacular sunsets that illuminate the lake’s mesmerising bronze waters.

Meanwhile Lake Bogoria is another popular birding spot, especially when it comes to flamingos. This long and narrow soda lake with its boiling hot springs and steaming geysers is also home to the elusive greater kudu, as well as hyena, jackal and leopard. Most visitors make a day trip here from their base at Lake Nakuru.

Lake Magadi is the most southerly lake in the Rift Valley and has a distinctive pink colour from its soda deposits. Surrounded by salt flats with a series of hot springs around the edge of the lake, this is another flamingo paradise, and despite being well off the beaten track is quite easy to reach.

Trips in Rift Valley Lakes

Rift Valley Lakes Trip Inspiration

Type

All

Price

Sort by

Featured
Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.