8 Days 7 Nights Rift Valley Lakes Classic Safari in Kenya

Overview

The Great Rift Valley is one of the world's most striking natural wonders ‐ a vast trench running across East Africa, dotted with Kenya's most beautiful lakes. Each lake tells its own story: the flamingo-lined alkaline waters of Lake Magadi, the hippo and bird paradise of Lake Naivasha, the serene UNESCO site of Lake Elementaita, the rhino sanctuary and flamingos of Lake Nakuru, the geysers and hot springs of Lake Bogoria, and the freshwater richness of Lake Baringo.

This safari is more than a game drive ‐ it's an all-year-round journey that blends landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Expect flamingos, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, over 450 bird species, and cultural encounters with the Maasai, Kikuyu, Endorois, and Njemps communities.

Perfect for families, birdwatchers, photographers, cultural travelers, and multi-generational groups, this safari showcases Kenya's diversity beyond the migration ‐ making it one of the country's most authentic Classic Safari experiences.

Detailed Itinerary

• Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
• Meet & greet by our representative.
• Transfer to Nairobi hotel for briefing and overnight.
• Overnight: Nairobi hotel (BB).

• Distance: 110 km / 3‐4 hrs drive.
• Descend into the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Magadi.
• Game drive to see flamingos, giraffes, zebras, and ostriches.
• Visit the hot springs and enjoy stunning landscapes.
• Afternoon visit to a Maasai village for cultural dances, beadwork, and storytelling.
• Overnight: Lodge / camp at Lake Magadi (FB).

• Distance: 200 km / 4‐5 hrs drive.
• Drive to Lake Naivasha.
• Afternoon boat ride to spot hippos, fish eagles, and birdlife.
• Optional walking safari at Crescent Island.
• Overnight: Lodge / camp at Lake Naivasha (FB).

• Distance: 45 km / 1 hr drive.
• Transfer to Lake Elementaita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Guided nature walk and birdwatching ‐ flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds.
• Evening cultural storytelling with the Kikuyu community.
• Overnight: Lodge / camp at Lake Elementaita (FB).

• Distance: 50 km / 1.5 hrs drive.
• Morning drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Game drives: spot rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo, lions, flamingos, and pelicans.
• Overnight: Lodge / camp at Lake Nakuru (FB).

• Distance: 180 km / 4 hrs drive.
• Drive to Lake Bogoria, famous for hot springs and geysers.
• Witness large flocks of flamingos along the alkaline shores.
• Afternoon visit to the Endorois community, learning their culture and connection to the lake.
• Overnight: Lodge / camp near Lake Bogoria (FB).

• Distance: 25 km / 1 hr drive.
• Short transfer to Lake Baringo, a freshwater lake with over 450 bird species.
• Afternoon boat safari: hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles.
• Visit the Njemps (Il Chamus) people, traditional fishermen who live around the lake.
• Overnight: Lodge / camp at Lake Baringo (FB).

• Distance: 270 km / 5‐6 hrs drive.
• Morning at leisure, then return to Nairobi.
• Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure.

🛏️ Accommodation Summary

• Nairobi (Day 1): Hotel (BB)
• Lake Magadi (Day 2): Lodge / camp (FB)
• Lake Naivasha (Day 3): Lodge / camp (FB)
• Lake Elementaita (Day 4): Lodge / camp (FB)
• Lake Nakuru (Day 5): Lodge / camp (FB)
• Lake Bogoria (Day 6): Lodge / camp (FB)
• Lake Baringo (Day 7): Lodge / camp (FB)

(BB = Bed & Breakfast, FB = Full Board)

✅ What's Included

• Meet & greet on arrival
• Airport transfers
• Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation as per itinerary (or equivalent)
• Full board on safari, BB in Nairobi
• Park entry fees
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Game drives in Lake Nakuru NP
• Boat rides at Lake Naivasha & Lake Baringo
• Cultural visits: Maasai (Magadi), Kikuyu (Elementaita), Endorois (Bogoria), Njemps (Baringo)

❌ What's Excluded

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (drinks, tips, laundry, etc.)

✨ Why Choose This Safari?

• Covers six Rift Valley lakes: Magadi, Naivasha, Elementaita, Nakuru, Bogoria, Baringo.
• Perfect all-year safari: flamingos, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and 450+ bird species.
• Immersive cultural experiences with Maasai, Kikuyu, Endorois, and Njemps.
• Balanced pace with overnight stays at each lake.
• Ideal for families, birdwatchers, photographers, and cultural explorers.

👉 Book this 8-Day Rift Valley Lakes Classic Safari and discover the hidden heart of Kenya ‐ where water, wildlife, and people come together in harmony.