"Hemmed in by mile-high basaltic cliffs, the majestic Rift Valley and its lakes form a rewarding all-round travel destination. Highlights include the million-strong flamingo flocks historically associated with Lake Nakuru but now more often encountered at Bogoria. Lake Nakuru National Park offers a realistic chance of seeing both black and white rhino in the course of a morning drive, while Hell’s Gate is the last place where you can walk unguided through Kenya’s big game country. ”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYNakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes
An ideal stopover en route from Nairobi to the Masaai Mara, freshwater Lake Naivasha supports plenty of wildlife, including giraffe, hippo and monkeys, and it ranks high among East Africa’s finest general birdwatching sites. Close to the lake, Hell’s Gate National Park offers walkers and cyclists the opportunity to encounter buffalo, giraffe, zebra and various antelope in a primal landscape of ancient lava plugs, sulphuric steam vents and shiny black obsidian outcrops.
Further northwest, Nakuru and Bogoria are hyper-saline sumps whose shallows are frequently tinged pink by million-strong flocks of flamingo – a cacophonous and breathtaking avian counterpart to the Serengeti-Mara wildebeest migration. Even when the flamingoes are absent, Nakuru offers some superb game-viewing – conspicuous populations of both black and white rhino, but also lion, leopard, buffalo and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
More far-flung still, little-visited Baringo is a freshwater lake with a spectacular location at the base of the Rift Escarpment. A community-based tourist project on the east shore offers boat trips in search of hippos and water birds.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
This is usually the driest time of the year, you can expect sunny skies (with perhaps the occasional shower) and pleasant temperatures. Animals tend to congregate around the lakes and waterholes, so game viewing should be excellent. The vegetation will also be quite thin, improving visibility at sightings. Overall an excellent time of year to visit.
Migratory birds will be there in good numbers and in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
DRY SEASON
This is usually the driest time of the year, you can expect sunny skies (with perhaps the occasional shower) and pleasant temperatures. Animals tend to congregate around the lakes and waterholes, so game viewing should be excellent. The vegetation will also be quite thin, improving visibility at sightings. Overall an excellent time of year to visit.
Migratory birds will be there in good numbers and in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor are low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor are low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor are low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant. The rains earlier in the year should also have cleared a lot of dust in the sky, making the long distant views outstanding.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant. The rains earlier in the year should also have cleared a lot of dust in the sky, making the long distant views outstanding.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that Lake Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes have very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,755 to 2,053m or 5,758 to 6,736ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
Unlike most of Kenya where there are two wet seasons, around Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley rain is possible throughout the year, but much more likely and with more intensity from March to May. Overall rainfall amounts are relatively low, so it is possible to have great safari experiences throughout the year.
Explore Nakuru & the Southern Rift Valley Lakes Properties
Loldia House
Loldia House
A family owned, colonial style property, Loldia House sits on the shores of Lake Naivasha surrounded by abundant gardens. Belonging to the Governors’ Camp Collection, the house is charming with exceptionally warm hospitality and ..
The Cliff
The Cliff
A stylish, smart boutique camp perched on top of the world, the Cliff offers high end luxury in a spectacular setting in Lake Nakuru National park. Ideal for guests looking for a cool and contemporary cliff top hideaway with ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
