Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
Location: Western Kenya
Year of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is a stunning natural site that is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The three lakes ,Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Elementaita, that make up the system are characterized by their shallow alkaline waters, which support a unique ecosystem of plants and animals. The site is known for its exceptional natural beauty, with its sweeping landscapes, stunning sunsets, and abundance of wildlife.
Prominent Features: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is home to a wide variety of bird species, including millions of flamingos that flock to the lakes each year. The site is also home to several endemic fish species, as well as a variety of mammals, such as the Rothschild's giraffe and the black rhino. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the lakes and see the diverse wildlife.
History: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley has been recognized as an important site for conservation since the 1960s.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley offers several family-friendly activities, including birdwatching tours, game drives, and guided nature walks. Children will enjoy seeing the diverse wildlife, including flamingos, giraffes, and rhinos.
Fun Fact: Lake Nakuru is known for its massive flocks of flamingos, which can number in the millions during peak breeding seasons.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Visitors are required to pay a park fee, which ranges from $20-$80 per person depending on nationality and residency status. Additional fees may be charged for activities such as game drives and guided tours.
How to Reach it: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley can be reached by road from Nairobi, which is approximately 160 kilometers away. Visitors can also take a domestic flight to one of the nearby airports, such as Nakuru or Eldoret.
From Nairobi: You can take a matatu (shared minibus) from Nairobi to Nakuru town, which is the nearest town to the lakes. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, and the matatus depart from Nairobi's Machakos Bus Station.From Nanyuki, you can take a matatu or a shared taxi to Nakuru town. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, and the matatus and shared taxis depart from Nanyuki's bus station.
Once you arrive in Nakuru town, you can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to visit the different lakes within the Kenya Lake System.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the popular options include Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Bogoria Hotel, and Sentrim Elementaita Lodge. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Next Stop: Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site
Year of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is a stunning natural site that is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The three lakes ,Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Elementaita, that make up the system are characterized by their shallow alkaline waters, which support a unique ecosystem of plants and animals. The site is known for its exceptional natural beauty, with its sweeping landscapes, stunning sunsets, and abundance of wildlife.
Prominent Features: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is home to a wide variety of bird species, including millions of flamingos that flock to the lakes each year. The site is also home to several endemic fish species, as well as a variety of mammals, such as the Rothschild's giraffe and the black rhino. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the lakes and see the diverse wildlife.
History: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley has been recognized as an important site for conservation since the 1960s.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley offers several family-friendly activities, including birdwatching tours, game drives, and guided nature walks. Children will enjoy seeing the diverse wildlife, including flamingos, giraffes, and rhinos.
Fun Fact: Lake Nakuru is known for its massive flocks of flamingos, which can number in the millions during peak breeding seasons.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Visitors are required to pay a park fee, which ranges from $20-$80 per person depending on nationality and residency status. Additional fees may be charged for activities such as game drives and guided tours.
How to Reach it: The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley can be reached by road from Nairobi, which is approximately 160 kilometers away. Visitors can also take a domestic flight to one of the nearby airports, such as Nakuru or Eldoret.
From Nairobi: You can take a matatu (shared minibus) from Nairobi to Nakuru town, which is the nearest town to the lakes. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, and the matatus depart from Nairobi's Machakos Bus Station.From Nanyuki, you can take a matatu or a shared taxi to Nakuru town. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, and the matatus and shared taxis depart from Nanyuki's bus station.
Once you arrive in Nakuru town, you can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to visit the different lakes within the Kenya Lake System.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the popular options include Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Bogoria Hotel, and Sentrim Elementaita Lodge. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Next Stop: Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site