Rift Valley Lakes in Kenya
Everything you must know about Rift Valley lakes in Kenya. A rift valley is a lowland area formed by tectonic plates that pull apart, creating a deep valley with steep escarpments. It develops through faulting. Kenya encompasses a large section of the Great Rift Valley, located on the eastern side of Africa and open to the coast. The country is bordered by Tanzania, Somalia, Uganda, and South Sudan and is part of the East African Community. Several lakes are located within the Rift Valley floor of Kenya, which travelers may encounter. Some of the lakes are alkaline, and they include:
Lake Nakuru
This lake is among the most famous in Kenya’s Rift Valley, home to hundreds of lesser flamingos and rich in diverse wildlife such as waterbucks, white rhinos, baboons, and many others. The lake is situated at an elevation of 1,754 meters above sea level and is part of the Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru has an abundance of green algae that attracts numerous flamingos and covers a total area of about 18800 hectares.
Lake Bogoria
This lake is unpopular compared to others in the Rift Valley and is one of the shallow lakes designated as a Ramsar site. It is also an alkaline lake located south of Baringo. During safaris to Lake Bogoria, there is an opportunity to encounter several geysers and hot springs. The lake is within the Lake Bogoria National Reserve, home to various wildlife, including baboons, warthogs, zebras, elephants, impalas, buffalos, and more.
Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita was designated as a Ramsar site in 2005 and hosts fascinating wildlife. The lake boast over 450 bird species in the area. Located northwest of Nairobi, this saline lake can be encountered during safaris. It falls under the management of the Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary, where travelers may also encounter wildlife such as zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes, reedbucks, colobus monkeys, and others.
Lake Turkana
Also known as the Jade Sea, this lake is situated in northern Kenya, bordering Ethiopia. It is the largest permanent desert lake and the largest alkaline lake. Lake Turkana receives several inflows from the Rift Valley, including the Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio rivers. During safaris to Lake Turkana, one may spot wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos, and more.
Lake Magadi
Part of the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Magadi is found in southwestern Kenya. It lies along the edges of faulted volcanic rocks extending north of Tanzania. In the dry season, 90% of the lake’s surface is often covered by soda ash, and it is located near the Nguruman Escarpment.
Lake Naivasha
Another Rift Valley lake, Lake Naivasha, features fresh waters and is situated northeast of Nairobi, just outside Naivasha town in Nakuru County. The lake is home to large populations of flamingos and hippos. It has several inflows, including the Malewa and Gilgil rivers. During safaris on this lake, travelers can enjoy excursions to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
Lake Baringo
Located in the northern part of Kenya, near Lake Turkana, Lake Baringo is fed by several inflowing rivers, including the Molo, Perkerra, and Ol Abrabel rivers. The lake boasts several islands that travelers can visit during safaris. These include; Ol Kokwe Island, Lokolo Island, Rongena Island, and Olkokwa Island.
Lake Logipi
This lake is both saline and alkaline, lying in the northern part of the arid Suguta Valley. It is separated from Lake Turkana by a volcanic barrier that erupted in the 19th century. The primary inflows of water into this lake are hot springs. to this lake are hot springs.
