6-day Great Rift Valley Lakes Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Lake Naivasha Introduction

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport followed by immediate departure toward the Rift Valley escarpment. A scenic stop reveals sweeping views across the valley floor before descending toward Lake Naivasha.

Lake Naivasha’s freshwater ecosystem contrasts with the alkaline lakes further south. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari across the calm waters where hippos surface between papyrus reeds and fish eagles call overhead. The surrounding volcanic hills frame the lake dramatically.

Overnight Stay: Chui Lodge / Enashipai Resort & Spa
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Lake Nakuru – Rhino & Flamingo Sanctuary

After breakfast, continue north within the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. The lake’s alkaline waters attract seasonal flamingo gatherings that line the shoreline in shifting pink bands.

Game drives across woodland and grassland focus on both black and white rhino populations, for which Nakuru is renowned. Lions, Rothschild’s giraffe, and buffalo are frequently encountered.

Elevated viewpoints provide panoramic perspectives across the crater-like basin that defines this Rift Valley depression.

Overnight Stay: The Cliff Lake Nakuru / Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Cross into Tanzania – Lake Manyara

After breakfast, transfer south toward the Kenya–Tanzania border and continue into northern Tanzania’s Rift Valley region.

Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but ecologically diverse park set beneath the Rift escarpment wall. The lake’s shallow alkaline waters attract flamingos and pelicans, while the groundwater forest supports elephant, baboon troops, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.

The dramatic escarpment rising behind the lake reinforces the geological scale of the Rift system.

Overnight Stay: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge / Manyara’s Secret
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Lake Natron – Remote Flamingo Breeding Grounds

Depart early for Lake Natron, one of East Africa’s most remote Rift Valley lakes. The drive passes volcanic landscapes and Maasai settlements before reaching the stark, mineral-rich shoreline.

Lake Natron is one of the primary breeding grounds for lesser flamingos in East Africa. The alkaline waters and red-tinged surface create an otherworldly setting beneath the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.

An afternoon walk to nearby waterfalls or along the lake’s edge provides geological and cultural context to this dramatic Rift Valley environment.

Overnight Stay: Lake Natron Camp / Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Return to Lake Manyara Highlands – Crater Views

After breakfast at Lake Natron, travel back toward the Lake Manyara highlands. The route showcases volcanic cones and expansive Rift Valley plains.

Arrive at your lodge overlooking the escarpment with sweeping views across the valley floor. The afternoon remains relaxed, allowing time to absorb the scale of the Rift system stretching across multiple countries.

Optional short nature walks introduce highland flora and birdlife distinct from the lakeshore ecosystems.

Overnight Stay: The Highlands Ngorongoro / Gibbs Farm
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Departure via Arusha

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha for onward departure via Kilimanjaro International Airport.

This 6-day Great Rift Valley Lakes Safari concludes having explored multiple Rift Valley ecosystems across Kenya and Tanzania — from freshwater lakes and rhino sanctuaries to volcanic soda lakes and flamingo breeding grounds.

Overnight Stay: Not applicable
Meal Plan: Breakfast