What is the Great Rift Valley of Africa and how to get there

What is the Great Rift Valley of Africa?

One of the Natural Wonders of the World. The African Rift Valley is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes and unspoiled ecosystems on earth.

Wildebeest in Amboseli, Great Rift Valley by Ray in Manila

This post is all about the Gregory Rift. This is the eastern branch of the East African Rift Valley, also known as the Great Rift Valley, or simply the Rift Valley.

Where is the Great Rift Valley located in Africa? 

The Great Rift Valley is found on a fault line that starts in Mozambique and runs north through Tanzania and Kenya, all the way up to Ethiopia. 

Great Rift Valley Map of Africa

Great Rift Valley Map by Redgeographics, CC BY-SA 4.0

How was the Great Rift Valley formed?

The Great Rift Valley was formed about 40 million years ago when tectonic plates split and gave rise to the East African Rift. This geographical trough stretches about 6,000 kilometres (or 3,700 miles) in length. 

Safari lodge in Great Rift Valley

Where to visit the Great Rift Valley of Africa

Many consider the most beautiful section of the Great Rift Valley to be in Kenya's Rift Valley province. It contains some of the world's deepest lakes and is surrounded by some of Africa's highest mountains. This stretch of unforgettable scenery boasts many national parks with incredible habitats for African wildlife and bird species.

Great Rift Valley, Kenya by Ninara

Top game parks of the Great Rift Valley in Africa

There are many national parks and game reserves in the area, but a few really stand out:

• Lake Nakuru National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Rothschild’s giraffes, tree-climbing lions, and black and white rhinos. This African Rift Valley lake also hosted large flamingo flocks (until 2014).
• Lake Bogoria is known for its hot springs and geysers. It is here that the seismic activity of the scenic Great Rift Valley can really be appreciated. These days massive flamingo flocks gather at Lake Bogoria in season. 
• Lake Naivasha is another major Kenyan national park in the Great Rift Valley. It is home to over 400 different bird species, as well as huge populations of zebras, impalas, giraffes, hippos, and more!
• For those seeking a more intimate bush experience in the Great Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate National Park allows walking safaris. Visitors can appreciate the area’s geological features and an incredible variety of African flora and fauna up close.

Visiting the Great Rift Valley on a budget

At African Budget Safaris we feature over 53 tours to the Great Rift Valley. Ranging from $948 (for a 3-day tour) to around $9,175 per person (for a 57-day tour). Our small group tours and safari packages make it affordable, safe, and easy for travellers to explore the incredible geological treasure trove of the African Rift Valley.

Cheetah in the Great Rift Valley

For travellers with limited time, our Masai Mara Safari Package - Small Group Camping Tour is a three-day safari that starts in Nairobi (Kenya). On the first day, small private departures of up to six travellers drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley towards the Masai Mara National Reserve. Guests are collected in Kenya’s capital city and dropped off again on the afternoon of day three. For just $948 per person sharing, this is one of the most affordable ways to feast your eyes on the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Elephant in the Great Rift Valley by Andrew Ross

One of our popular tours is the 6-Day Budget Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari, starting at $2,136 per person for two people travelling. You will be collected at your accommodation in Nairobi on the first day. During this week-long adventure, you will enjoy some of Africa's best wildlife parks, unparalleled game viewing, and of course the scenic Great Rift Valley!

Our 57-day Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Camping Safari includes a visit to the Great Rift Valley. For around $9,175 per person sharing, this tour starts in Cape Town (South Africa) and ends in Nairobi (Kenya). Travelling in a large overland vehicle and sleeping in tents, this tour is perfect for adventurous African safari-goers. Travellers will appreciate the incredible diversity that Africa has to offer as they explore the southern tip of Africa and head up towards East Africa. On day 40, you enter the Great Rift Valley as you journey towards the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

Lion in Ngorongoro Crater

Ready to book your trip to the Great Rift Valley in Africa?

At African Budget Safaris, we have a wide selection of safari tours that take you right into the heart of the Great Rift Valley of Africa. You will be collected from a major capital city and dropped off again at the end of your safari. 

Whether you want to spend a couple of days or even 57 days on safari in Africa, let the team of travel experts at African Budget Safaris know, and we’ll recommend the right trip for you. Check out our Great Rift Valley tours or get in touch with African Budget Safaris.