Millions of years ago the earth's crust was weakened and it tore
apart creating a split thousands of kilometres long down the
continent of Africa, up to 62 miles (100km) wide in places.
Volcanic eruptions on either side caused the floor to sink into a
flat plain creating the Great Rift Valley. It is one of Kenya's
characteristic features and divides the country in half, from north
to south, with stunning panoramas and beautiful escarpment
backdrops. The wide valley is scattered with a few volcanoes and
several lakes; it is inhabited by grazing animals, Masai herders
and small-town dwellers.
The string of alkaline lakes known for their stunning scenery
and variety of bird life include Lakes Naivasha, Elementeita,
Nakuru, Bogoria and Baringo. The uniqueness of these lakes lies in
their high concentration of sodium carbonate from the surrounding
volcanic rocks. This creates an ideal breeding ground for algae and
a thriving environment for fish, which in turn attracts millions of
birds to feed on the abundant food supply. Each of the lakes has a
different water composition ranging from freshwater to very saline
and brackish, with different bird life attracted to each.
The freshwater ecosystems at Lake Naivasha and Baringo, the
nature reserve at Lake Bogoria, and the Nakuru National Park are a
source of endless fascination, teeming with an incredible diversity
of birds and large concentrations of animals. Hell's Gate National
Park allows visitors to walk or cycle among the wildlife, and
nearby Elsamere Conservation Centre provides a look at the life of
Joy Adamson and the lioness Elsa, of 'Born Free' fame.
