Northern Rift Valley Travel Guide

Discover the wonders of Northern Rift Valley with this comprehensive travel guide. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, hiking routes to local cuisine, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Northern Rift Valley

Welcome to Northern Rift Valley, one of Kenya’s hidden gems! This region is a must-see for adventurous travelers who are seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Northern Rift Valley is located in the western part of Kenya, and is home to towering mountains, scenic lakes, vibrant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what to see, do, eat, and enjoy in this stunning region.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Rift Valley

Northern Rift Valley is home to a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, each with their own unique story to tell. Here are some of the top places to visit during your stay:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Karen Blixen Museum
  • The Elsamere Conservation Centre
  • The Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site
  • The Kariandusi Museum

Natural Attractions of Northern Rift Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Naivasha
  • Lake Elementaita
  • Menengai Crater
  • Hell’s Gate National Park
  • Mount Longonot

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Rift Valley

For outdoor enthusiasts, Northern Rift Valley is a paradise of hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Mount Longonot Hike
  • Hell’s Gate National Park Hike
  • Menengai Crater Hike
  • Lake Naivasha Hiking Trails

Best Things to Do in Northern Rift Valley: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, the region offers a range of fun activities and tours for travelers of all ages:

  • Boat rides on Lake Naivasha
  • Hot air balloon safaris
  • Game drives and wildlife walks in Hell’s gate National Park
  • Visiting the Crescent Island Game Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Rift Valley

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Northern Rift Valley:

Day 1: Explore Lake Naivasha and take a boat ride. Day 2: Hike Mount Longonot and spend the night at a nearby camp. Day 3: Visit the Hell’s Gate National Park and cycle through the park. Day 4: Visit Menengai Crater and Kariandusi Museum. Day 5: Take a hot air balloon ride over the Great Rift Valley. Day 6: Go on a game drive at the Crescent Island Game Park. Day 7: Explore the cultural heritage of the region by visiting museums like the Karen Blixen Museum and the Elsamere Conservation Centre.

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Rift Valley

Northern Rift Valley has a delicious and unique cuisine that blends local ingredients with international influences.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ugali
  • Nyama Choma (grilled meat)
  • Samosas
  • Pilau (spiced rice)
  • Matoke (plantain)

Local Beverages

  • Tusker Beer
  • Busaa (fermented beer)
  • Kenyan coffee
  • Chai tea

Where to Stay in Northern Rift Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some recommended accommodations for your stay in Northern Rift Valley:

  • The Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort
  • Sawela Lodge
  • Enashipai Resort & Spa
  • Kigio Wildlife Camp

What to Buy in Northern Rift Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and products to take home from Northern Rift Valley include:

  • African fabrics and jewelry
  • Hand-carved wooden items such as masks and figurines
  • Locally made soaps and skincare products
  • Kenyan tea and coffee

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Rift Valley

The people of Northern Rift Valley are warm and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to learn about and respect their culture and customs. Some important customs to keep in mind include:

  • Greeting people with a handshake
  • Dressing conservatively, especially when visiting religious and cultural sites
  • Respecting the traditional values of the local tribes and communities

Best Time to Visit Northern Rift Valley

The best time to visit Northern Rift Valley is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and from December to February. During these periods, the weather is mild, and there are fewer mosquitoes and other pests.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Rift Valley

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and cultural sites
  • Respect the environment and wildlife

Don’t:

  • Give money or gifts to children, as it promotes a begging culture
  • Take photos without asking for permission
  • Litter or damage the environment in any way

Safety and Health

Safety in Northern Rift Valley

As with any travel destination, visitors are advised to take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid walking alone at night
  • Keep valuables out of sight and locked away
  • Use reliable transportation

Health in Northern Rift Valley

It is recommended that travelers to Northern Rift Valley take vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. Drinking filtered or bottled water is also recommended.

Getting to Northern Rift Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northern Rift Valley

The closest airport to Northern Rift Valley is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Other nearby airports include Eldoret International Airport and Kisumu International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Northern Rift Valley

The main bus stations within the region include Nakuru and Narok.

Other Options

Car rentals and private taxis are also available in Nairobi and other nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Northern Rift Valley

Visitors to Northern Rift Valley can get around using taxis or motorcycle taxis, which are commonly known as boda boda.

Where to Go Next from Northern Rift Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the popular destinations to visit after exploring Northern Rift Valley include:

  • The Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Lake Victoria
  • Amboseli National Park
  • Nakuru National Park

Conclusion

Northern Rift Valley is a must-visit destination for travelers who are looking to explore the beauty and culture of Kenya. With its natural wonders and fascinating history, Northern Rift Valley has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you plan your next adventure in this stunning region.



    Kabarnet
    Lodwar
    Sibiloi National Park