Southern Rift Valley Travel Guide
Explore the culture, natural attractions, hiking routes, food scene, accommodations, and more with our comprehensive guide to Southern Rift Valley in Kenya.
- Introduction to Southern Rift Valley
- List of Places to Visit in Southern Rift Valley
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Rift Valley
- Best Things to Do in Southern Rift Valley: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Rift Valley
- Food and Drink Scene of Southern Rift Valley
- Where to Stay in Southern Rift Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Southern Rift Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Southern Rift Valley
- Best Time to Visit Southern Rift Valley
- Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Rift Valley
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Southern Rift Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Southern Rift Valley
- Where to Go Next from Southern Rift Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Southern Rift Valley
Located in Kenya, East Africa, Southern Rift Valley stretches more than 240 km from Nairobi to Lake Victoria, with stunning landscapes, a vast array of activities, and an abundance of wildlife. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers, adventurers, and anyone looking for a unique cultural experience.
List of Places to Visit in Southern Rift Valley
Southern Rift Valley is full of places to see and explore. Here are some must-visit destinations:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
If you are interested in the rich cultural history of Kenya, Southern Rift Valley has many museums and historical sites to explore, including:
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site
- Kariandusi Museum and Archaeological Site
- Narok Museum
- Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site
Natural Attractions of Southern Rift Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Southern Rift Valley is home to many natural attractions, including:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Lake Naivasha
- Hell’s Gate National Park
- Mount Longonot National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Saiwa Swamp National Park
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
- Kakamega Forest Reserve
Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Rift Valley
Southern Rift Valley offers some of the most beautiful and challenging hiking and biking routes in Kenya, including:
- Mount Longonot Hike
- Hell’s Gate National Park Hiking and Biking Trails
- Crescent Island Walking Safari
- Lake Naivasha Hiking Trail
- Eburu Forest Hike
Best Things to Do in Southern Rift Valley: Activities and Tours
Southern Rift Valley offers a wide range of activities, including:
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris
- Wildlife Safaris
- Bird Watching
- Cultural Tours
- Horse Riding
- Mountain Climbing
- Boat Rides on Lake Naivasha
Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Rift Valley
Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Southern Rift Valley:
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Center. Day 2: Head to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and go on a wildlife safari. Day 3: Explore Hell’s Gate National Park and hike/bike the trails. Day 4: Visit Lake Naivasha and take a boat ride or hike the trails. Day 5: Climb Mount Longonot. Day 6: Visit Lake Nakuru and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. Day 7: Visit Kakamega Forest Reserve and then head back to Nairobi.
Food and Drink Scene of Southern Rift Valley
Southern Rift Valley boasts a unique food culture that blends traditional Kenyan cuisine with modern ingredients and cooking techniques. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Nyama Choma (Roasted Meat)
- Ugali (Maize Meal Porridge)
- Githeri (Bean and Corn Stew)
- Irio (Mashed Vegetables with Corn and Beans)
- Pilau (Flavored Rice)
- Chapati (Flatbread)
Local Beverages
- Tusker Lager
- Chai Tea
- Dawa Cocktail (Honey, Lime, and Vodka)
Where to Stay in Southern Rift Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Southern Rift Valley has a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, campsites, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommended places to stay:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve - Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Lake Naivasha - Enashipai Resort & Spa
- Hell’s Gate National Park - Fisherman’s Camp
- Mount Longonot - Camp Carnelly’s
What to Buy in Southern Rift Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you are looking to buy local souvenirs and products during your visit to Southern Rift Valley, here are some ideas:
- Maasai Beaded Jewelry
- Kikoy (Colorful Cotton Fabric)
- Soapstone Carvings
- Kenyan Coffee and Tea
- Crafts from Local Markets
Local Culture and Customs of Southern Rift Valley
Southern Rift Valley is a melting-pot of various cultures, and visitors can learn a lot about the local customs and traditions, especially those of the Maasai people. It is important to respect the local culture and be mindful of local customs, such as removing shoes before entering homes and dressing modestly while visiting Maasai villages.
Best Time to Visit Southern Rift Valley
The best time to visit Southern Rift Valley is between June to October and December to March. The weather is usually dry during these months, which is ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife safaris.
Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Rift Valley
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Dress appropriately while visiting Maasai villages.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Hire local guides for hiking and biking tours.
Don’t:
- Touch or feed wild animals.
- Litter the parks or reserves.
- Take anything from the parks or reserves.
- Take unauthorized photos of people.
Safety and Health
Safety in Southern Rift Valley
Southern Rift Valley is a safe place to travel but visitors should take the usual safety precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and carrying valuables discreetly.
Health in Southern Rift Valley
Visitors should ensure they have all the required vaccinations before traveling to Southern Rift Valley. It is also advisable to carry insect repellent and sunscreen to prevent mosquito bites and sunburns.
Getting to Southern Rift Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Southern Rift Valley
The closest airport to Southern Rift Valley is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, which is approximately 180 km away. There are also smaller airports in Kisumu and Eldoret.
Bus Stations Near Southern Rift Valley
There are many bus companies that operate between Nairobi and other cities in Kenya that cover Southern Rift Valley, such as Maasai Mara Express, Easy Coach, and Transline Classic.
Other Options
Private transfers or car hires are also a popular option for visitors traveling to Southern Rift Valley.
How to Get Around in Southern Rift Valley
Hiring a car with a local driver is a popular way to get around Southern Rift Valley, especially if you plan to visit different attractions. Hiking and biking tours are also popular, and local tour operators can arrange these for you.
Where to Go Next from Southern Rift Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you are looking to explore more of Kenya, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- Nairobi - Kenya’s capital city
- Amboseli National Park - Home to large herds of elephants
- Aberdare National Park - Known for its unique forest canopy
- Tsavo National Park - One of the largest wildlife parks in the world
Conclusion
Southern Rift Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful destination with a rich cultural heritage and unique natural attractions. Whether you are an outdoor adventurer or a cultural explorer, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this stunning region of Kenya.