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::  CWL HOME  ::  AFRICAN WILDLIFE  ::  CONSERVATION  ::  ESHOP  ::  PHOTO GALLERY  ::

::  GOVERNOR'S MAIN  ::  GOVERNOR'S CAMP  ::  LITTLE GOVERNOR'S CAMP  ::  GOVERNOR'S ILMORAN CAMP  ::  GOVERNOR'S PRIVATE CAMP  ::  LOLDIA HOUSE  ::  MFANGANO ISLAND CAMP  ::

::  THE MASAI MARA  ::  THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY  ::  LAKE VICTORIA  ::  BIG CATS  ::

  :  ABOUT THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY  :  THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY ACTIVITIES  :

 

DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES, THRILLING WILDLIFE

Breathtaking natural scenery combines with some of Africa’s most memorable wildlife. The Great Rift Valley is a highlight of any trip to Kenya.

One of the rarest animals you’ll ever see is found here, the rhino. Living alongside it millions of flamingos, the world’s greatest concentration.

A huge geological fault-line, the Great Rift Valley stretches round one-sixth of the Earth’s circumference. Along with the Great Wall of China it’s one of the few features visible from far out in space.

2,000 feet deep and 30 miles wide, it runs as far as the eye can see. Its walls sheer and high. Along it’s length volcanoes, most now dormant. With bubbling springs and geysers the landscape is spectacular.

This was land once ruled by Masai warriors who roamed far and wide herding their cattle. Today much of it is ranchland, but wild game, zebra, giraffe and antelope roam free.

Close to all the main attractions is Loldia House, an old farmstead converted and run by Governors’ Camps. An original Kenya home it’s set on an old farm on the shores of Lake Naivasha where there’s plenty to do.

Among the activities not to be missed are the Rift Valley’s "soda" lakes, scattered through central Kenya. Rich in minerals and plant life, they’re home to huge colonies of pink flamingos.

By the million they mass here: candyfloss clouds wheeling and turning in the skies, before skimming the water and settling, in the words of one observer, "like a river of flame".

PRACTICALITIES

  • Loldia House to Nairobi: 2 hours drive, 30 minutes flight
  • Lolida House to Masai Mara: 5-7 hours drive, or 45 minutes flight
  • Many guests choose to travel to Loldia House on the day they arrive in Kenya, it’s an ideal spot to recover from your flight away from busy Nairobi
  • To get the best Rift Valley views drive from Nairobi to Loldia, for a small extra charge, return to Nairobi by light aircraft
  • We recommend you do not drive to the Masai Mara from Loldia but travel to Nairobi and then fly to the Masai Mara, it’s quicker.
  • Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, but not necessary.
  • We recommend a minimum of 2 nights at Loldia, and at least 3 nights if you want to see the rhinos, the flamingos and the other lakes or Loldia farm.
AFRICA’S RICHES IN ABUNDANCE

Wildlife unlike anything you’ve seen, natural spectacles unlike anywhere else, the Great Rift Valley has something for everyone.

Activities at Loldia House are tailor-made for each guest. But don’t miss out on a day in the National Parks to see the rhinos and flamingos in our four-wheel drive vehicles.

RHINOS, GRACEFUL FLAMINGOS

Your first view of a rhino is special indeed. These prehistoric giants are one of the world’s most endangered species. They can grow to 4 metres long (13 feet), 2 metres high (6.5 feet) and weigh up to five tons.

The best place to see them in Kenya is Lake Nakuru National Park, a rhino-sanctuary. There’s lion, leopard and lots of smaller game too. For something a bit different we’ll organise a picnic lunch by the lake.

Nakuru is also famous for it’s flamingos. Enormous flocks congregate here turning the entire lakeshore pink. When they gather to feed in the shallow waters it’s a memorable sight.

LIFE ON THE FARM

On Loldia Farm itself there’s 6,500 acres to explore on foot or horseback. See cattle graze among a flock of farmed ostriches and ride through herds of wild antelope.

Loldia House looks across Lake Naivasha where you can take boat trips to the hippo pools, birdwatch with our trained guide, and there’s good fishing too.

LAKES AND MOUNTAINS

Lakes Elementeita and Bogoria are also worth a day trip. Flamingos are found at both, and Bogoria has the rare and beautiful greater kudu and spectacular hot geysers.

Nearby is Hell’s Gate National Park, named for it’s spectacular canyons and hot springs, and the energetic can climb the dormant volcano Mr. Longonot.

PRACTICALITIES

  • All activities are included in the rate at Loldia House
  • We provide four-wheel-drive vehicles for game drives to the National Parks
  • We provide hats for riding and all fishing equipment
  • If you’re interested in birds ask for our trained guide

© Governor's Camps / Choices Wild Limited, 2005. All rights Reserved.