Rift Valley
Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park -
Lake Naivasha - Take a boat ride on freshwater Lake Naivasha to see hippos. It's such a amazing sight to see the hippos, lolling together in groups or peeking their heads out of the leafy green papyrus islands in the lake. Bring binoculars, so you can the hippos in detail.Hells's Gate - South of Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate is a spectacular locale to go hiking. At the entrance to the park, the dramatic pinnacle of Fischer's Tower looks like a wizard's tower in a fantasy adventure. Hike with a guide through Njorowa gorge, a narrow canyon lined with fabulous striated rock formations and red cliffs. If you have teens along, this is the perfect place to go.Lake Nakuru National Park - Lake Nakuru is a wonderful park, very accessible, you don't need a guide. A drive around the lake takes about 2 - 3 hours, and along the way you'll see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, baboons, monkeys, oodles of pink flamingos, antelopes, water buffaloes, and if you're lucky, lions or leopards too.
Don't get out of your car while driving around the lake, but there are picnic tables at Baboon Cliffs (so bring your lunch). Stop into the Sarova Lion Hill hotel for an ice cream and wonderful views.
Lake Baringo - At Lake Baringo, what fun to stay on an island in the middle of the lake! From Island Camp on Kokwe Island, there are guided walks around the island or go on a boat ride to see hippos and fish eagles. Watch majestic fish eagles dive from the sky to grab fish from the water. From the shore, tiny crocodiles frolic in the water and the variety of birds at Lake Baringo is amazing. Around the lake, look for tall termite mounds in the area.
If you're staying at the Lake Baringo Club, at night if the hippos come up on the grass from the lake, kids will have a chance to see them.
Cross the equator - On the road from Nakuru to Lake Baringo, you'll cross the equator. Kids will want to have their picture taken twice - in the northern hemisphere, and in the southern hemisphere.
Lake Bogoria - Take a detour to Lake Bogoria, a salty "soda lake" with geysers and hot springs, on the road to Lake Baringo. On the shores of the lake, geysers bubble, burble and spout water like an out-of-control witch's cauldron.
At the Lake Bogoria Hotel, younger kids will enjoy a short camel ride (and there's a naturally heated spa).
