THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY AFRICA GUIDE 2023
Great Rift Valley Africa / Hells Gate. Image: @anthonytrivet
The Great Rift Valley - the wondrous crack in the planet!
The Great Rift Valley in Africa is one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Its environments and incredible landscapes are waiting to be discovered. The natural way in which the earth has formed the Great Rift Valley is a breathtaking sight to behold and is fascinating to learn about too.
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to view the Great Rift Valley in Africa but unsure of where and how you can see it?
We have the ultimate 2023 guide to answer all your questions, help you understand how the Great Rift Valley was formed and where you can visit to see the most incredible parts.
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Great Rift Valley In Africa / Hells Gate. Image: @anthonytrivet
WHERE IS THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
The Great Rift Valley in Africa is one of the most famous Rift Valleys in the world. It spans from the Middle East in Northern Africa to Mozambique in Southern Africa. It is one of the most sought after tourist attractions in Africa making the Great Rift Valley Escarpment incredible to see.
HOW DID THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA FORM?
The Rift formed around 40 million years ago through the Earth’s tectonic plates moving away from each other and causing the crack in the earth. This powerful subterranean force created the earth’s crust to tear apart and sink. The sinkage of the Earth’s crust drives volcanic eruptions to take effect frequently. The Great Rift Valley spans over 3700 miles in length.
WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
What’s important to know about the Great Rift Valley in Africa is that it's famous for its hot springs, frequent volcanoes, earthquakes and geysers. It’s a significant landscape as it shows us the evolution of the earth's environment and demonstrates how powerful the ecosystem is.
Mt. Hanang by the Great Rift Valley In Africa / Image: chuklanor
HOW TO GET TO THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY?
Many African safaris and adventures visit the Great Rift Valley. The Rift starts in Mozambique and runs through Tanzania, Kenya to Ethiopia. All four regions are a great place to explore Africa as well as see the famous Rift.
Tanzania is an ideal place to witness it and boasts incredible scenery as well as landscapes. We visit the Great Rift Valley on our groundbreaking African Lion Safari, where we use travel as a vehicle to learn about Lion Conservation.
DO PEOPLE LIVE IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
Yes. People do live in the Great Rift Valley. Around one million Masaai villagers live along the Valley, specifically in Tanzania and Kenya such as the Tarangire National Park. Their constructed villages are encompassed by vast fields ideal for grazing which attracts a bounty of wildlife. These wild animals are attracted by the Tarangire River - a perfect water source.
Great Rift Valley In Africa / Image: @jporter71
WHAT ANIMALS LIVE IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY AFRICA?
There are many incredible wild animals that live in the Great Rift Valley in Africa. Wild animals include elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, zebras and even primates too.
Great Rift Valley In Africa / Image: @osalom
Lake Naivasha is a great National Park to view wild animals, specifically the varied bird species. This park is also known for its vast populations of impalas, giraffes and zebras - making this park a real hot spot for observing wildlife in the Great Rift Valley.
HOW OLD IS THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
The Great Rift Valley in Africa has been evolving for around 30 million years. However, the rifts were initially formed around 35 million years ago.
HOW DEEP IS THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
The Great Rift Valley is quite deep. There are varying depths of the Rift Valley which range from 2000 to 3000 feet. The deepest parts of the Rift Valley are in the Mau and Gikuyu Escarpments.
The Mau Escarpment is located in Kenya and runs along the west rim of the Rift Valley, next to the Nakuru region.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WALKS YOU CAN DO IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY?
There are many beautiful walks and treks to experience the Great Rift Valley in Africa. The Rift offers some of the most incredible sweeping views of the escarpment, green forests, dazzling lakes, savannahs and mountainous regions your eye can behold.
Kenya’s Rift Valley Province provides an array of awe-inspiring walks and treks to do in the Rift. Hells Gate is our top pick where you can immerse yourself in the Valley whilst enjoying the panoramic views. Lake Naivasha is also a great location too.
Tanzania is a perfect place to view the Rift and there are plenty of places to trek the Great Rift Valley. From Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Crater and the Great Rift Valley Escarpment view points are all fabulous places to witness this natural beauty.
Trekking the Great Rift Valley doesn't have to just be a day excursion. There are treks that can last up to 7 days where you can walk much more of this stunning route.
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WHAT ARE THE BEST LOOKOUT POINTS IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY?
If you would like to view the Great Rift Valley in one quick fix, then head to Kenya's beautiful Great Rift Valley lookout point where you will experience its grand surroundings all in one picture perfect moment.
If you would like to spend a little longer making the most of its breath-taking views, head to the Great Rift Valley Province in Kenya where you can choose from sumptuous lakes and cool mountains for amazing views.
A very prominent part of the Great Rift Valley is the Afar Triple Junction that sits within the Gregory Rift. It connects three arms of the Rifts cracks and is a chosen tourist destination to see an extremely important part. It is located in East Africa.
Great Rift Valley In Africa / Hells Gate. Image: Francesca Noemi Marconi
WHO DISCOVERED THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY?
John Walter Gregory discovered the Great Rift Valley in Africa around a hundred years ago. John was a dedicated geologist who hailed from London. John was born in 1864 and his passions for the natural world began in his earlier years of life.
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