THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY AFRICA GUIDE 2025
The towering cliffs of Hells Gate in Kenya. Here you can really get a sense of how high the Great Rift Valley walls are / 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 geological history and incredible landscapes are waiting to be discovered. This natural formation is what makes the Great Rift Valley an incredible and fascinating sight to behold.
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to witness the Great Rift Valley in Africa but unsure of where to go and how you can see it?
We have the ultimate 2025 guide to answer all your questions, help you understand how the Great Rift Valley was formed, its history and where you can see its most incredible parts.
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WITHIN THIS GUIDE
Hells Gate is one of the most mesmerising places to view the Great Rift Valley as well as experience the dramatic landscapes it has created / 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. The rift system starts in two locations - Beqaa Valley in Lebanon and the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. It finishes in Mozambique near the Zambezi River. It spans over 3,700 miles long and runs through the following nine countries:
Lebanon
Syria
Jordan
Israel
Ethiopia
Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
Mozambique
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 land to sink inbetween them which created the long deep crack in the earth. The sinkage of the Earth’s crust has lead to volcanic activity and earthquakes that take effect frequently. The valley is shaped by lakes, volcanoes and the rich wildlife that live within it.
WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
The Great Rift Valley is significant because of the way the earths plates have moved and created this natural phenomenon. It is also rich in biodiversity, being home to many species of wildlife as well as ecosystems. The valley also has an important human history, having significant fossil disoveries especially within the Olduvai George, famously being named the ‘Cradle of Humanity’.
Mt. Hanang by the Great Rift Valley In Africa. It is considered to be an important part of the geological feature caused by the rift / Image: chuklanor
HOW TO GET TO THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY AFRICA?
As the Great Rift Valley runs through nine different countries - there is a broad selection of places where you can observe it, as well as many forms of transportation to choose from. Depending on which country you are heading to, there are different methods of transportation to access it.
The Great Rift Valley in Africa is reachable by a mixture of air, road or train. Once you have an idea of which country you are traveling to - organize a plan of what transportation you need to get there.
DO PEOPLE LIVE IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
Yes. People do live in the Great Rift Valley and its home to many different tribes such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, Luo, Amhara and Oromo. The Valley prides itself on being a blossoming biodiverse region - which serves its communities well through farming livestock.
They manage to sustain themselves particularly well through agriculture, keeping livestock and cultural practices adjusting through the Valleys diverse ecosystem.
You will find many varied tribes that live along the Great Rift Valley In Africa / Image: @jporter71
WHAT ANIMALS LIVE IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY AFRICA?
The Great Rift Valley is a wonderful place to obsere wild animals and its home to an abundance of species. From lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, antelopes, hippos and buffalos - you will be spoilt for choice on the animals you will get to see.
Lions live along the Great Rift Valley In Africa. One of the regions you can see them is in Hells Gate in Kenya / Image: @osalom
The Valley also boasts thriving lakes and wetlands which are a hotspot for water species like flamingoes, crocodiles, and many bird species.
Lake Naivasha is an ideal spot for wildlife spotting in the Great Rift Valley Africa. The lake acts as a water source for many species, those that travel to the water to drink and bathe such as giraffes, antelopes, zebras and hippos, and also for species that live on or in the water such as pelicans, flamingoes and many exotic winged species.
Hells Gate National Park offers optimal large mammal viewings such as lions, buffalo and giraffes amongst its breathtaking landscapes
WHAT VEGETATION CAN YOU FIND ALONG THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY?
You can find different varieties of vegetation along the Great Rift Valley. What types of vegetation depaends largely on the climate as well as the elevation. Throughout the lower regions, you can find grasslands, acacia trees and shrubs. Throughout the higher regions, for example in the volcanic areas - you will find forests, with eucalyptus and tropical trees. In the Great Rift Valleys lakes such as Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, you will find varied water plants too.
HOW OLD IS THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
The Great Rift Valley in Africa is considered to be 20 - 25 million years old and is one of the most famous geological formations on the planet. The rift was caused by the African and Arabian tectonic plates pulling apart from each other. This movement between the plates still continues to this day which impacts the Valley expanding even more over time.
Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. The Crater is one of the deepest regions of the Great Rift Valley reaching over 2000 meters in depth / Image: @mariolagr
HOW DEEP IS THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN AFRICA?
Depending on the region, the Great Rift Valleys depth can vary. Typically it is between 1500 - 2000 meters deep, however in some areas of the Valley it can be much deeper, especially in the Ngorongoro Crater which can reach over 2000 meters in depth.
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 including its lush green forests, dazzling lakes, vast savannahs and mountainous regions.
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 towering Valley that surrounds you whilst enjoying the stunning panoramic views. Lake Naivasha is also a great location to observe its many species whilst you hike.
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 incredible route.
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WHAT ARE THE BEST LOOKOUT POINTS IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY?
There are many breathtaking view points to see the Great Rift Valley in all its glory. Here are a few of our favorite places:
Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania - offering sweeping views of the vast caldera that was formed through the Great Rift Valley .
Mount Logonot in Kenya - here you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Naivasha, that sits along the Great Rift Valley.
Hells Gate National Park in Kenya - offering the most mesmerising lookout points over the soaring cliffs and deep gorges.
Lake Nakuru National Park - Relish in the stunning views of the lake and its many wonderful wildlife species.
Nairobi - Nakuru Highway - a famous spot for many travelers to enjoy an amazing view of the Great Rift Valley’s vast vistas.
A Cyclist looking back at Hells Gate. The Great Rift Valley In Africa offers so many wonderful lookout points / Image: Francesca Noemi Marconi
WHO DISCOVERED THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY?
British explorer, John Walter Gregory discovered the Great Rift Valley in Africa over a hundred years ago. John was a dedicated geologist who hailed from London. Born in 1864, Johns passions for the natural world began in his earlier years of life. John studied the Great Rift Valley throughout the 1980s whilst helping people understand its significant geology. Local communities knew about the valley for many years, however John delighted in bringing attention to the earths dramatic Rift and why it marks an important role in the earths history.
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