Things to do & places to visit in Rift Valley Province, Kenya

Rift Valley Province #3 destination in Kenya 2023. The average rating score is 4.58 based on 13.5k traveler reviews, of 251 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Nairobi, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 1:23.

Rift Valley Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

77°F - 59°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool, humid but cool

Feels like

68%

Chance of rain

630.0 millimeters

Amount

6.6 mph

Wind speed

88%

Humidity

12.2

Daylight length

6:30 AM

Sunrise

6:41 PM

Sunset

24%

Cloud cover

T-shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (23)

Top destinations in Rift Valley Province 76

See more 64 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mara Triangle (825 reviews)
- Beautiful park and well managed!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Mara is a beautiful but sensitive environment that can survive only if properly respected. Well-watered by the Mara River, enjoying abundant vegetation, wildlife and rainfall, its ecology would appear, at first sight, to be relatively resilient. It also appears to have withstood the erosive effects of huge numbers of visiting tourists extraordinarily well. There are signs, however, that the delicate balance between tourist numbers and wildlife populations cannot be properly maintained for much longer as evidenced by the reduction in the protective vegetation cover and the emergence of a series of dust bowls. Meanwhile, the Reserve is host to 95 species of mammals, amphibians and other reptiles and 485 species of birds. During the dry season (July to October) it also hosts a major concentration of migratory herbivores including about 250,000 zebra and 1.3 million wildebeest. Amongst the list of easy-to-view species are: gazelle, elephant, topi, buffalo, lion (Kenya's largest population), black rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, leopard and mongoose. See more..
5.0 Ol Pejeta Conservancy (535 reviews)
- The most meaningful safari that I have done so far
Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a mosaic of grass plains, wooded grassland, Acacia woodland and evergreen thicket extending over 350 square kilometres. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, East Africa’s Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary, is situated at the foot hills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kenya. Ol Pejeta boasts an astounding variety of animals including non-indigenous chimpanzees and the Big Five (the endangered black and white rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo & lion). The combination of amazing wildlife and stunning views across the open plains guarantees an unforgettable safari experience. See more..
5.0 Governors’ Balloon Safaris (437 reviews)
- An absolute must
Balloon Rides

Having just spent two wonderful weeks in various locations across Kenya the balloon ride was the single most spectacular experience we enjoyed out of a list too long to mention. To watch as the team got the two balloons ready to fly in the dark and then to take off just as the sun was rising was quite extraordinary. Barnabas our captain was obviously an extremely accomplished balloonist, incredibly knowledgeable about the animals and terrain but most of all very amusing and made this a truly memorable experience. To finish everything off we had a superb champagne breakfast in the middle of the Masai Mara before coming back to our lodge. Put this on your bucket list ! See more..
5.0 East Africa Adventure Tours and Safaris (283 reviews)
- Amazing safari experience
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Safaris

Welcome to East Africa Adventures Tours and Safaris. We have 10 years experience as tour operators in Kenya.We offer trips or safaris tailor-made to your specifications, allowing you to explore this wild and beautiful land in any way you desire. The possibilities are limitless: from the familiar National Parks and Reserves to the more unknown and remote locales, from popular game lodges to exclusive boutique ranches, from balloon tours to camel-back safaris. See more..
5.0 Odyssey Safaris (217 reviews)
- Incredible experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

My dad and I took a 2.5 week safari in Kenya and Tanzania with Odyssey Safaris. What an extraordinary, unforgettable experience! From our first communications, through the very end of our trip, Odyssey provided exceptional service. We selected a personalized itinerary that allowed us to visit several parks and conservation areas in both countries, and to see a variety of wildlife. Most importantly, the guide that we worked with, Jackson, was incredible. His professionalism, knowledge and understanding of wildlife are unmatched. Learning from him was a highlight of our trip. The logistics that Odyssey coordinated could not have gone smoother, including airport pickups, park entries, accommodation reservations and more. We stayed in a mix of tented camps and lodges. Each place was unique, with excellent food and cleanliness. In short, Odyssey provided an exceptional experience in every regard. See more..
5.0 Olare Orok Conservancy (214 reviews)
- Fantastic wildlife!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

It's accessed through the Musiara gate or from within the park. It is loaded with elephant. We saw 8 lions in one drive, and a hippo pod being circled by a dozen crocodiles that launched into the water, trying to get the baby hippos in the center of the pod. Wow! See more..
5.0 Mara Naboisho Conservancy (189 reviews)
- Big cat country and so much more
Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

If you want Lions then this is the place to be, we came upon an abundance of them during game drives from our Basecamp eagle view accomadation and due to being able to go off road we also got within feet of a Cheetah, the elusive Leopard and a clan of Hyenas. Elephants, Giraffe, many Wildebeest, Buffalo and Zebra all added up to memorable moments and as well as around 20 Hippos fighting for position in a pool we witnessed the rare sight of one grazing alone in daylight. You won't be disappointed if you choose this conservancy for your visit and I would highly recommend Eagle view as a base to enjoy the same incredible safari experience that we were privileged to encounter. See more..
5.0 Ol Kinyei Conservancy (178 reviews)
- Best game viewing experience
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Ol Kinyei Conservancy is 18,700 acres of wilderness which belongs to a Maasai community who leased it to Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps for it to be set aside for the purposes of wildlife conservation. Ol Kinyei Conservancy is home to only two small permanent camps, the Porini Mara Camp and Porini Cheetah which between them accommodate a maximum of only 24 guests at any given time - making this not only an exclusive experience but one that respects the principles of eco-tourism. Located within the Serengeti-Mara eco-system, Ol Kinyei is renowned for its unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with diverse terrain offering on one hand open savannah plains and rolling hills on the other. See more..
5.0 Eyes on Africa (167 reviews)
- Amazing experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

It was amazing to go out for safari with Eyes on Africa safaris. Whole trip Agnes (who made a best itinerary and was on the contact 24/7 even when part of our luggage didn’t arrive with us in the plane) and Maxwell (our amazing guide) was taking a care of us. Maxwell did his best in spotting all wild life for us (not only animals, but also birds). He knew a lot of all living things like how they are hunting etc. Maxwell knows answers on all the questions. We’ve traveled with three our kids (6 years old, 3 years old and 1 year old) and trip was well adjusted for our needs by Agnes while making itinerary and Maxwell with his suggestions of timings. See more..
5.0 ToKenya (163 reviews)
- Greatest Holiday I have had so far
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

The reality is that I have so much to say about my safari to the Kenya and Tanzania. I have always watched a lot of videos and documentaries about Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Serengeti. When I reached out to Tokenya Safaris, I explained to them exactly what I needed. Their consultant worked with me to arrive to an itinerary that would work for my budget and interested areas. Though I was worried about Covid-19, their policy was very friendly and they took proper measures to protect us. Screening, sanitization, social distance, and good treatments. The camps we spent our time in were great. High quality services. Best of it all was the game drives. They gave us a very good driver who was keen to teach us so much and it made our experience memorable. See more..
5.0 Maasai Mara National Reserve (106 reviews)
- Amazing safari to Kenya
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Masai Mara national reserve is one of the key popular tourism points in Kenya, its located in the South-western Kenya along the Great Rift Valley area in Norok county Kenya adjacent to Serengeti national park of Tanzania all around Mara Region. See more..
5.0 Hyrax Safaris (95 reviews)
- Hyrax Safaris -- honest and reliable
Multi-day Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

I used Hyrax Safaris for two tours in Nairobi in Jan 2023. The 1st tour was a custom-made tour for me where my driver, Ben, drove me all over Nairobi city so that I could see as much of the city as possible. We drove extensively in the CBD, passing all kinds of govt buildings, including residences (no photos allowed), past the old Central Railway Station, through the exclusive suburb of Karen, and finally making a stop at the WWII War Cemetery. Then we went out to tour the tea and coffee plantations in the hills. A very good day and exactly what I had asked for. My 2nd tour was a 4-hour game drive through Nairobi's National Park, again with Ben as my driver. No elephants, but they have just about everything else. One highlight was the lioness with her two 3-month old cubs, who walked right up to the jeeps. Another highlight was visiting the three mounds of ivory ashes, poached ivory burned by the govt. A third highlight was the tawny eagle sitting on a big lump of red meat near the road. He wasn't fazed by our arrival. You could NEVER get this close to an eagle in Europe. Communications with Roselyne were fast and reliable, from home and on the spot. I even had time to visit her personally in her office in the Norwich Union house in Mama Ngina Street in Nairobi. As for Ben, he was a quiet and knowledgeable driver. I can warmly recommend Hyrax Safaris to other tourists. See more..
5.0 savannah adventures ltd (93 reviews)
- Marvelous experience
Friday: 5:00 AM - 11:30 PM Multi-day Tours

In a party of four, we did a two days wildlife experience arranged and conducted by Savannah Adventurers Ltd. We visited Lake Naivasha saw great scenery and wild animals during the nature walk on the Crescent Island and enjoyed a one hour boat ride. Accommodation was pleasant and all Government Covid protocol was observed. We recommend this company to any holiday seeker. Kennedy Walusala Nairobi Kenya See more..
5.0 Amboseli National Park (89 reviews)
- Serenity and beauty in Amboseli
National Parks

We had a wonderful day game drive in Amboseli Park. The sight of elephants and giraffes against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro is a sight you never tire of. Even though Lake Amboseli was dry, many swamps served as a gathering point for herds of zebra, hippo, buffalo, wildebeest, impala and elephant. A show of serenity and beauty! See more..
5.0 Mara Photographic Safaris (87 reviews)
- A Wonderful Return to the Mara
Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

This was the fourth time we have been with Brian and his team at Mara Photographic Safaris and, as usual, it lived up to our expectations. It was our first time staying in the new cottages and using the new mess area. They all work extremely well with the food and facilities being second to none. Our driver knew exactly what he was doing and got us in the right position at the right time without causing a problem to the animals or others. The vehicles were well designed giving me the ability of getting those all-important low angle photographs. A big thank you Brian, Jackie, Duncan, Alex and the rest of the crew for giving us a very welcome return to travelling after covid. Can’t wait to go back again. See more..
5.0 Selenkay Conservancy (80 reviews)
- Elephants Everywhere
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Masai-owned conservancy and safari camp near the Amboseli National Park.Selenkay Conservancy shares the same eco-system as Amboseli National Park and is established on land leased from the local Maasai by Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps with the aim of protecting the wildlife habitat and encouraging wildlife conservation as an alternative to farming as a means for the local population to earn a living. Migrating species from Amboseli previously killed or driven off land set aside for farming are now able to make the conservancy their home. Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in wildlife numbers with elephants returning to Selenkay after a 20 year absence. See more..
5.0 Ahambi Tours (68 reviews)
- Amazing Experience! Ahambi Tours are friendly, caring, flexible and knowledgeable!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

My friend recommended doing the Mount Kenya hike with Ahambi Tours and I'm so glad she did! While organizing the trip over email, responses were clear, informative, prompt and flexible to our needs. Our guide, Eldad, was brilliant! At the beginning he helped us pack and lent us some warm layers (you definitely need them!). During the hike he was friendly, caring and very knowledgeable. Towards the end of the hike, Eldad was flexible as my friend and I walked at different paces, he adapted the hike so they we could separate and finish the hike at our own pace. I can't recommend hiking Mount Kenya with Ahambi Tours enough! See more..
5.0 Wild Out Tours and Safaris (63 reviews)
- Kenya's Tsavon and Watamu Coast
Friday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

My wife and I had a wonderful experience touring Tsavo East and East for two days before heading to Watamu for three days. Overall our experience was enjoyable and relaxing. It was a little cold in the mornings during the month of July (I'd recommend packing a light jacket). Ben and his team were exceptions in their planning and suggestions. See more..
5.0 Musiara Swamp (61 reviews)
- Magical Musiara
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Excellent game-watching location to see lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe. See more..
5.0 Mara North Conservancy (60 reviews)
- Saw lots of wildlife!
Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

We enjoyed this part of the park because there were fewer vehicles and we were able to get much closer to the animals, especially the lions. We were fortunate to see three pair of mating lions during our stay, and two of the pairs were in the north. We also spent a pleasant 45 minutes alone one morning, watching a mother cheetah and her young. The brother and sister, about a year apart in age, were playing like kittens. See more..
5.0 Masai Mara Holidays (55 reviews)
- outstanding safari adventure
Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Multi-day Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

Our 7 day safari was fabulous from beginning to end. Daniel was communicative and available from the day of booking to throughout our trip. Kim, our driver and guide was knowlegable and engaged with us throughout the trip. He made sure we felt comfortable and safe, as well as ensuring we had the safari experience we expected with a variety of animals. He was able to maneveur difficulties with traffic and weather and road conditions with still allowing us to complete our itinerary fully. He went over and above to get us late checkout from the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi and secure us a ride to the airport. the accomodations at the Cliff in Nakuru and Entim Mara in Masai Mara and Amboseli Serena were impressive and top notch. I would recommend using Masai Mara Holidays for any travel plans in Kenya See more..
5.0 Namayiana Safaris (46 reviews)
- Amazing Experience and Great People!!!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Safaris • Balloon Rides • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We had a wonderful time with Namayiana Safaris in Kenya in September 2022. This trip was like a dream. Everything was perfectly planned according to our wishes, and it was even better than we could have expected! We (2 couples from Germany) spent 1 week with our guides Moses and Solomon and after just a few hours we felt like a group of 6 friends travelling together. During our trip we visited the Maasai Mara (our favorite park!), Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo East. It is very difficult to describe, you really need to see it. Beautiful Nature, friendly and happy people, wild animals, and adventure, all together in one week. We are so grateful that we found Namayiana Safaris and get to know Mpairo (John) and his team. Also highly recommended to wildlife photographers... they will bring you in the best position for the perfect picture. See more..
5.0 African Ascents (42 reviews)
- Excellent service with emphasis on safety and quality
Safaris • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

We went on a family trip to Mount Kenya with three children between the ages of 10-13 with African Ascents. It was a fully equipped camping trip up the Chogoria side of the mountain. The African Ascents team was exemplary - all the way from the experience with booking the trip and advice on route selection to execution to follow up after. The quality of guiding was excellent with a reassuring emphasis on safety at all times. The team was also flexible and adapted to changing requests / conditions with minimum fuss. The food was beyond excellent - particularly in catering for different dietary and allergy requirements. I don't think any of us experienced any loss in appetite with the altitude and indeed we ate nourishing quality meals. Thank you Julian and the rest of the African Ascents team! See more..
4.5 Mara River (1.986 reviews)
- Zebra and Wildebeest Crossing Mara River
Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Bodies of Water

The sight of Zebras crossing the Mara river and the crocodiles waiting for their preys is amazing. In fact it is worth the wait for the crossing to take place. We have heard so much about wildebeest crossing; but the zebra crossing in the twilight is a sight to behold. The wildebeest crossing is an annual phenomenon and most of the tourists flock to Masai Mara to have a view of the migration from Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. See more..
4.5 Hell's Gate National Park (848 reviews)
- Great escape from the city!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks

We visited Hell‘s Gate National Park for the first time in February 2023 with our guide John „Dustyboots“ Nganga (+254 708 803 364). He picked us up from our lodge, drove us into the park and showed us different animals (zebras, Thomson‘s gazelle, impala, eland, hartebeest, buffalos, jackal, warthogs, rock hyrax). We also climbed Fisher‘s tower with the help of professional climbing guide Stephen. The panorama of the park you get from the top is breathtaking. Unfortunately, the gorge (aka the canyon that inspired the scene of Mufasa’s death in The Lion King) is still closed after a deadly 2019 flash flood. See more..
4.5 Observation Hill (782 reviews)
- Trip of a lifetime
Observation Decks & Towers

See more..
4.5 Crescent Island Game Park (421 reviews)
- If you don't have time for a full Kenya safari visit Crescent Island - absolute must!
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

We stayed one night at Lake Naivasha prior to short safari in the Masai Mara, which included a boat safari which took us to Crescent Island where we had a walking tour by a fantastically friendly and knowledgeable guide (but I can't remember his name!). This was possibly the best 90 minutes of our stay in Kenya as we learnt so much. I had no idea that Out of Africa, for a start, was filmed almost in entirely here! The variety of animals and birds we saw here was stupendous. Can't recommend enough! See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Rift Valley Province (419 reviews)
- Boat ride to see hippos and other animals
Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water

We got there with our own car - paid a small entrance fee to get to the area, then got to the parking place, paid for a boat ride. The captain took us for a ride around the lake first and told us plenty of interesting facts about the animals. We saw many hippos, eagles, pelicans and others birds. We decided not to go to the Crescent island, because we didn’t have much time and the entrance fee his quite high. If we did, the boat would wait for us. But it would be hike at least for couple of hours. The boat ride great to get most of the visit in an hour or so. See more..
4.5 Shaba National Reserve (293 reviews)
- The serenity of untouched wilderness at the background of Joy Adamson
National Parks

Shaba National reserve is located in northern Kenya just nxt to Samburu National Reserve. The ecosystem here gives a different approach to the total wilderness. Characterised by volcanic rocks, curling plains, endless springs, hills, and beautiful grassy gold coloured carpet of grass. With the history backgroundof the late conservationist Joy Adamson, it still remains untouched. Game drives here gives you a chance to encounter the shy animals and expose you to great features. Also nature walks can be arranged. For birdwatchers this is the spot.... Host most of the rare birds including the endemic William's lark. This is the wilderness to be... See more..
4.5 Mount Longonot National Park (206 reviews)
- Beautiful Views with Expert Guidance
Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM National Parks

My wife and I did this hike to the top + around the rim. We both really enjoying hiking and this one has great elevation and amazing views! We also had an amazing guide, John Nganga. He accommodated for our pace, stopped and gave us awesome information about the crater, and LOVED to take pictures of + with us! He was basically the third member of our crew, and we actually booked him for another excursion the next day! His number is +254 708803364 and his email is [email protected]. Could not recommend him enough! See more..