The Great Rift Valley is a natural wonder of the world, a geological trench, approximately 6,000 kilometers in length, that runs from northern Syria in Southwest Asia to central Mozambique in East Africa.
The Great Rift Valley is a long depression in the earth which runs down the eastern side of Africa, through countries like Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique.
In eastern Africa, the valley divides into two, the Western Rift Valley and the Eastern Rift Valley. The Western Rift is edged by majestic mountains and contains the Rift Valley lakes, which include some of the deepest lakes in the world (up to 1,470 metres deep at Lake Tanganyika).
Lake Victoria, the second largest area freshwater lake in the world, is considered part of the Rift Valley system although it actually lies between the two branches. All of the African Great Lakes were formed as the result of the rift, and most lie within it.
The Great Rift Valley, which runs through Africa is a magical thing – populated by huge escarpments, vast lakes and beautiful vistas it is usually a hit list on anyone’s itinerary when planning to visit East Africa.
Tanzania has a wonderful portion of the Great Rift Valley which is absolutely breathtaking, including Lake Manyara which is famous for it’s huge herds of elephant, buffalo and magical bird life.
Here you can either base yourself from Lake Manyara, looking up at the dwarfing escarpment or from up on high, looking down at Lake Manyara and the wilderness that surrounds it – both are sensational.
The Eastern Rift features vast Mineral Lakes such as Lake Natron and is bordered by the highest Mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
It is also there that we find some remarkable Tanzanian Volcanoes such as the Ngorongoro, the Empakai, the Olmoti and the Lengai. The East Africa Rift Valley is a great example of how many natural systems can be intertwined – this unique geological setting may have altered the local climate which may have in turn caused our ancestors to develop the skills necessary to walk upright, develop culture and ponder how such a rift came to be.
Just like the Grand Canyon, the East African Rift System should be high on any nature lovers list of geologic marvels to visit.
Some of the Lodges with great views of the Rift Valley include but not limited to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Marambai, Manyara Ranch, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and Pakalala Safari Camp.
Admire this Magical Location and its abundant lifestyle through a Great Rift Valley Safari with Lakato Safaris at info@lakatosafaris.com
