The Kerio Valley is a branch of the Great Rift Valley, about 80 kilometers long and at its widest point, only about 10 kilometers. Located between the Elgeyo Escarpment, Cherangany Hills and Tugen Hills, it is an area of dramatic landscapes and exquisite scenery. Its biodiversity is almost matchless with all manner of vegetation from dry thorn bushes to semi-tropical plants and everything in between. Further contributing to its fascinating scenery are the dense forests and plateaus that grace this volcanic soil-rich land. On the scenic road that snakes its way up the escarpment, you get to take in extraordinary views of huge basalt formations, tall cliffs, undulating hills and misty waterfalls. Once you get to the top, drink in the stunning view of the more than 1,200-meter drop from the top to the bottom – it literally takes your breath away. At certain points, the Elgeyo Escarpment rises as high as 1,830+ meters above the valley. In the heart of the valley, there are countless attractions to explore. Let’s dive in:

Kessup Falls

For the ultimate hiking adventure and an opportunity to really connect with nature, no experience beats Kessup Falls. Located right in the heart of lush green forest vegetation, it is a pure and unspoiled gem that reverberates with the best of natural beauty and sheer power. Getting there involves a memorable hike through open farms, forests and a bit of scrub. Across this varied landscape, you will likely come across vibrant families of primates including the diademed and colobus monkeys in addition to countless endemic and non-endemic bird species. The waterfall actually sneaks up on you – you’ll likely get to hear the calming sound of the cascades a while before you get there. Once you get a glimpse of the white, frothy water plunging down into the pool beneath it and the resulting spray of mist into its surroundings, the experience is simply mesmerizing. As a bonus, there is a spectacular overlook point at the top of the falls granting you a glorious view over the expansive Kerio Valley.

Torok Falls

Yet another remarkable adventure in the Kerio Valley is a hiking excursion to the majestic Torok Falls. Reputed as one of the highest free-standing, natural waterfalls in the Rift Valley, Torok plunges an incredible 200 meters into a deep pool at the base of the Rift Valley. The trek is in itself an adventure, taking you through river crossings, across dense forest and down steep slopes against the backdrop of a dramatic escarpment. The colorful red and grey rock face of the escarpments offers a timeless natural frame for fascinating photography. During the rainy season, the deafening roar of the majestic waterfall is audible from a good distance. It drowns the sound of everything else around it and for a moment, time seems to stand still as you savour the surroundings. If the misty spray is not enough, take a dip in the cool waters of the pool beneath the falls.

Kerio River

Crocodile-infested Kerio River is one of the longest rivers in the whole of Kenya. It traces its origins close to the equator, on the slopes of Amasya Hills and flows north through the Kerio Valley, all the way to Lake Turkana. Kerio River along with River Turkwel contribute nearly 98% of the water flowing into Lake Turkana. A fascinating highlight on its path is the Cheploch Gorge, estimated to be about 70 meters deep, yet extremely narrow.

Rimoi National Reserve

The little-explored Rimoi National Reserve is a true hidden gem in the Kerio Valley. Despite being relatively small, about 66 square kilometers, it has an incredibly rich ecosystem featuring large elephant herds, the rare sitatunga (a semi-amphibious antelope), monkey snakes, dik-dik, warthogs, leopard, buffalo, hyenas, gazelle and impalas among others. The elephant herds here are the largest in East Africa; if you are fortunate, you can see groups of up to 100 at a time. Avid bird enthusiasts consider this a birding paradise as about 450 species inhabit the area. The park also affords you a peek into the adjacent Lake Kamnarok, the only ox-bow lake in Kenya – also home to the second-largest population of crocodiles in Africa, rare white crocodiles to be precise.

Lake Bogoria

Most popularly renowned for its blanket of pink flamingos, Lake Bogoria is an alkaline and saline water body on the vast Kenyan Rift Valley. The high alkalinity of its waters makes it a perfect home for algae, which in turn feed the millions of flamingos that inhabit the lake. About two million of these dazzling pink birds reportedly inhabit the lake at any given time. In addition to the flamingos, the lake also supports plenty of other birds and animals including warthog, impala, dikdik, the spotted hyena, zebra, lions, baboon, caracal and buffalo. Dark, volcanic rock defines the edges of the water body. Volcanic activity in the area has also contributed to the existence of about 200 hot springs as well as 17 geysers that spout high into the air. The hot springs have very high carbon dioxide concentrations, resulting in vigorous bubbling. Courtesy of these extraordinary feats of nature, the lake is still visually enthralling even in the absence of flamingos. Treat yourself to a session of much-needed therapy by sliding into one of these sulphur-rich natural mineral spas for a soak and enjoy the healing effect.

Lake Baringo

Though not as popular as other lakes in the region, Lake Baringo is a hidden gem of mystery and myth, spectacular views, a stunning range of birds, animals and islands. It is one of two freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley, the other being Lake Naivasha. It is considered a birding paradise as more than 470 species have been recorded here. Moreover, it is home to numerous species of fish including the African catfish, Nile perch, tilapia, marbled lungfish and barbell among others. It is only here in Kenya that you might encounter the extremely shy greater kudu. Other animals present here include impala, dik-dik, crocodile, hippos, warthog, rock hyrax, Grant’s gazelle, zebra and klipspringer. Seven islands dot the lake, some of which are habitable; the indigenous Njemps community lives on the largest of these – Ol Kokwe Island. Ol Kokwe is also highly reputed for its sulphur-rich fumaroles and hot springs. Myths abound regarding Devil’s Island, and though locals often steer clear of it, it offers an unforgettable hiking experience.