Out of the Rift Valley one day, back in the next. Unfortunately, the drive in and out can be very exasperating. It happens to be part of the main highway between Kenya’s port city of Mombasa and the country of Uganda. Although a modern rail line is supposedly under construction, most freight must take this route and it makes for some chaotic driving. Between the endless freight trucks, unmarked speed bumps, regular police checks, and constant potholes, the drive can be very stressful – with roads deteriorating to barely passable by the end.
Nevertheless, we headed off for a 3 day weekend on Lake Baringo’s Island Camp resort. The lakes in the Rift Valley are all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for, among other things, its diverse range of 460 bird species. The lake is just north of the equator (which required the obligatory photo op) and full of crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and much more.
The camp is actually one of the oldest western tourist camps in Kenya, built in 1972. It had a very tranquil setting with individual rooms opening up to views of the huge lake. Malaria is rife around here, so mosquito nets surrounded all the beds. From the island you can see the walls of the Rift Valley on either side of the lake.
Had nice swim in their island-top pool and a nice dinner. We tried to find some hippos in the evening but we’re told they didn’t come out of the water until 1am and went back in at 4am.
