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When huge rocky slabs of the Earth’s mantle, otherwise known as tectonic plates, collide or move apart a rift valley is formed. And in the process violent subterranean forces tear our planet’s crust apart, creating geologic drama in the form of volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent earthquakes!The most well-known rift valley on Earth is a geographical trench called the “Great Rift Valley System” and stretches from northern Syria in Southeast Asia to central Mozambique in East Africa – slicing right through Kenya, essentially cutting the country in two.
The Valley is thought to be nearly 20 million years old, and contains some of the world’s largest lakes, craggy mountain-scapes and lush plains. It is also believed to have played an import role in our evolution.
Because scattered throughout the valley are fossil sites of early hominids, implying the rift made an ideal landscape for our ancestors to settle. And as the rift slowly widened, a barrier for moisture from the Indian Ocean was formed, forcing our ancestors to leave the dying pluvial forests and venture out into the open and dry savannahs.
Over time, early humans likely adopted bipedalism, walking on two legs, to survive the environment – and in the process freed up their hands for the invention and use of tools – which eventually evolved the brain over time.
We’ve chosen the most unique and exciting ways to explore this geological wonder, from cycling downhill savannahs filled with unique wildlife, trekking up to volcanic rims atop craggy mountains, and marveling at the thunder of massive waterfalls as they crash to the bottom of the Great Rift Valley!
Let’s go!
Day 1 // Hiking Mt Longonot
Meeting at Dubai airport for direct flight to Nairobi. After arrival and immigration, drive to Great Rift Valley for a first look at the volcanoes.
Thought to have last erupted in the 1860s, Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Its name is derived from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot, meaning “mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges”. Protected by the Kenya Wildlife Service as part of the Mount Longonot National Park – there are many spectacular trails up to and around the crater rim. We’ll trekkup to the rim and around the volcano for nearly 5 hours (or 14 km) with lunch along the way. With an elevation from 2150 to 2780 masl at the jagged rim the climb can be challenging, but we’ll set our pace with time for rest and breaks.
Day 2 // Hiking the Karuru Falls
With an early morning start we’ll head to Aberdares National Park and kick off on trekking trail to the woods of Karuru Falls. The cascades are breathtaking.... elevation drop reaches 273 meters! If time allows, we’ll hike up to the Magura Falls and the Queens cave as well.
Day 3 // Cycling and hiking Hells Gate
Known for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, Hells Gate volcanic CV is truly endless, starting with towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, scrub-clad volcanoes to the least expected belching plumes of geothermal steams!!
We will cycle across the park and hike the gorge with warm volcanic springs beside our trail. After leaving the bikes behind, we’ll take a dip in the pool fed from fumarole geyser with endless healing properties. Before heading back to the airport, if we re lucky we’ll pay a visit to a Masai Village to interact with the tribe and understand their daily lives and rituals.
Cost: 2990 AED excl. flight, cost valid until AUG 03rd.
Flights: Kenyan KQ311+KQ304, approx 2200 AED.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Activities: Trekking, cycling, swimming in geyser pool.
Accommodation & meals: 4 star Lodge, double sharing, meals included except meals on transfers.
Specifically Excluded: visa (ETA), insurance, meals on transfers.
Visa: No visa to Kenya, only simplified travel authorization at www.etakenya.go.ke . Details available here .
See yah in The Valley x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, غرفة صلاة متعددة الأديان, مطار دبي الدولي دبي, الإمارات العربية المتحدة,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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