Safari in Lake Magadi

the extreme contrast of tribal peoples and modern industry

Lake Magadi is the most southerly of the Great Rift Valley lakes of Southwest Kenya.

Although not lying that far from both the Maasai Mara and the Nairobi-Arusha highway, this remains a very little-visited area, way off most people’s radar.

The lake is set against the Nguruman Escarpment (beyond which lies the Maasai Mara) and the distant volcanoes of Ngorongoro across the border in Tanzania.

This is a very hostile but striking environment, a scenic pink caustic lake, populated with flamingos, but dominated by a large industrial soda extraction plant.

This is Maasailand and the traditionally dressed local tribes-people provide a stark contrast with the modern industrial installations.

When including this area in trips, there are two very different options. The first is to stay in a lodge, most likely on the Shompole Reserve. The second is to undertake a multiple day trek across the mountains from the Maasai Mara.

Shompole

Shompole is a small wildlife conservancy a little further to the south, largely comprised of open savanna grasslands running up to the foot of the Nguruman Escarpment.

It was established to protect the indigenous wildlife against increasing grazing pressure being exerted by the Maasai herds.

Unfortunately the main Shompole Lodge here closed down in 2014, but it has been succeeded by another relatively upmarket lodge.

Loita Hills

The Loita Hills rise above and beyond the escarpment to the west, creating a remote upland area cloaked in sacred forests. This is a fabulous and virtually untrodden area.

For years we have offered remarkable treks which travel from the Maasai Mara, east through these hills and down the escarpment to reach Lake Magadi.

too niche for most people