Destination: Kenya
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Western Wetlands
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TWO WEEKS / NAIVASHA TO NAROK
This two-week circuit takes in the best of Kenya’s temperate western zone, from the Rift Valley to Lake Victoria, in a busy round trip of around 1500km. An extra week can give you more time for the major parks.
To the west of Nairobi lie some of Kenya’s most fertile and scenic spots, characterised by bodies of water and often neglected by visitors in favour of the high-profile national parks.
An excellent place to start is Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, a popular freshwater lake with easy access to several national parks and scenic spots. Then it’s an easy hop to Lake Nakuru and the smaller lakes Bogoria and Baringo, with their wealth of birdlife.
From here, the road west leads past the Lake Kamnarok and Kerio Valley National Reserves, perfect and little-explored territory for trekkers.
Depending on time, you can take the more direct Eldoret road or the longer Cherangani Hills loop to reach the agricultural town of Kitale and the lovely Saiwa Swamp National Park, a real wetland treat.
Heading south now, the Kakamega Forest Reserve is an essential stop for walkers and birdlovers alike, and can justify a couple of extra days’ stay if you have time. Then continue down the road to the region’s main city Kisumu, on the shore of Lake Victoria, for a few urban comforts.
Skirting the Winam Gulf, you’ll reach the busy service town of Kisii, a handy hub for Lake Victoria’s small islands, and the tiny Ruma National Park, a rarely visited gem.
At the far end of this south road is Isebania, where you could cross into Tanzania. Otherwise, if you have a 4WD you can travel the hard way through the Masai Mara, ending up in Narok. From here you can head back to Nairobi or start the whole circuit again.
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