East African Great rift valley is one of the geologic wonders of the world, a place where the earth’s tectonic forces are presently trying to create new plates by splitting apart old ones. In simple terms, a rift can be thought of as a fracture in the earth’s surface that widens over time, or more technically, as an elongate basin bounded by opposed steeply dipping normal faults.

Geologists are still debating exactly how rifting comes about, but the process is so well displayed in East Africa Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania that geologists have attached a name to the new plate-to-be; the Nubian Plate makes up most of Africa while the smaller plate that is pulling away has been named the Somalian Plate These two plates are moving away from each other and also away from the Arabian plate to the north.

The point where these three plates meet in the Afar region of Ethiopia forms what is called a triple-junction. However, all the rifting in East Africa is not confined to the Horn of Africa; there is a lot of rifting activity further south as well, extending into Kenya and Tanzania and the Great Lakes region of Africa. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the general geology of these rifts are and highlight the geologic processes involved in their formation.

Things to do in the Great Rift Valley

Watch the rose-pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best places to see flamingos. Keep in mind that flooding affects flamingos and forces them to migrate elsewhere.

Boat excursions at Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a birdwatcher’s paradise. A boat safari will let you see the region’s birdlife including ducks, African fish eagles, and Palearctic waders.

Mountain biking near Lake Naivasha

Get to know a part of the Great Rift Valley by mountain biking near Lake Naivasha. Camps and lodges rent bikes.

Hot spring in Lake Bogoria

Lake Bogoria offers visitors a spectacular show of hot springs and geysers in action. Watch them shoot towards the sky in a cloud of steam.

Climbing Fischer’s Tower at Hell’s Gate National Park

Give yourself a thrilling workout by rock climbing your way to Fischer’s Tower. You’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views.

Biking on Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills overlook both the Great Rift Valley and Nairobi National Park. Bike through Kibiku Forest all the way to the windmills up top.

Game viewing at Amboseli National Park

Few places offer such a great opportunity for elephant watching as Amboseli National Park does. You can also see Mount Kilimanjaro from here.

Camping near Menengai Crater

The Menengai Crater is a huge extinct volcano steeped in spooky legends. Camp here and listen to fascinating folklore and history.

Luxury stays at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp

Sprawling, spacious and luxurious, Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp takes camping to a new level. Dine buffet style and a la carte, relax by the pool, get a massage, and shop at Sogonoi Boutique.