Rift Valley Archaeology & Wildlife Expedition

1. 1

   Day 1

   Hell's Gate, Lake Naivasha & a geothermal spa

   Nairobi → Hell's Gate → Lake Naivasha

   Drive from Nairobi into the Great Rift Valley to Hell's Gate National Park, famous for its cliffs, gorges and volcanic formations. Spend the morning exploring on foot and by bicycle while your guide explains the park's geology and ecology, with rock climbing available for experienced climbers.

   In the afternoon, take a boat out on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and birdlife, then unwind in a geothermal spa before dinner.

   Today's activities

   • •Guided cycling and hiking in Hell's Gate
   • •Geology and landscape interpretation
   • •Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
   • •Recreational fishing where permitted
   • •Geothermal spa
   Stay: Hotel or campsite, NaivashaMeals: Lunch & dinner
2. 2

   Day 2

   Kariandusi archaeology, Eburu Forest & Lake Elementaita

   Naivasha → Kariandusi → Eburu Forest → Lake Elementaita

   After breakfast, visit Kariandusi, one of the key sites for early Stone Age research in the Rift Valley. Study Acheulean handaxes and other tools, watch experimental archaeology demonstrations and learn how excavations work. The area is also known for its diatomite deposits, which show how geology, natural resources and people are connected.

   In the afternoon, walk through Eburu Forest to learn about indigenous plants, birdlife and water catchment, then continue to Lake Elementaita for birdwatching and sunset over the Rift before dinner and a night at camp.

   At Kariandusi

   • •Guided tour of the excavated site
   • •Acheulean handaxes and other stone tools
   • •Experimental archaeology demonstrations
   • •Introduction to excavation methods
   Stay: Camping, Lake Elementaita areaMeals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
3. 3

   Day 3

   Hyrax Hill archaeology & Lake Nakuru safari

   Lake Elementaita → Hyrax Hill → Lake Nakuru National Park

   Travel to Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum near Nakuru to explore evidence of past settlement, from stone tools and pottery to the layout of ancient homes, and see how archaeologists reconstruct the lives of the communities who lived here. Students and researchers can extend the visit to cover methods, landscape archaeology and heritage conservation.

   After lunch, head into Lake Nakuru National Park to look for rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffalo and, depending on the season, flamingos, then stay out for a sunset game drive before dinner at camp.

   Today's activities

   • •Guided tour of the Hyrax Hill sites and museum
   • •Prehistoric stone tools and pottery
   • •Experimental archaeology demonstrations
   • •Afternoon and sunset game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
   Stay: Camping, Lake Nakuru areaMeals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
4. 4

   Day 4

   Lake Nakuru to Nairobi

   Lake Nakuru → Nairobi

   Wake to the sounds of the Rift Valley. Before breakfast there is time for an optional early game drive, birdwatching or a short nature walk. Then begin the drive back to Nairobi, with a lunch stop on the way, arriving in the afternoon.

   Meals: Breakfast & lunch

Kariandusi and Hyrax Hill are protected sites managed by the National Museums of Kenya. Any excavation or handling of archaeological material happens only where officially permitted and under archaeological supervision.

• •Never collect or remove fossils, stone tools or other archaeological material
• •Stay on designated routes and follow heritage-site staff and your guide
• •Respect local customs, and ask before photographing people
• •Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals
• •Cut down on single-use plastic and leave every site as you found it
• •Support locally owned businesses and community enterprises