Travel, for me, is about the little things—the views that take your breath away, the moments of calm in nature, and the joy of discovering places both familiar and new.
Under my Simple Joys series, I usually share recipes from my kitchen. But every now and then, when I get the chance to be on the road, I want to bring you along on my journeys too—through glimpses of places I visit, whether in Kenya or anywhere in the world.
This time, I’m taking you through the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, a region of astonishing natural drama. With its shimmering lakes, dramatic escarpments, volcanic ridges, and everyday encounters with wildlife, it’s a landscape that feels alive in every direction. The Rift Valley is one of those rare places where each journey reveals a new story—whether it’s the changing vegetation, the shifting skies, or the simple magic of seeing zebras, impalas, and giraffes by the roadside.
Today’s glimpse is from a road trip I made from Nakuru to Nairobi and back. It’s a route I’ve traveled many times, but each journey feels fresh, layered with new stories, sights, and scenery that make the Rift Valley so special.
Life in the Rift Valley
For the past 22 years, Nakuru has been my home. Living here in the Rift Valley region of Kenya is truly a gift—the weather is wonderfully balanced, neither too hot nor too cold, the landscapes are dramatic yet soothing, and nature always feels close by.
From volcanic ridges and escarpments to wildlife-filled lakes, this part of Kenya is endlessly fascinating.
If you want to travel from Nairobi towards Nakuru, check out this map for the directions.
Simple Joys of Living in the Great Rift Valley
- Perfect Weather: Cool, balanced, and comfortable most of the year.
- Affordable Lifestyle: Easier on the pocket than Nairobi, though growing quickly.
- Culture & Community: Home to diverse, welcoming people and rich traditions.
- Nature at the Doorstep: Lakes, parks, craters, and escarpments never too far away.
A Cloudy Start from Nakuru
The day was cloudy and chilled, with a misty calm that made the air feel fresh and light. Driving past Lake Elmentaita, the journey opened up into the kind of scenery that makes you want to slow down and simply take it all in.
One of the things I’ve always admired about Kenya is how the vegetation changes every few kilometers—almost as if each stretch of land wants to tell its own story.
You’ll pass through groves of acacia trees, their silhouettes iconic against the sky. A little further, the greenery shifts again—patches of shrubs, open grassland, and neat farmland tucked into the rolling landscape. And as you drive past the escarpment toward Nairobi, both sides of the road turn into a forest of tall, fragrant cypress trees, standing like guardians along the highway.
On both sides of the road, the view was alive with this ever-changing tapestry of vegetation, while in the distance the mountains rose quietly, wrapped in soft mist, adding depth and drama to the horizon.
It’s a kind of natural poetry—trees, hills, and sky blending together—and it’s this rhythm of the land that makes every trip through the Rift Valley feel new, no matter how many times you’ve traveled it.
Stopover at Delamere Farm Shop
No trip along this highway feels complete without a pause at the Delamere Farm Shop.
Originally a simple farm stop named after the pioneering Delamere family, it has evolved into a full-fledged traveler’s hub. From its humble beginnings selling milk and produce, today it offers a restaurant, supermarket, fuel, and some of the tastiest stopover meals on the route. We had left home at the crack of dawn, so early that even a warm cup of tea had to be sacrificed for the road ahead. By the time we reached Delamere, hunger had already started to whisper.
The restaurant here is known for its bhajias, which are available all day, but the real morning treasure is the veg samosas. They vanish as quickly as they appear, usually sold out before the day even begins.
We managed to grab both—bhajias and samosas—packed in simple paper bags, along with hot coffee. With no time to linger, we carried them back to the car, unwrapping our little feast as the road stretched out ahead.
There’s something special about eating hot, spiced snacks while the morning mist still hangs in the air, the journey humming along in the background.
The Escarpment Viewpoint
After Naivasha, the road climbed up toward the Mai Mahiu Escarpment Viewpoint, where the Rift Valley opens up in one breathtaking panorama. Even under cloudy skies, the rolling plains, scattered lakes, and volcanic cones looked magnificent—a vast canvas painted by nature itself.
Because of time, we didn’t stop in the morning, but on the way back we couldn’t resist. Standing there, you can’t help but pause and breathe a little deeper. The roadside curio shops add their own charm, colorful and inviting. I stepped into one and came out with a new hat—a little souvenir of the moment.
Nairobi’s Energy
The valley soon gave way to the hum of Nairobi—skyscrapers, busy streets, and a burst of urban energy. The contrast always amazes me: just a few hours away from zebras and giraffes, you’re suddenly in the middle of a thriving city. We quickly finished what we came for, but when our car started giving us a bit of trouble, we decided to leave earlier than planned. By noon, we had passed through Two Rivers Mall, wandered a bit, and then began our return journey.
We skipped lunch in Nairobi—because I was already looking forward to the chicken tikka at Delamere on the way back.
The Return Home
The drive back toward Nakuru was a dance between sun and clouds, patches of golden light breaking through misty stretches. Descending the escarpment, the vast waters of Lake Naivasha shimmered in the distance—a view so wide and calming it makes you instinctively slow down.
As expected, we stopped again at Delamere Farm Shop. What began decades ago as a modest stopover linked to the vast Delamere estates has now become an iconic rest point on the A104. Generations of travelers have stretched their legs here, fueling up not just on food but also on nostalgia.
For me, it’s always the chicken tikka—smoky, flavorful, and just right—that makes the stop memorable. After all these years, the place still carries a blend of history and comfort, reminding you of how travel in Kenya has evolved while holding on to timeless traditions.
Back on the road, the Rift Valley offered me its parting gifts—wildlife sightings. Not just impalas and zebras this time, but also tall, elegant giraffes standing like sentinels among the acacia trees.
Of course, no road trip on the A104 is complete without the Gilgil weighbridge traffic jam. Caught there as evening fell, we inched along slowly, headlights twinkling in the dusk.
At last, we made it home—later than planned, yet with hearts full. That’s the magic of this route: no matter how many times you travel it, the Rift Valley always leaves you with a new story to carry back.
Did You Know?
Highlights of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley
- 8 Major Lakes: Turkana, Logipi, Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru, Elmentaita, Naivasha, and Magadi
- Dozens of Dormant & Extinct Volcanos: including Menengai Crater, Mount Longonot, and Mount Suswa.
- Flamingo Paradise: Lakes Bogoria, Nakuru and Elmentaita are famous for their pink flamingo colonies.
- Wildlife Everywhere: From roadside zebras, impalas, giraffes to hippos in Naivasha and crocodiles in Baringo.
- Stunning Escarpments: The Mau, Elgeyo, and Ngong escarpments offer some of the most dramatic views in Africa.
Looking Ahead
This was just a glimpse—a Simple Joy of the road I wanted to share with you today.
There are countless more stories waiting in the Rift Valley and beyond. In the future, whenever I travel—whether within Kenya or to other parts of the world—I’ll share more of these little windows into places and experiences.
Because travel, like life, is best savored in the simple joys. If you want to see the beauty of The Great Rift Valley click here.
With warmth and presence
The Artful Voyage