The Best Places to Camp Along Africa’s Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley stretches across East Africa, carving through stunning landscapes, lush forests, dramatic escarpments, and pristine lakes. Camping along this breathtaking expanse offers an unparalleled connection to nature, placing you right in the heart of some of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.
From lakes teeming with flamingos to highland forests echoing with the calls of rare primates, the Rift Valley is home to some of the best camping spots in Africa. Whether you seek remote wilderness experiences or well-equipped campsites, this guide will take you through the most incredible places to pitch your tent along this ancient geological wonder.
1. Lake Naivasha, Kenya – A Lakeside Paradise for Wildlife Lovers
Why It’s Special
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife. Hippos, giraffes, and a wide variety of bird species make this an excellent camping destination.
Camping and Safety
Campsites like Camp Carnelley’s and Fisherman’s Camp offer beautiful views, basic facilities, and guided boat tours. Safety precautions around hippos are essential, as they often graze near the campsites at night.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (June to October) offers clear skies and better wildlife sightings, though the lake is stunning year-round.
2. Lake Baringo, Kenya – A Birdwatcher’s Dream
Why It’s Special
Lake Baringo is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Africa, with over 470 recorded species. Crocodiles, hippos, and the occasional leopard add to the excitement of camping here.
Camping and Safety
Roberts’ Camp and Island Camp provide well-maintained camping facilities with incredible views of the lake. Guided canoe tours offer a chance to see wildlife safely.
Best Time to Visit
Birdlife is vibrant throughout the year, but October to April is ideal when migratory species arrive.
3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – A Flamingo Haven
Why It’s Special
Known for its vast flocks of flamingos and boiling hot springs, Lake Bogoria is a strikingly beautiful alkaline lake that provides a unique camping experience.
Camping and Safety
Bogoria Spa Resort offers camping spots, though wild camping is also possible with permission. The hot springs can be dangerous, so caution is advised.
Best Time to Visit
Flamingo numbers peak between July and October when water levels and food availability are optimal.
4. Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya – Camp Among Towering Cliffs
Why It’s Special
Hell’s Gate is one of the few parks in Africa where you can walk, cycle, and camp among wildlife without the danger of large predators.
Camping and Safety
Campsites like Endachata and Ol Dubai provide a rugged but scenic experience. Be prepared for strong winds at night, and always follow park guidelines.
Best Time to Visit
June to September is ideal for hiking and biking, with cooler temperatures and clear skies.
The migration peaks from June to October, with river crossings occurring from July to September.
5. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania – Camp on the Edge of an Ancient Caldera
Why It’s Special
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO-listed site with one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.
Camping and Safety
Simba Campsite, perched on the crater’s rim, offers breathtaking views. Nights can be cold, and large animals frequently roam the area, so caution is required.
Best Time to Visit
June to October is best for wildlife viewing, while the rainy season (March to May) offers fewer crowds and lush scenery.
6. Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania – A Forested Wonderland
Why It’s Special
This compact park is home to tree-climbing lions, diverse birdlife, and stunning groundwater forests, making it a fantastic camping destination.
Camping and Safety
Migunga Forest Camp provides a safe and well-equipped site within reach of the park’s key attractions.
Best Time to Visit
June to October is best for wildlife, but birdwatchers may prefer the wetter months (November to April).
7. Lake Eyasi, Tanzania – A Cultural and Wilderness Escape
Why It’s Special
This remote soda lake is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, offering a unique blend of cultural and wildlife experiences.
Camping and Safety
Several eco-camps provide rustic camping experiences, but self-sufficient camping is also an option.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (June to October) is best for tribal interactions and scenic camping.
8. Lake Malawi, Malawi – A Tropical Freshwater Escape
Why It’s Special
Lake Malawi is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa, with crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and vibrant fish species.
Camping and Safety
Campsites like Chembe Eagles Nest and Chinteche Inn provide beachside camping with excellent facilities.
Best Time to Visit
September to December offers warm waters and excellent snorkeling conditions.
9. Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda – A High-Altitude Adventure
Why It’s Special
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offer rugged terrain, glacial lakes, and unique plant life.
Camping and Safety
Campsites along the hiking trails provide shelter, but proper gear and a guide are essential due to unpredictable weather.
Best Time to Visit
December to February and June to August offer the driest conditions for trekking.
10. Lake Turkana, Kenya – The Jade Sea Experience
Why It’s Special
Lake Turkana’s otherworldly landscapes and rich prehistoric history make it a fascinating yet challenging camping destination.
Camping and Safety
Eliye Springs and Loiyangalani offer basic camping facilities. The region is remote, so adequate supplies are necessary.
Best Time to Visit
June to September provides the best weather conditions for exploring.
11. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda – Camping Among Diverse Ecosystems
Why It’s Special
This park boasts volcanic craters, savannas, wetlands, and forests, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Camping and Safety
Ishasha and Mweya campsites provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Best Time to Visit
December to February and June to September are best for wildlife spotting.
12. Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia – Spot the Ethiopian Wolf
Why It’s Special
The Bale Mountains are home to Africa’s rarest carnivore, the Ethiopian wolf, along with dramatic landscapes and endemic wildlife.
Camping and Safety
Park-managed campsites provide basic amenities, but the weather can be harsh, so preparation is key.
Best Time to Visit
November to March offers the best chances to see Ethiopian wolves in action.
Conclusion: Where Will Your Rift Valley Adventure Take You?
Camping along Africa’s Rift Valley is more than just a getaway—it’s an immersion into some of the continent’s most breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife.
Which of these destinations would you love to explore first? Share your thoughts, and let’s talk about your next adventure!
And make sure to follow me on my socials for more updates.
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
