Today we used Tours by Locals to visit the Great Rift Valley, a subset of the Afro-American Rift System which is a series of contiguous geographic depressions, approximately 4,000 mi in total length, which runs from “the plains of northern Syria” in the north, through the Red Sea, to Mozambique in the south.

The Great Rift Valley is one of the most striking geographical features in Kenya. The valley is the result of tectonic forces pulling the African continent apart. Millions of years ago, the Somali and Nubian tectonic plates began to diverge, stretching and thinning the earth’s crust. This caused the land to sink between parallel fault lines, creating the valley floor, while volcanic activity along the fissures built up mountains and hills nearby. The process is ongoing, meaning the valley is technically still widening, just at a pace of a few millimeters a year.

The Rift Valley has huge significance beyond its landscapes. Its fertile volcanic soils and favorable climate make it a major agricultural region, particularly for tea, coffee, and flowers, Kenya’s flower export industry is centered largely around Naivasha.

The drive to and from The Great Rift, about an hour and a half each direction, was entertaining. We all agreed we’ve never been anywhere that has so many speed bumps. There are even speed bumps on the highway. Our driver was excellent, and only missed slowing down for one speed bump, giving us quite the jolt. The roads were not in good condition either. We’ll have to get used to it all, given the driving we will be doing over the next two weeks.

In the evening, we had a beautiful dinner at Macushla, and celebrated the August birthdays of Patti and Kurt.

Tomorrow: Nairobi