Lake Naivasha Country Club rests quaintly against the shores of the highest of the Rift Lakes (1888 metres) of the same name, and just 83km from Nairobi city.

As the name implies - this is a country lifestyle facility - comfortable, set in its own verdant grounds with acacia trees. Rooms are spacious, ensuite and have views of the lake. There is a central restaurant.

The lake itself has large floating islands of papyrus, a mysteriously fluctuating water level, a healthy hippo population, and wonderfully diverse bird population (340 species).

Its shores are lined with yellow barked fever trees and fruit farms and vineyards. Fishing is popular and there are even fresh water crayfish in the lake. Other high spots include: Elsamere Conservation Centre, this former home of Joy Admason of Born Free fame is now a residential conservation centre, open to visitors for afternoon tea.

Mount Longonot, this extinct volcano (2776 m) has a path to the top and around the rim. Hell's Gate National Park, impressive for its soaring red cliffs, isolated volcanic plugs, spreading grasslands dotted with game and a deep gorge where visitors can walk.

This is within The Great Rift Valley - the greatest valley in the world, a continental fault system that stretches from the Dead Sea all the way to Mozambique.

Standing on the edge of the Rift the lad drops way down to the dry and dusty plains below, and the distinctive volcanic shape of Mt Longonot dominates the scene. Some 48 kilometres across the blue escarpment of the other side of the valley rises.

The Masai have been in the Rift Valley for centuries and today the most frequently visited areas for tourists in the valley are around Lakes Naivasha, Nakuru and Baringo. All of these lakes have several accommodation options and are linked by relatively good tarmac roads.