While there are many places around the world that have incredibly diverse wildlife none come close to the Rift Valley in Africa. The great valley spans nearly 5,000 km from the Red Sea through Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Sudan. The incredible region is home to the widest collection of wildlife that the world has to offer.
In the Rift Valley, you will find nearly every mammal that you could dream of in your perfect zoo. There are lions, leopards, antelopes, zebras, cheetahs, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes and more. One of the most fascinating animals in the region is the silverback gorilla. The incredible primates are found in the mountain forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. The silverback gorilla is not a particular type of gorilla it is simply a term used to refer to older gorillas who have started to turn grey.
The region is also home to some incredible reptiles. With crocodiles, snakes, lizards and much more in the region, there are many incredible animals to be found. The largest snake in the area, and in all of Africa, is the African rock python. The fierce animal is so powerful that it can take down antelopes and crocodiles.
In addition to reptiles and mammals, there is an incredible selection of birds and fish. The population of flamingos is so large that when flying overhead, people often perceive pink lakes where there is just a large flock of flamingo. The actual lakes of the valley though, are some of the oldest and deepest in existence, with one lake, Lake Malawi, having the largest number of fish species in the world, with over 800.
This incredible region was formed by a deep fissure in the earth’s crust. The astounding diversity would be enough to keep David Attenborough busy for a lifetime. If animals are something you love to see in their natural habitat, then the Rift Valley is a must-see.
