View from the rim of Menangai Crater, Rift Valley, Kenya. March 2013.
Flora and Fauna:
The Rift Valley is a split in the continent of Africa and as it widens or shifts volcanos and molten lava may occasionally erupt from the Earth. Menangai Crater was left after a violent eruption about 8000 years ago (Wikipedia). Eruptions in this area have occurred repeatedly over the past 200,000 years. There is a road and a hiking trail to a view point high on the rim that passes through farmland and mostly eucalyptus forest. Rocky basalt areas are vegetated by acacia scrub while the rim supports higher altitude flora. Grassland and pasture are also habitat types here. Access is via the city of Nakuru where many travel conveniences are available.
Flora and Fauna (Thumb Links)
Electricity is generated by tapping the residual heat that lies close to the surface on the floor of the crater. Through bore holes water is pumped in and re-emerges as steam that turns turbines.