A photographer's 20-year journey through Africa's vanishing Rift Valley

Photographer and writer Paul Compion has spent over two decades exploring the East African Rift. His latest book, The Rift: Scar of Africa, dives into the region’s deep history, from its geological roots to its modern challenges. The work blends science, culture, and personal experience from years of travel along the 4,000-mile-long valley. Compion’s journey with the Rift began in 2002 when he and a friend drove a Land Rover north for seven months. One standout moment came at Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, where vast flocks of pink flamingos left a lasting impression. That trip sparked a lifelong connection to the region.

For over 20 years, he has led safaris along the Rift while documenting its landscapes, wildlife, and people. His work has taken him to remote communities, including Ethiopia’s Suri tribe, where he helped fund teacher training in their native language. He has also collaborated with conservationists like Marc Stalmans, who transformed Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park into a biodiversity success story. The Rift Valley is changing rapidly, with cities like Nairobi and Addis Ababa expanding along its edges. Urbanisation brings risks of desertification and food shortages. Yet Compion remains hopeful, pointing to Indigenous knowledge and local leadership as forces for positive change. Even after decades of exploration, he insists the region still holds untold stories.

The Rift: Scar of Africa combines geology, evolution, and human impact into a single narrative. Compion’s experiences—from early travels to conservation efforts—highlight both the valley’s fragility and its resilience. The book arrives as the region faces growing environmental pressures, making its insights more relevant than ever.