Birding at Lake Baringo: Cliffs, Acacia Bush and a Freshwater Lake

Baringo lies north of Nakuru, in landscape that feels far removed from the high savannah. Reddish cliffs, acacia scrub and a muddy, hippo-patrolled lake create habitats for dry-country birds that are hard to find elsewhere in the Rift Valley.

Birding here is varied and relaxed: boat trips in the morning, cliff walks, garden birding at lodges and an owl outing after dark.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

The Setting

Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake fringed by papyrus and acacia, backed by cliffs on the Rift escarpment. Local guides are an essential part of the experience because they know nesting sites and reliable perches. The area is hot, so early starts and a break at midday are sensible. For the wider region see the Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo guide and where to stay at Lake Baringo.

Water and Shoreline Birds

A boat trip, usually with a local boatman and guide, is the classic morning activity. Look for African fish eagle, goliath heron, great white pelican, long-tailed cormorant, African jacana, squacco heron, African spoonbill and a range of kingfishers. Eurasian waders and terns add variety in the northern winter. Hippos and crocodiles live in the lake, so keep hands inside the boat and follow your boatman's instructions.

Cliffs and Escarpment

Cliffs near the lake are famed for Hemprich's hornbill, which nests on ledges and is often seen on the rocks. Rock-loving birds such as white-throated swifts, rock martins and various swallows swoop around the faces, and raptors including Verreaux's eagle may soar above. A gentle morning walk with a guide gives plenty of chance to look and photograph. Bring a hat and plenty of water.

Acacia Bush and Gardens

The thornbush and lodge gardens hold some of the best close-range birding. Look for Jackson's hornbill, northern masked weaver, little weaver, bristle-crowned starling, white-browed sparrow-weaver, red-fronted tinkerbird, various shrikes and sunbirds, and the secretive spotted thick-knee on bare ground. Weavers and other nesting birds are very active after rains. See Kenya endemic and specialty birds for the context of regional specials.

Night Birding

After dark, guides often lead short outings to find owls and nightjars. Verreaux's eagle-owl, white-faced scops owl, spotted eagle-owl and slender-tailed nightjar can be located with torchlight, and guides know day roosts. Keep lights low, move quietly and do not use playback excessively. Appreciate that night walks involve heat, thorns and the occasional large animal, so follow guide instructions.

Best Months and Practicalities

Baringo can be birded all year. The drier months make for easier access, while rains bring breeding activity and green bush. The northern winter, from about November to April, adds migrants. It can be very hot by midday, so schedule birding for early morning and late afternoon. Use the Nairobi to Lake Baringo route to plan the journey, and read the Kenya birding calendar for season.

Combining Baringo With Other Stops

Baringo pairs naturally with Lake Bogoria, with its flamingos and hot springs, and with Lake Nakuru on the road back toward Nairobi. A two-night stay gives a boat trip, a cliff walk and a night outing. See the Kenya birding itinerary planner for sample routes.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team