Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo Guide: Hot Springs, Flamingos, Kudu and Birdlife

These two lakes make an unusual pair. Lake Bogoria is a salty, alkaline lake backed by steep escarpments and boiling springs, while nearby Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake with islands, hippos, crocodiles and fishermen on simple boats. Together they show two very different faces of the Rift Valley within a short drive.

This guide explains what each lake is like, what you can see and do, when to go, how to get there, where to stay and how to combine them with other parks. It pairs well with the Lake Nakuru guide and the Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate guide.

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

Lake Bogoria: Geysers and Flamingos

Lake Bogoria is a long, narrow soda lake hemmed in by the steep Siracho Escarpment. Hot springs and small geysers bubble and steam along its shore, and the water is so alkaline and rich in blue-green algae that it can draw very large flocks of lesser flamingos. When the birds gather in force the shoreline becomes a pink band. Numbers move from lake to lake with water levels, so conditions change from year to year. Keep to marked paths around the springs because the water is dangerously hot, and the ground near vents can be unstable.

Wildlife and Nature at Bogoria

Bogoria is also known for the greater kudu, a large spiral-horned antelope that is seldom seen elsewhere in Kenya's reserves. The dry hillsides and acacia thickets hold other species, including Grant's gazelle, impala, zebra, baboons and klipspringer on the rocky slopes, along with smaller carnivores that are rarely seen. Birders can add raptors, the African fish eagle and many dry-country species to the flamingo list. For background on the star bird, read the flamingo species profile.

Lake Baringo: Boats, Hippos and Birds

Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake with a shoreline of acacia, reeds and floating vegetation. Its boat trips are the main attraction, drifting among hippos, nesting colonies and fish eagles, and passing small islands. Local boatmen know where crocodiles, herons and kingfishers gather and can call fish eagles down to the water by tossing fish. The lake and its surrounding cliffs and thorn scrub have an exceptional bird list, with well over four hundred species recorded, which makes Baringo a favourite among serious birders. Read the East Africa birding guide for planning ideas.

Activities and Local Culture

Typical activities include a morning boat trip, guided bird walks at dawn, cliff and gorge walks, a visit to the Bogoria springs and, at some lodges, a guided evening walk to see hippos grazing on land. Baringo is the home area of the Ilchamus people, whose fishing and livestock traditions shape the lakeshore, and a respectful community visit can be arranged through lodges. Cycling and photography outings are also popular. See photography safaris for ideas on getting the best images.

Best Time to Visit

The area is hot and dry for much of the year, so mornings and late afternoons are the best times for any outdoor activity. Birding is rewarding throughout the year, and resident species are joined by migrants from Europe in the northern winter. The rains bring green scenery but can muddy tracks and push lake levels up, which may change flamingo numbers. Pack for heat and sun. Our best time to visit Kenya guide gives the wider seasonal picture.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Both lakes are reached by road from Nakuru, and the journey from Nairobi usually takes most of a day with stops. Roads are mostly good to the town of Marigat, with rougher tracks near the lakes, so a safari vehicle is helpful. Accommodation ranges from lakeside lodges and camps near Baringo to simple options near Bogoria, and many travellers base themselves at Baringo and make a day trip to Bogoria. See Kenya lodges and camps.

Combining With Nearby Parks and Practical Tips

Lake Bogoria and Baringo fit neatly between Lake Nakuru and the northern reserves, or as an add-on to a Masai Mara itinerary. A common route runs Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Baringo and back, or links to Samburu on a longer circuit. Bring sun protection, plenty of water, binoculars and sturdy shoes. Never touch the hot springs, and keep a safe distance from hippos on land. For route ideas see Kenya safari itineraries.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

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