Birding at Lake Bogoria: Flamingos, Hot Springs and Rift Valley Cliffs

The lake is shallow, salty and rich in algae, which feed flamingos in great numbers when conditions are right. Behind the water rise dramatic escarpments, and along the shore plumes of steam mark thermal springs.

Birding here is scenic and easy to do from a vehicle and at viewpoints, although the landscape is harsh and numbers vary from season to season.

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 Lake and the Flamingos

Lesser flamingos feed on algae in the alkaline water, and when conditions suit them they can gather in huge numbers along the shore. Greater flamingos feed differently, filtering small animals from the mud. Flamingo numbers at Bogoria, Nakuru and Elmenteita change from year to year with water levels and food, so ask recent visitors or your operator what is happening before you plan around them. The spectacle can be extraordinary when flocks lift off together. Compare Lake Nakuru birding and Lake Elmenteita birding.

Hot Springs and Geysers

Hot springs line the western shore, some boiling and some steaming, with algae-coloured pools. Birds, including flamingos, can be seen near the springs, and the contrast between birds and geothermal features is photographic. Keep to marked paths, because ground near the springs can be dangerously hot. Local guides explain what you are seeing and where to stand. Read more in the Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo guide.

Waders and Other Waterbirds

Beyond flamingos, the lake shore hosts great white pelican, black-winged stilt, pied avocet, little grebe and, in the northern winter, Eurasian waders such as ruff, little stint and wood sandpiper. African fish eagles may patrol the shore. Because the water is alkaline, fish life is limited, so the variety of waterbirds is lower than at freshwater lakes such as Naivasha.

Cliff and Bush Birds

The reserve's acacia bush and rocky escarpments hold dry-country birds including hornbills, shrikes, starlings and weavers, as well as raptors on the cliffs. Greater kudu, a striking antelope, lives in the area and is often seen on the slopes. Walks are best with an armed ranger or guide where regulations require. Rock-loving birds such as swifts and martins patrol the faces.

Best Months

Because flamingo numbers vary, there is no fixed best month. Birding is easiest in dry weather, with fewer problems with tracks and with better visibility. The northern winter adds waders. Mornings and late afternoons give cooler temperatures and better light, and the middle of the day can be very hot and hazy. See the Kenya birding calendar.

Practical Tips

Bring sunhat, sunscreen, plenty of water, binoculars and a scope if you have one, since flamingos can be far from the shore. Wear sturdy shoes for rocky paths. Respect rules about distance from the springs and from the birds. Cameras benefit from long lenses, and dust on windy days affects equipment. Follow the Nairobi to Lake Baringo route as a guide to the road north.

Combining Bogoria With Other Stops

Bogoria is almost always combined with Lake Baringo birding because the two are close and give contrasting habitats, saline then freshwater. Together with Nakuru, they make an excellent Rift Valley birding circuit. See the Kenya birding itinerary planner for suggested pacing.

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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