Picture a high mountain lake in a volcanic region near the equator covered with an endless swarm of bright, pink flamingoes.
This… is Lake Bogoria National Reserve – a sight and a place unlike anything else you’re ever likely to see. But as compelling as the scene before you appears, Lake Bogoria is not a heavily visited destination. Come early in the day and there will be few other visitors. Just you and as many as two million flamingoes.
The deep saline and alkaline composition of the lake spurs the growth of blue-green algae which provide food for immense flocks of flamingoes. And by the great designs of nature, raptors like tawny eagles are attracted to this site preying on the flamingoes.
Before you lies a complete and dazzling eco-system. But flamingoes aren’t the only birdlife feeding on the abundance of this rich environment. Even this relatively small reserve supports 135 species of birdlife such as stork, spoonbill buzzard, hornbill, heron, ostrich and the sacred ibis. Though the lakeshore itself is somewhat barren due to the intense chemical nature of the water, the area supports a surprising cast of wildlife. You can easily spot kudu antelope along the banks. And the acacia woodland to the southern end hosts buffalo, klipspringer, impala, zebra, gazelle, warthog, baboon and even leopard. Besides the dazzling display of fuchsia pink lesser flamingoes and a small number of greater flamingoes blanketing the lake, the area features over 200 steaming volcanic springs.
Most of these lie alongside the lake, but a few feed into the lake floor itself. In various locations around and within the lake up to 10 geysers can be spotted, their plumes rising up to 5m (16ft) high. In all, the park contains more geysers than any other spot in Africa – a total of 18.
Climate:
Daytime temperatures average 28oC/82oF, although it can get chilly in the evenings. January and February are very dry with occasional rains from September through May.
Activities
Flamingo Watching – There is nothing quite like the sight of thousands or sometimes millions of glittering pink flamingoes blanketing the shallow lake. The birds will protectively move away when you approach… but if you settle in for a few minutes, they’ll shuffle back, like a great pastel postcard. The best photos are usually captured early or late in the day.
Cycling – Taking a bicycle safari around the lake is a great way to appreciate the diversity of land and wildlife found here. You’ll find yourself cycling past hot springs and boiling geysers.
Boil an Egg – Care to try out your cooking skills at the lake? Just outside the reserve, local women sell raw eggs for curious visitors. You can take your egg and submerge it in the hot springs to make your own hard-boiled… or soft-boiled egg.
Kesubo Swamp – Lying just outside Lake Bogoria in the north is Kesubo Swamp, a wonderful spot for birdwatching. Over 200 species have been spotted here.
Lake Baringo – Just north of Bogoria lies Lake Baringo, a freshwater lake that is home to hundreds of bird species. Look for owls, herons and hornbills. Plus, crocs and hippos.
Camps & Lodges