LAKE BOGORIA NATIONAL RESERVE – KENYA
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake Bogoria National Reserve, a volcanic highland lake near the equator renowned for its vast flocks of vibrant pink flamingoes. This unique ecosystem features steaming hot springs and erupting geysers along the lake’s saline, alkaline shores, creating a surreal natural wonder.
Home to up to two million flamingoes feeding on abundant blue-green algae, Lake Bogoria also attracts diverse bird species, including storks, spoonbills, hornbills, and eagles. Beyond birds, the reserve supports rich wildlife like kudu, buffalo, impala, zebra, warthog, baboon, and elusive leopards in nearby acacia woodlands.
Visit early to enjoy this pristine, lesser-known destination largely free of crowds. Lake Bogoria National Reserve offers an unforgettable wildlife experience and stunning volcanic landscapes.
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.
The park is 107sq. km (41sq. mi) with the lake covering 34sq. km (13sq. mi). The reserve lies about 1500m (1 mi) above sea level.
Location:
Lying just south of the equator, Lake Bogoria is 239 km (148mi) northwest of Nairobi.
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.
Best time to visit:
When there are lots of flamingoes! The birds usually arrive when the lake is low, August to October. Unfortunately, this is not always predictable. The good news is that there are usually a substantial number of these bright pink birds flocking to the lake most of the time.
Operating Hours:
The reserve is open early, from 08:00Hrs to 1800Hrs.
Getting there:
You can book a tour with Natural World Kenya Safaris from Nairobi, about 4 ½ hours by car.
By air: There are no domestic to flights to Lake Bogoria.
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.