Lake Bogoria National Reserve
“Clouds of pink flamingoes & hot springs”
Lake Bogoria National Reserve is found in Baringo County, about 120 km north of Nakuru city and 240 km north of Nairobi. Additionally, the reserve covers 107 sq. km with 32 sq. km being covered by lake water, and is geothermically active on the western shore, with geysers and hot springs.
Lake Bogoria Reserve plays host to a pink cloud of flamingoes and hot geysers bubbling with the most spectacular hot water volcanic springs. The impressive Bogoria hot springs, is an indication that molten rock does not lie far below the earth’s surface. Lake Bogoria, like Lake Nakuru Park, Lake Elementaita, and Lake Magadi further south in the Rift Valley, is periodically home to one of the world’s largest populations of lesser flamingos.
Lake Bogoria is dominated by thorny bushland of acacia and the open shores of the lake dominated by grasslands while the sedge cyperus is around the hot springs. If you’re on a safari visiting the Rift Valley, it’s possible to make a half-day or full-day excursion to Lake Bogoria. To reach Bogoria from Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha will require a full-day trip with picnic meals.
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Lake Bogoria Landscape & Scenery
As you set foot at Lake Bogoria, the scenery here is more than breathtaking. The Lake is dominated by thorny bushland of acacia and the open shores of the lake dominated by grasslands dotted with bushes while the sedge cyperus is around the hot springs. The reserve has an access road that runs along the lake at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, providing scenic viewpoints which are especially good around the Loburu Hot Springs.
On arrival, a mega-flock of lesser flamingos, estimated at 15,000 individuals, can usually be seen immediately inside the reserve’s gate, and you’ll get the best photos early or late in the day. The Waseges River, which rises on the northern slopes of the Aberdare Range is the only major river feeding the lake.
The Best Tourist Attractions In Lake Bogoria Park
What are the popular attractions in Lake Bogoria National Reserve? On your safari to Lake Bogoria; apart from the inviting birding scenery; – there is more to it.
1. Hot springs and Geysers
Lake Bogoria Hot springs and Geysers;- being an alkaline lake which lies in a volcanic region; 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, some of which are still active. Lake Bogoria has the highest number of geysers anywhere in Africa.
Of the currently active geysers, the Loburu geyser in the southern half of the lake is the largest and most active. Kindly take extra caution when around Lake Bogoria hot springs; the springs are so hot that they can boil an egg in just seven minutes.
2. Flamingoes
Pink Blanket of Flamingoes: In the foreground, a bright pink blanket covers the northern waters of the lake. Here, the birding is great and the real draw is the flamingos, which can be found here at any time of year, therefore making Lake Bogoria one of the best places to see flamingos in Kenya.
The huge flocks of flamingoes who visit the still waters of the lake usually feed on the algae. Since Lake Bogoria has no outlet; it is saline and therefore a lot of blue and green algae, which forms different shades of the lake too apart from the pink of the flamingoes. Notably, few water birds are at the lake because it is highly saline; though over two (2) million flamingos are known to occupy Lake Bogoria at any one time, with the common ostrich is plentiful on the lake shores, whereas around the swamps are the black-headed herons, sacred ibis, and hadada. Lake Bogoria National Reserve still boasts more than 350 bird species on its list. During the breeding season, watch as the grey crowned crane engage in courtship dances where numerous pairs and mate-seeking adults assemble.
The Top Things To Do In Lake Bogoria Park
Discover some of the best things to do in Lake Bogoria National Reserve. The setting and climate of the Rift Valley Region allows for quality wildlife viewing all-round the year; from scheduled game drives, birding and guided nature walks.
1. Flamingo Watching In Lake Bogoria
Watch in awe, the sight of thousands or sometimes millions of glittering pink flamingoes blanketing the shallow lake. Beware that as you approach, the birds will protectively move away. This view of dazzling pink flamingoes by the millions is only found in the Rift Valley Lakes of Kenya, and so is not replicated anywhere else in the world, due to the very specific environment needed by the birds. The best birding photos are usually captured early or late in the day.
2. Guided Walks In Lake Bogoria
Guided walks in Lake Bogoria allows you to take the time to leave the 4X4 safari vehicle behind and enjoy the small things – appreciate the diversity of land and wildlife found here. Discovering past hot springs and boiling geysers.
3. Boil An Egg In Lake Bogoria
The lake has around 200 hot springs in total but has some large of these on one side of the lake. By the time it erupts off the ground, the water has reached over 94 degrees after circulating at great depth in the rock fractures. The springs are hot enough to boil an egg.
Just outside the reserve, local women sell raw eggs for curious visitors. You can take your egg and dip it in the hot springs to make your own hard-boiled… or soft-boiled egg.
4. Cycling In Lake Bogoria
Bike ride within Bogoria is also possible. 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.
5. Boat Rides In Lake Bogoria
Discover day trip excursions to the Lake Baringo for the famous boat rides.
Animals & Wildlife In Lake Bogoria Park
With the pink blanket of flamingoes stealing the show, the reserve was also once a refuge for uncommon Greater Kudu. Other mammals include buffalo, zebra, warthog, baboons, warthog, caracal, spotted hyena, Grant’s gazelle, impala and Kirk’s dik-dik who can occasionally be seen.
Birds & Birdlife In Lake Bogoria Park
In total, more than 350 species of birds have been recorded in Lake Bogoria National Reserve, labeling the park as an excellent birding destination which sees an estimated 2 million lesser flamingos that flock to the shallow waters to feed on algae. In the mix are plenty of other waterbirds which are easily spotted.
Popular Birds In Lake Bogoria Reserve
African fish eagle, Greater flamingo, Grey crowned crane, Hamerkop, & Lesser flamingos.
List Of Birds In Lake Bogoria Park
Abyssinian scimitarbill, African wattled lapwing, Black-headed lapwing, Black-necked grebe, Black-tailed godwit, Cape teal, D’Arnaud’s barbet, Egyptian vulture, Golden-backed weaver, Greater painted-snipe, Grosbeak canary, Lesser honeyguide, Narina trogon, Rufous chatterer, Rufous-crowned roller, Sombre nightjar, Southern pochard, Steel-blue whydah, Temminck’s stint, Verreaux’s eagle, and White-billed buffalo-weaver.
Best Time To Visit Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Although Flamingos at Lake Bogoria National Reserve can be seen throughout the year, it’s probably best to see them during the Dry season from September to February; now this is the best time to visit Lake Bogoria and see flamingoes. Therefore, in general there can be a good number of flamingos at any time of year.
The Weather & Climate At Lake Bogoria Park
Together with some of Kenya’s top safari parks, while planning safaris to Lake Bogoria National Reserve and the Rift Valley Lakes, you will experience steadily warm temperatures, which is a norm at Lake Bogoria, thanks to its equatorial location. Lake Bogoria’s weather during the Dry season, as from September to February is great whereas the wet season beginning late March, some parts of April, and May is characterized short rainy days, more so in the afternoon.
Positioned close to the equator, Lake Bogoria National Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. You will notice that along the lakeshores, temperatures are much higher up than on the top of the escarpment. Also, the area isn’t very wet, but expect some rain throughout the year.
Safari Tours To Lake Bogoria Reserve
Want to visit Lake Bogoria National Reserve? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in the Rift Valley Region of Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Masai Mara. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Lake Bogoria Park making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Lake Bogoria midrange safaris to Lake Bogoria luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
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