Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo: Flamingos, Hot Springs and Birdlife
Explore the Rift Valley lakes of Bogoria and Baringo: geysers, flamingos, boat trips and some of Kenya's best birding.
Destination guide
Lake Bogoria National Reserve: the complete guide
Lake Bogoria is a long, narrow soda lake in the Great Rift Valley, ringed by steep escarpments and steaming hot springs. Flamingos can gather in huge pink flocks along its shore, geysers shoot boiling water into the air, and the dry bush around the lake is one of the best places in Kenya to look for greater kudu.
Here is what to see at Bogoria, when to go and how to plan a visit.
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Tours featuring Lake Bogoria
01
Why visit Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria sits in a hot, dry corner of the Rift Valley, and its water is rich in algae that feed flamingos. Hot springs and geysers along the western shore, some of them close to boiling, fill the air with steam and a mineral smell. Boardwalks and viewing points let you see them safely.
The reserve is also home to greater kudu, a tall antelope with spiralled horns that is rare elsewhere in Kenya, as well as impala, zebra, baboons and leopards. Bird numbers on the lake change with water levels and food supply, so ask us what to expect on your dates.
02
What to do at Bogoria
Hot springs and geysers
Walk the boardwalks beside the springs. Stay on marked paths: the water is dangerously hot and the ground can be unstable.
Flamingo watching
On good days the shore is lined with lesser and greater flamingos. Binoculars help.
Game drives
Look for greater kudu, impala, zebra and the reserve's other animals.
Cultural visit
Meet the Endorois community, who have lived around the lake for generations.
03
Best time to visit
June to October
Great
Dry, with firm roads and good wildlife viewing.
December to February
Great
Hot and dry, with clear skies.
March to May
Green/Wet
Rains. Fewer visitors and some wet roads.
November
Good
Short rains, brief showers.
04
How to get to Lake Bogoria
By road
Drive from Nairobi via Nakuru and Marigat, around 5 to 6 hours. We often combine Bogoria with Lake Baringo.
What to pack
Hat, sunscreen, water and light clothing. It is hot, and there is little shade.
05
Combining Bogoria with other lakes
Bogoria pairs naturally with Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita on a Rift Valley lakes circuit.
06
Frequently asked questions
Are there always flamingos at Lake Bogoria?
No. Numbers vary with water levels and food, and flamingos move between the Rift Valley lakes.
Can I swim in the hot springs?
No. The water is very hot and can burn you. Use the boardwalks and stay on marked paths.
How long should I spend at Bogoria?
A half-day or full-day visit works well, ideally paired with an overnight at Lake Baringo.
Read before you go
Lake Elementaita: Flamingos, Giraffes and a Quiet Rift Valley Stop
A quiet soda lake with flamingos and giraffes. Here is how to visit Lake Elementaita.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Rhinos, Flamingos and Rift Valley Views
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