Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo is one of only 2 freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. Very little of the tourist traffic from Naivasha and Nakuru makes it as far as Baringo, keeping the experience peaceful. Known for spectacular birdlife.

Lake Baringo Highlights

Lake Baringo is one of a number of lakes that form part of the East African Rift system. The Tugen Hills, an uplifted fault of volcanic and metamorphic rocks, lies west of the lake, while the Laikipia Escarpment lies to the east. It is one of the two fresh-water lakes in the Rift Valley (the other being Lake Naivasha). It lies off the beaten track in a hot and dusty setting, and is one of the northern-most lakes in the valley.

The real joy of Baringo is how little of the tourist traffic from Naivasha and Nakuru makes it up this far. Time spent boating and walking around the lake is heavenly, whilst the hot springs and flamingos of Lake Bogoria are only a short drive away.

Over 470 species of birds have been recorded there, occasionally including migrating flamingos. A Goliath heronry used to be located on a rocky islet in the lake known as Gibraltar, but it is not visible any longer. However, experts say they are not permanent and could possibly be re-established in the future.

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Useful Information

Lake Baringo is a renowned birding location in Kenya, boasting over 500 species of bird. It is one of only 2 fresh water lakes in the Rift Valley system, therefore attracting different wildlife and holding fast as a unique destination.

Highlights include crossing the equator, some fabulous birding and visits to authentic Pokot villages. The area is a habitat for many species of animals, including, hippo, crocodile, and many other mammals, amphibians, reptiles and the invertebrates.

There are a number of small islands to visit in Lake Baringo, which can be reached by motor boat from the mainland. One definitely worth a visit is Ol Kokwe Island, which has natural hot springs.

A range of accommodation is available in the area and boat hire is easy.

Baringo Island Camp is situated on the southern tip of the enchanting, remote Ol Kokwe Island in Lake Baringo. It has 23 tented rooms, which are arranged around public areas featuring a lovely swimming pool at the top of the island.

Soi Safari Lodge is ideal for couples on a romantic getaway even though it has a large capacity of 46 standard rooms, 2 executive suites and 2 deluxe ensuites, all with balconies and stunning views of Lake Baringo.

Robert's Camp consists of cottages, bandas and tents. There are 3 cottages, all with a unique with their own character. The cottages are all fully self-contained, but guests are welcome to use all camp facilities, including the Thirsty Goat Bar & Restaurant.

How to Get There

Guests travelling to Kenya for a game-viewing holiday will opt for either a ‘fly-in-fly’ or a ‘fly-in-drive’ safari, which will determine whether they make use of air or road transfers to get to their destination.

All guests will enter Kenya at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the capital city. This airport is the travel portal for Kenya and can get very busy, so guests will often continue with their domestic flights from Wilson airport, which is 18km away.

Depending on the safari destination, guests will either connect with a charter flight from Wilson or Jomo Kenyatta airports to the reserve, or they will embark on a road journey from Nairobi to the reserve.

Guests will take a scheduled flight from Nairobi to an airstrip nearest their destination at Lake Baringo.

Lake Baringo Game Viewing and Activities

Water flows into Lake Baringo from the Mau Hills and Tugen Hills. It is a critical habitat and refuge for more than 500 species of birds and fauna. The lake also provides an invaluable habitat for seven fresh water fish species, with the Nile Tilapia being endemic to the lake.

Pale and dark phase Gabar goshawk, Paradise flycatcher, African fish eagles, Marabou storks, Shikra and White-faced scops owl are amongst the regular sightings, while some the less common birds that can be seen there include Hemprich's hornbill, the African darter and occasionally the African skimmer. There is also a variety of kingfisher species, as well as, Grey-headed bush shrike and Violet wood hoopoe.

Lake Baringo provides a home to a number of land and water dwelling species, such as hippo, crocodile, zebra, klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, Chandler’s mountain reedbuck, and the rare Greater kudu.

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Sun Safaris organises African & South American safaris, holidays and honeymoons. We are based in Cape Town, South Africa. Both continents are specialized and complex, yet exciting destinations. For this reason, Sun Safaris aims to help you make well-informed travel decisions by calling on our extensive knowledge and first-hand experience, providing you with up-to-date travel information, and to ensure all your enquiries and bookings are handled efficiently.

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