Activities at Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Lake Bogoria located in the rift valley of Kenya. It is an alkaline lake and lies in a volcanic region. The most beautiful thing about it was seeing the Hot springs and the flamingos. The area is so green and beautiful. It’s actually the home at times to one of the world’s largest flamingos.
Getting to the lake from the main entrance was disastrous, the roads are so rough. So ideally better to have a four-wheel drive and a driver who’s familiar with the surrounding because there are so many roads and there are no signs indicating where the hot springs are or which way to go.
At the entrance, we were charged USD 50 dollars for non-resident and the resident was a few kshs.
You can see a lot of flamingos, you’ll not be able to count them. Of course, you can see other species like pelicans and more. The views you get while you’re driving and stopping are really awesome, the lake, the pink flamingos, the green alkalic water, the mountains in the back… at the farthest spot you get you’ll find the hot springs where you can boil some eggs.
Flamingo Watching
This is beautiful, and amazing, as you just sit and stare at them, do their thing. 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 around.
You can come along with a bike, and pedal around. 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. As you carry your camera along to take those stunning pictures.
Take a walk.
Exploring the area is best on foot, as you can visit the hot springs, as well as the lake to sight the flamingos which are the most attraction here. Get out of your safari vehicle and take a walk around, feel the great heat of the area, as you enjoy a relaxed moment here.
Boil an Egg on the springs.
As the spring steams up, this will get your attention, to think of eating something. 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. Within a few minutes, you’re good to go, enjoy your egg as you watch the flamingos. Silently hidden away and surrounded by hills at the bottom of the rift valley is this magical sight of the hot spring.
Not one..not two but numerous hot springs bubbling and splashing water meters high. The water is hot enough to boil an 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.
Boat trip at 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. Lake Baringo itself offers the opportunity for excellent boat trips which will be of particular interest to birdwatchers but also offer good close-up views of hippos whilst the lake is a real contrast to Lake Bogoria.
The drive is around 5 hours and some parts of the road are flooded. 4×4 wheel is recommended. You will see thousands of pink flamingos just next to the shore and you can walk close to them and get good photos. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity so it is worth going despise the long drive. If you are a Flamingo Lover that is your place.