Safari to Lake Bogoria

baboons that hunt flamingos along the lakeshore

Lake Bogoria is a shallow soda lake to the north of the better known Rift Valley lakes of Naivasha and Nakuru in Southwest Kenya.

Backed by the green flanks of the Siracho Escarpment, the lake measures around 34 km by 3.5km and sits at the centre of a drainage basin of around 700 square kilometres.

The lake is famous for its geysers and hot springs, which can be viewed at several locations around the shoreline and which are capable of sending jets of steaming water five metres into the air.

Along with the other Rift Valley lakes in the area, Bogoria is a major centre for lesser flamingos, which build their characteristic nest mounds out on the mudflats along the southwest shore.

In 2004 the lake was the location for a famous wildlife documentary which showed how the local baboons actively hunt these flamingos.

There is a modest amount of general wildlife to be seen around the reserve, notably small herds of kudus and zebras, as well as some excellent birding.

Lake Bogoria is a relatively little-visited place, often with only a handful of vehicles each day even in high season, a huge contrast to the very busy Lake Nakuru to the south.

Unfortunately there is a severe lack of decent accommodation in the Bogoria area, which makes it very difficult for us to include in trips. But do let us know if you are interested and we will see what we can do. It is possible to drive up here on day trips from the lodges in the Lake Naivasha area in particular.

The core issue is that this Central Rift Area has become heavily populated and the main road is very busy. The whole run from Nairobi, past Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru to Lake Baringo, is really not a very pleasant experience these days.

very rarely included in higher quality trips these days