LAKE BOGORIA
Picture this, intermittent jets of hot water and steam, beautiful emerald green water covered by bright colored pink plumage and green hills at the distance, this is Lake Bogoria, a gift from nature. It is a surreal and glorious sight.
Lake Bogoria is located in the Rift Valley of Kenya and was initially known as Lake Hannington, named after Bishop James Hannington who visited in 1885. The lake is famous for its geysers and hot springs, as a result of the volcanic area, which are close to the lake and in the lake. Fun fact: the word geyser originated from an Iceland word geyser which means to gush. Why do geysers act so calm?…… because they let their steam off!
The water cannot support fish because it is highly alkaline and saline. Lake Bogoria has no outlet which makes the water saline because intense evaporates due to the climate. The beautiful green color is from algae.
The pink blanket covering the lake are thousands and sometimes even millions of majestic lesser flamingoes. Fun fact: a group of flamingoes is called a flamboyance and they get their pink color from the food they eat which includes algae. Despite having long legs, they can sleep with one leg standing up while the other leg is tucked under their bodies. You could stare at these photogenic creatures all day. Besides flamingoes, there are over 200 species of birds, so you will spot some pelicans, fish eagles and others.
Lake Bogoria National Reserve is home to Lake Bogoria and quite interesting to visit. Here are some things you can do while on your visit.
- Boil some eggs on the hot springs which will only take a few minutes. There are some locals who sell raw eggs around the area, just outside the reserve.
- Birdwatching.
- Viewing wildlife. You will spot some animals in the reserve like warthogs, hyenas, zebras etc.
- Go on a nature guided walk and enjoy the views.
- Head over to Kesubo Swamp which is a great spot to observe birds who are unaccustomed to alkaline water. It would be best to combine a tour to Lake Bogoria with a visit to Lake Baringo which is just one hour away. Do not worry yourself on how to get there, just book a tour with Creek Tours and Travel, we got you covered.
- By: Pascallina Wambui