Lake Baringo

Baringo is one of only two freshwater lakes in the Kenyan Rift, which makes it biologically different from the soda lakes around it: hippos and crocodiles live here in numbers, fishing communities work the water, and the bird list runs past five hundred species, among the highest of any site in the country. Boat trips go out to see hippos, the crocodiles basking on the shore, and the cliffs where Verreaux's eagles and hornbills nest, and local guides here are unusually skilled at finding night birds, particularly the Hemprich's hornbill and the various owls and nightjars that birders travel for. Ol Kokwe island in the middle holds a lodge and hot springs. Lake levels rose dramatically in the 2010s and early 2020s, flooding lodges, roads and farmland along the shore, and the shoreline is still adjusting.

What you actually see

• Hippos and crocodiles - abundant and seen on boat trips.
• The bird list - over five hundred species, with specialist local guides.
• Ol Kokwe island - the volcanic island with hot springs.
• Cliff nesting sites - raptors and hornbills on the escarpment.

When to go

Dry seasons for road access; birding is good year-round, with migrants adding to the list from November to March. Early morning boat trips are best for both birds and light. Heat at midday is considerable.

Honest expectations

Rising water has drowned buildings and roads along the shore, and some lodges and access points have moved or closed; check before booking. Boats are small and life jackets not always offered. Crocodiles are numerous and swimming is not sensible anywhere on this lake. Guides charge separately and rates should be agreed first.

Nearby

Lake Bogoria lies south; the Kerio valley is west across the escarpment.