Lake Bogoria

Bogoria lies in a narrow trough below the Siracho escarpment, and it is the most geologically active of the Rift lakes: a line of geysers and hot springs runs along the western shore, some spouting several metres, others boiling out of the ground into steaming pools, with the smell of sulphur over everything. The water is strongly alkaline, which supports the blue-green algae that lesser flamingos feed on, and when conditions are right the birds arrive in enormous numbers, turning the shoreline pink; numbers fluctuate wildly with algae blooms and lake levels, so the spectacle is never guaranteed. Greater kudu live on the escarpment slopes and are more easily seen here than almost anywhere in Kenya. The lake is part of the Kenya Lake System World Heritage listing along with Nakuru and Elementaita.

History

The lake was formerly called Lake Hannington, after the Anglican missionary James Hannington, who visited it in 1885; the Lake Bogoria National Reserve has been protected since 29 November 1973, and the lake is a Ramsar site (Wikipedia, Lake Bogoria).

Highlights

• Geysers and hot springs - boiling water and steam along the western shore.
• Lesser flamingos - flocks that can reach vast numbers when algae blooms.
• Greater kudu - unusually visible on the escarpment slopes.
• The escarpment setting - the trough between steep Rift walls.

When to go

Dry seasons for road access. Flamingo numbers depend on algae and water level rather than season, and have collapsed for years at a time before returning; check recent reports rather than assuming. Mornings are best for steam and light.

Before you go

Flamingos may be entirely absent, which disappoints visitors who came only for them. The hot springs are dangerously hot, people have been badly burned, and eggs boiled by touts at the vents encourage getting too close. There is little shade and the road along the shore is rough.

Nearby

Lake Baringo is north; Lake Nakuru lies south.

Key facts