Kenya Rift Valley destination
Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Steaming hot springs, geysers and flocks of flamingo beneath steep Rift Valley walls. One of the most dramatic lakes in Kenya.
Location
Baringo County, Kenya
Size
Lake about 34 sq km
Ideal stay
1 day
Best time
Jun to Oct, Jan to Feb
Famous for
Hot springs and flamingos
Fire and flamingos
Lake Bogoria National Reserve lies in Baringo County in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, around a long, shallow soda lake framed by steep escarpment walls. Its shore is dotted with hot springs and geysers that steam and bubble at the water’s edge, among the most active geothermal sites in East Africa.
The reserve is famous for its flocks of lesser flamingo, which feed on the algae of the alkaline shallows, and for greater kudu on the surrounding slopes. It is quieter than the better-known Rift Valley lakes, and pairs naturally with Lake Baringo and Lake Nakuru.
Why Lake Bogoria rewards a detour
Six reasons to add this dramatic soda lake to your Rift Valley journey.
Flamingo flocks
Lesser flamingo gather along the shore when conditions are right.
Hot springs and geysers
Steaming springs and bubbling geysers right at the lake's edge.
Greater kudu
One of the best places in Kenya to see this spiral-horned antelope.
Dramatic Rift Valley setting
Steep escarpment walls frame the lake.
Fewer crowds
A quiet alternative to the busier Rift Valley lakes.
Rich birdlife
Flamingos share the shore with waders, weavers and raptors.
When to visit Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Lake Bogoria can be visited all year. Choose the window that matches your plans.
June to October
Dry season
Clear skies and good conditions for flamingo viewing.
January to February
Short dry spell
Hot, dry weather between the two rainy seasons.
March to May
Long rains
The quietest time of year, with dramatic skies over the lake.
November to December
Short rains
Green slopes and migrant birds around the reserve.
Wildlife you can expect to see at Lake Bogoria
Flamingos, antelope and a surprising variety of birds.
Lesser flamingo
Feed on algae in the warm, alkaline shallows.
Greater kudu
Browse the bushy slopes around the lake.
Zebra
Graze the open ground near the shore.
Spur-winged lapwing
A common wader along the lake shore.
Masked weaver
Weave their nests in the acacia around the reserve.
Things to do at Lake Bogoria
A short visit with a lot to see.
Flamingo viewing
Watch pink flocks feeding along the shoreline.
Hot springs and geysers
See steaming springs bubbling at the water’s edge.
Game drives
Look for greater kudu, zebra and other wildlife on the slopes.
Birdwatching
Waders, weavers and raptors around the lake.
Escarpment viewpoints
Take in views over the lake from the high ground.
Planning your trip to Lake Bogoria
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Lake Bogoria
- By road: north of Nakuru in Baringo County, usually a long day’s drive from Nairobi.
- From Lake Nakuru: a straightforward drive north, ideal for a Rift Valley lakes circuit.
- Combined routes: pairs naturally with Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.
Where to stay
- Near the lake: small lodges and camps close to the reserve.
- Lake Baringo: lodges on the nearby freshwater lake, a short drive north.
- Every budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Rift Valley safari tours
Itineraries that explore Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes. Ask us to add Lake Bogoria to any of them.
- Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Nairobi
- 5 Days 4 Nights
Lake Bogoria FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about visiting Lake Bogoria.
Where is Lake Bogoria National Reserve?
Lake Bogoria is in Baringo County in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, north of Nakuru and south of Lake Baringo.
Are there flamingos at Lake Bogoria?
Yes. Lesser flamingo feed in the alkaline shallows. Numbers change with water levels and conditions each year.
Can you see the hot springs at Lake Bogoria?
Yes. Hot springs and geysers line parts of the shore. Always stay on marked paths, as the water is boiling hot.
How long do you need at Lake Bogoria?
A single day is usually enough to see the hot springs, flamingos and viewpoints.
What is the best time to visit Lake Bogoria?
The dry months from June to October and January to February offer the best conditions.
Can Lake Bogoria be combined with other lakes?
Yes. It combines well with Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha on a Rift Valley lakes circuit.
Start planning your Lake Bogoria visit
Tell us your travel dates and we will fit Lake Bogoria into your Rift Valley itinerary.