Lakes in Kenya

Nestled in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, Lake Nakuru is renowned for the breathtaking gathering of flamingos that flock to its shores. With numbers often exceeding hundreds of thousands, this spectacle creates a vivid pink carpet over the lake's surface. It is preserved in a national park. In addition to flamingos, the park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinoceros species, playing a crucial role in their conservation.

Area: 45 sq. kilometres
Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Citizen: Adult – KSH 860, Child – KSH 215
Resident: Adult – KSH 860, Child – KSH 215
Non-resident: Adult – USD 60, Child – USD 35
Activities: Game drives, guided walks, birdwatching.

Best Time: June - October

Located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, Lake Naivasha forms a unique ecosystem with a high population of flamingos and hippos across picturesque landscapes. It is preserved as a national park which gets its name from the lake, which derives from the Maasai word "Naiposha," meaning "rough water." The park is home to the biggest green crater lake in Kenya, nestled within the extinct volcano, Mount Longonot.

Area: 140 sq. kilometres
Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry fee: Free
Activities: Boat safari

Best Time: July - October

Lake Bogoria, located north of the equator, is a shallow alkaline lake recognized for its ecological importance as a Ramsar site. It's a nesting spot for over 2 million flamingos. Its remote location means fewer visitors, offering a more intimate experience with the lake.

Area: 34 sq. kilometres
Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: $50 per person
Activities: Birdwatching, nature walks, and boat safaris.

Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, is about 6% of Kenya's area. The western shore has wildlife, settlements, and Kisumu, the third-largest city. Important for East Africans, the lake has over 200 fish species, but the invasive Nile perch has caused a decline, especially in the haplochromine cichlid.

Area: 68,800 sq. kilometres
Entry Fee: Citizens - $1, Residents - $2, Non-Residents - $5
Activities: Boat excursions, birdwatching, fishing trips, hiking

Lake Turkana, formerly Lake Rudolf, is the world's largest permanent desert lake and the largest alkaline lake. Located in Kenya's Rift Valley, it boasts diverse wildlife, a distinctive greenish-blue colour, and is known for strong desert winds. Lake Turkana has three national parks - Sibiloi, Central, and Southern Islands.

Area: 6,405 sq. kilometres
Activities: Fishing, boat riding, and visiting the Central Island.
Best Time to Visit: April and November

Lake Baringo in central Kenya is a scenic freshwater lake famous for birds, fish, and local culture. Attractions include the Reptile Park, National Park, and the Njemps tribe's traditional fishing. Birdwatchers can spot Pelicans, Cormorants, and Fish Eagles. The lake is also home to crocodiles, adding to its natural diversity.

Area: 130 sq. kilometres
Activities: Boat tours, Fishing, birdwatching, exploring the islands
Best Time to Visit: December to March

Lake Elmenteita in Kenya, between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, is known for its flamingos and diverse wildlife. It's a UNESCO Heritage Site and Ramsar site, attracting nature lovers with its scenic beauty and ecological significance.

Area: 18 sq. kilometres
Timings: Weekdays - 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM,
Weekends - 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Entry Fee: Citizens/Residents - KSH 215, Non-Residents - $47
Activities: Bird watching, swimming, horse riding, game drives, and crater hikes
Best Time to Visit: July to October

Lake Magadi in southern Kenya's Great Rift Valley is known for over 100 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans. During the dry season, the lake is mostly covered by soda, and the algae react chemically, giving the lake a striking red or pink colour. It's a popular birding spot and a visually stunning natural attraction.

Area: 100 sq. kilometres
Entry Fee: $6 per person
Guide Required: Yes. $12 per guide
Activities: Game drives, birdwatching, guided walks, hot springs, and hiking.
Best Time to Visit: June to December

Lake Logipi in Kenya's northern Rift Valley is a unique saline and alkaline lake with hot springs, flamingos, and alkaline waters. It's a vital breeding ground for lesser flamingos and is home to special species like the greater kudu.

Area: 30 sq. kilometres
Timings: Weekday - 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Weekend - 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Activities: Visit hot springs, birdwatching, cultural tours
Best Time to Visit: January and February

Lake Kamnarok in Kenya is a seasonal lake with lots of crocodiles, second only to Lake Chad in Africa. It's surrounded by the Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, a dynamic environment with changing water levels. The reserve is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, providing the chance to see plenty of crocodiles and diverse plants and animals.

Area: 13.5 sq. kilometres
Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Activities: Bird watching, boat riding, game drives, sport fish hunting
Best Time to Visit: July to September