"Birds and Islands Await at the Lake"
Lake Baringo National Park Tourism
Lake Baringo, in Lake Baringo National Park, is one of only two freshwater lakes in Kenya’s Rift Valley, along with Lake Naivasha. Lake Baringo has many small islands, along with fumaroles and hot springs. The lake is home to over 470 bird species like fish eagles and kingfishers, as well as hippos and crocodiles are commonly spotted.
Found in Kenya's west-central region, the lake is fed by rivers like Molo, Perkerra, and Arabel. It's 21 kilometres long and covers around 130 square kilometres. Lake Baringo has seven islands, with the biggest one being Ol Kokwe Island which is linked to the Korosi volcano. Visitors can witness several hot springs and sulfur deposits here. Travellers enjoy the boat tours to see its diverse birds, fish, and the culture of the locals living nearby. Local people rely on the lake for fishing and tourism around the lake.
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Things to do in Lake Baringo National Park
1. Ol Kokwe Island
Accessible by boat tours, Ol Kokwe Island in Lake Baringo showcases volcanic features like hot springs and fumaroles, offering a peek into its geological wonders amidst the calm waters.
2. Birdwatching
Lake Baringo National Park is a paradise for bird lovers, boasting over 470 bird species. Guided tours from lodges and campsites allow memorable sightings of majestic fish eagles and colorful kingfish (Read More)ers in their natural habitat.
3. Hippo and Crocodile Watching
Guided boat tours or leisurely walks along Lake Baringo's shores provide chances to observe hippos and crocodiles. Visitors can witness these intriguing creatures' daily routines against the peaceful (Read More)lake backdrop.
4. Island Hopping
Exploring Lake Baringo's islands offers glimpses into local culture and stunning scenery. Guided boat tours reveal vibrant communities and hidden gems scattered across the lake.
5. Fishing
Lake Baringo is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with diverse fish species like Nile tilapia and catfish. Anglers can enjoy exciting fishing expeditions amidst the serene lake setting.
6. Cultural Visits
At Lake Baringo, you can explore the intriguing Njemps tribe, also called Il Chamus, who live in and around the lake. The tribe shares cultural traits with the Samburu and Masai tribes.
7. Ruko Conservancy
Ruko Conservancy focuses on wildlife conservation and community support through sustainable tourism. Visitors can enjoy wildlife encounters, guided walks, and cultural experiences while contributing t (Read More)o conservation efforts and local development.
8. Nature Walks
Guided nature walks in Lake Baringo National Park provide opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls along scenic trails while discovering the region (Read More)'s fascinating flora and fauna.
9. Boat Safari
Explore Lake Baringo's hidden coves and wildlife aboard a thrilling boat safari. Guided by expert captains, spot birds, hippos, and crocodiles while enjoying panoramic views.
10. Sunset Cruise
Witness the magic of Lake Baringo at dusk on a serene sunset cruise. Glide along as the sun sets, painting the sky with vibrant hues, offering a perfect moment to relax and appreciate nature's beauty.
11. Hot Springs Exploration
Discover the park's natural wonders with guided tours of hot springs and geothermal features. Witness steam vents, bubbling mud pools, and mineral-rich springs, creating a unique landscape.
12. Bush Breakfast
Enjoy a memorable breakfast in the wilderness overlooking the lake or amidst lush vegetation. Savor local cuisine while surrounded by the park's beauty.
Must Know Before You Travel to Lake Baringo National Park
- Northern Circuit Stopover: Lake Baringo is a major stop on the northern circuit tour, with attractions like Samburu National Reserve and Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Parks.
- Flamingo Population: Flamingoes are less abundant in Lake Baringo than in Lake Nakuru because they prefer saltwater environments.
- Entrance Gate & Fee: The entrance to Lake Baringo National Park is located at Campi ya Samaki, a village by the lakeside. Fees are approximately KSH200 per person and KSH100 per car, but can vary, depending on staff presence at the checkpoint (Lake Baringo Statistical Information & Boating Centre).
- Boat Trips: Visitors can explore Lake Baringo primarily with boat trips which can be arranged lodges or camps.
- Vehicle Requirement: A 4X4 vehicle is recommended for excursions to Lake Bogoria or offbeat destinations north of Baringo.
- Wildlife: Lake Baringo is not known for its wildlife viewing except hippos and crocodiles.
- Accommodation Tips: Options are limited around the lake, with only 6 hotels and a mainland campsite available.
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Wildlife & Birdlife in Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo is home to a wide variety of animals and birds. Along the shores, you can see hippos, crocodiles, impalas, dik-dik, warthogs, gazelles, reedbucks, hyrax, klipspringer, and kudus roaming around. Predators like leopards, spotted hyenas, and mongooses are also present. You may also spot vervet monkeys and olive baboons around hot springs or campsites.
The skies are filled with over 470 bird species, including kingfishers, herons, pelicans, and storks. Some rare sightings include Goliath herons and Hemprich's hornbills. These include African eagles, African open bill storks, African paradise flycatchers, and many others. Visitors can also spot black-necked grebes, black-tailed godwits, Cape teals, Egyptian vultures, and more. Flamingoes are also seen but not in high numbers due to the freshwater lake.
The skies are filled with over 470 bird species, including kingfishers, herons, pelicans, and storks. Some rare sightings include Goliath herons and Hemprich's hornbills. These include African eagles, African open bill storks, African paradise flycatchers, and many others. Visitors can also spot black-necked grebes, black-tailed godwits, Cape teals, Egyptian vultures, and more. Flamingoes are also seen but not in high numbers due to the freshwater lake.
Islands in Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo is home to seven small islands, each with unique attractions and charm. These islands can be accessed only by boat from the Campi ya Samaki gate.
- Ol Kokwe Island: The biggest island in Lake Baringo, home to an old volcano with hot springs and sulfur fumaroles.
- Devil's Island: Known for local legends about the devil and strange sounds and lights observed at night.
- Gibraltar Island: Famous for its rich birdlife, especially Goliath herons, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Samatian Island: A peaceful spot with beautiful sunset views, perfect for relaxation. This island also has an accommodation – Samatian Camp.
- Parmolok Island: Also called the "Island of Love," known for its history and reliance on fishing for sustenance.
- Rongena Island: A quiet retreat near Loruk town, with elevated terrain for peaceful surroundings.
- Lokoros and Lengai Islands: The smallest islands that sometimes disappear under high water levels, contributing to the lake's changing landscape.
Best Time to Visit Lake Baringo National Park
How to Reach Lake Baringo National Park
How to Reach Overview
The nearest airport to Lake Baringo is in Eldoret, about 200 kilometers away. You can either take a short 30-minute charter flight or a 3.5-hour drive from there. From Nairobi, you can take a 45-minute private charter flight or drive for 5-6 hours to reach the lake. While there are no direct buses from major cities, like Nairobi, you can take buses to the closest town, Marigat, from Nakuru and Eldoret.
How to reach Lake Baringo National Park by flight
If you're arriving in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you can take a charter flight directly to Lake Baringo airstrip and takes about 45 minutes.
The closest airport to Lake Baringo is Eldoret International Airport, about 200 kilometres away. From there, you can arrange a charter flight, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $500 to $700 USD one way. You can then reach Lake Baringo by road from Eldoret, which takes around 3.5 hours to cover the 150-kilometer distance. Eldoret airport also offers shuttle services to Lake Baringo for a more budget-friendly option.
The closest airport to Lake Baringo is Eldoret International Airport, about 200 kilometres away. From there, you can arrange a charter flight, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $500 to $700 USD one way. You can then reach Lake Baringo by road from Eldoret, which takes around 3.5 hours to cover the 150-kilometer distance. Eldoret airport also offers shuttle services to Lake Baringo for a more budget-friendly option.
How to reach Lake Baringo National Park by road
From Nairobi, you can drive to Lake Baringo, which is approximately 300 kilometres away. The journey takes around 5-6 hours by car.
By Bus: There are no direct buses from Nairobi to Baringo. You can take a bus to Eldoret, Nakuru, or Naivasha first, then switch to another bus to reach Baringo. The bus ride from Eldoret takes about 6 hours and costs $8 to $13, while from Nakuru, it's around 3 hours. You can choose from companies like Easycoach, Kampala Bus, and Akamba Bus for these routes.
By Bus: There are no direct buses from Nairobi to Baringo. You can take a bus to Eldoret, Nakuru, or Naivasha first, then switch to another bus to reach Baringo. The bus ride from Eldoret takes about 6 hours and costs $8 to $13, while from Nakuru, it's around 3 hours. You can choose from companies like Easycoach, Kampala Bus, and Akamba Bus for these routes.
How to reach Lake Baringo National Park by train
There are no direct rail connections to Lake Baringo. The nearest railway station is in Nakuru, but you would need to arrange for further transportation by road from there.
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