"Hot Springs, Geysers, Flamingos, and the Tranquil Beauty of a National Reserve"
Lake Bogoria Tourism
Lake Bogoria, located in Kenya's Great Rift Valley near Lake Baringo, is famous for its hot springs and geysers. It's known for hosting one of the world's largest groups of lesser flamingos and is protected as Lake Bogoria National Reserve. With 135 bird species, it's a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Lake Bogoria is recognized as a Ramsar site, and its unique properties support the growth of blue-green algae, which is a key food source for the flamingos. The plains of the Lake Bogoria National Reserve are home to various animals like zebras, impalas, gazelles, leopards, hyenas and warthogs. You can spot monkeys and baboons around the hot springs and campsites. For visitors, there are facilities like the park lodge, public campsites, and a private campsite. And you can even bathe in the hot springs, creating a natural spa experience by the lake.
Entry Fee to Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Citizens & Residents: Adult – KSH 2000, Child – KSH 500
Non-Residents: $50
Vehicle Fee: KSH 200
Entrance Gates to Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Lake Bogoria National Reserve offers three gates, accessible from by-roads off the B4 main road to Baringo.
- Loboi Gate: Loboi Gate, the main entrance, is closest to Marigat town. It's your starting point for an overall exploration of the northern section of the reserve, teeming with diverse wildlife.
- Maji Moto Gate: Maji Moto Gate, near the hot springs, is reached from Mugurin, situated east of the B4 road at Mogotio. This gate is perfect for those fascinated by thermal wonders and is closest to the town of Mogotio.
- Emsos Gate: Emsos Gate, located in the south, is closest to Nakuru and accessed from the eastern escarpment. It's a quieter entrance, ideal for nature lovers seeking a wooded environment and is closest to Nakuru town.
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Things to do in Lake Bogoria
1. Flamingo Watching
Lake Bogoria becomes a haven for over 1.5 million lesser flamingos during peak seasons, creating a stunning pink shoreline due to the lake's high alkalinity and abundant cyanobacteria, the flamingos' (Read More)primary food source.
2. Hot Springs
Lake Bogoria's hot springs, like Loburu and Chemurkeu geysers, showcase temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Celsius. Formed by the East African Rift System, these geothermal features present bubbl (Read More)ing pools and steam vents, offering a unique display.
3. Birdwatching
Lake Bogoria's diverse avian population includes rare species like the Great Egret and African Fish Eagle. Ornithology enthusiasts can spot the African Spoonbill, Avocet, and various heron species, ma (Read More)king it a rich ecosystem for birdwatching.
4. Safari
Spanning 107 square kilometres, Lake Bogoria National Reserve provides a habitat for various mammals, such as Rothschild's giraffe, buffalo, and dik-diks. A safari here allows visitors to witness the (Read More)natural behaviours of these diverse species.
5. Hiking
The reserve's hiking trails, like the Game Track, lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the lake. Explorers may encounter unique plant species, such as the succulent Euphorbia candelabrum, adding b (Read More)otanical interest to the hiking experience.
6. Cycling
Designated cycling paths wind through acacia woodlands and open grasslands, providing a more active exploration of the reserve and a chance to observe diverse flora and fauna.
7. Kesubo Swamp
Kesubo Swamp, a Ramsar site, serves as a crucial wetland habitat for numerous bird species and a breeding ground for amphibians. It significantly contributes to the region's biodiversity.
8. Boat Riding at Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo's boat rides offer the opportunity to see hippos and crocodiles while providing insights into local communities, such as the Njemps and Il Chamus, who depend on the lake for their livelih (Read More)oods.
9. Rock Climbing
The volcanic rock formations around Lake Bogoria provide opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts to navigate unique geological features, adding an adventurous aspect to the visit.
10. Nature Trail Walks
Guided nature trail walks offer insights into diverse ecosystems within the reserve, from acacia woodlands to Lake Bogoria's shores. Guides share information on the medicinal uses of indigenous plants (Read More) and wildlife adaptations.
11. Kipsaraman Historic Site
The Kipsaraman Historic Site holds cultural significance, with archaeological evidence indicating human occupation spanning thousands of years. The site provides a glimpse into the history of indigeno (Read More)us communities, featuring artefacts and structures that tell their story.
Must Know Before You Travel to Lake Bogoria
- Operating Hours: The reserve is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM throughout the year.
- Entry Fee: Secure a single-entry ticket for a 24-hour visit, simplifying the entry process.
- Payment Method: Cash is the only accepted payment at the gate, so be sure to have the local currency on hand for entry.
- Caution Around Hot Springs: Exercise extra care near Lake Bogoria Hot Springs, known for high temperatures that can boil an egg in seven minutes. Stick to designated areas for safety.
- Combined Visit with Lake Nakuru: Many visitors choose to combine both Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria in their trip.
- Explore on Foot or Bicycle: It is best to explore Lake Bogoria's natural beauty at your own speed by walking or biking in the reserve.
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Birds and Wildlife in Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. The reserve holds over 350 bird species, with the main draw being the two million lesser flamingos that flock to feed on algae. Raptors like tawny eagles prey on them. Other notable birds include the little grebe, swift, African spoonbill, African fish eagle, and grey crowned crane.
On land, the reserve hosts the rare Greater Kudu and other mammals like buffalo, zebra, cheetah, baboon, warthog, caracal, spotted hyena, impala, and dik-dik, ensuring a diverse safari experience.
On land, the reserve hosts the rare Greater Kudu and other mammals like buffalo, zebra, cheetah, baboon, warthog, caracal, spotted hyena, impala, and dik-dik, ensuring a diverse safari experience.
Hot Springs and Geysers in Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria is a hub of geothermal wonders, featuring over 200 hot springs and 17 geysers, some of which are still active, with water temperatures ranging from 39 to 98.5 degrees Celsius. Many of these thermal wonders are found near the lake or within its boundaries, giving Lake Bogoria the highest concentration of geysers in Africa.
The Loburu geyser in the lake's southern half stands out as the largest and most active among the three currently active geysers. Slightly further south, the Chermurkeu geyser, while less active, is the second largest. Moving north, the Losaramat geyser, although the least active, occasionally shimmers with silent eruptions.
However, due to rising water levels, some geysers are now submerged, making them less visible. Still, around the lake and within its boundaries, up to 10 geysers can be observed, with plumes rising to 5 meters (16 feet) high. In total, Lake Bogoria boasts 18 geysers, making it the African destination with the highest geyser count.
Beyond the geothermal marvels, just outside the reserve, local vendors offer raw eggs for visitors to immerse in the hot springs, creating their own hard-boiled or soft-boiled delicacies. This unique experience adds a flavorful twist to exploring Lake Bogoria's geothermal wonders.
The Loburu geyser in the lake's southern half stands out as the largest and most active among the three currently active geysers. Slightly further south, the Chermurkeu geyser, while less active, is the second largest. Moving north, the Losaramat geyser, although the least active, occasionally shimmers with silent eruptions.
However, due to rising water levels, some geysers are now submerged, making them less visible. Still, around the lake and within its boundaries, up to 10 geysers can be observed, with plumes rising to 5 meters (16 feet) high. In total, Lake Bogoria boasts 18 geysers, making it the African destination with the highest geyser count.
Beyond the geothermal marvels, just outside the reserve, local vendors offer raw eggs for visitors to immerse in the hot springs, creating their own hard-boiled or soft-boiled delicacies. This unique experience adds a flavorful twist to exploring Lake Bogoria's geothermal wonders.
Best Time to Visit Lake Bogoria
How to Reach Lake Bogoria
How to Reach Overview
For international arrivals, use Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. There are no direct flights to Lake Bogoria or Lake Nakuru. By road, it's about 250 kilometres from Nairobi, taking 5-6 hours. Many travellers make it a side trip from Nakuru, a 3-4 hour drive. Public transport options, including buses from Nairobi to Nakuru and matatus from Nakuru to Lake Bogoria, are budget-friendly.
How to reach Lake Bogoria by flight
The primary gateway for international visitors is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, situated 15km southeast of the city. While there are no direct domestic flights to Lake Bogoria, you can explore charter flight options organized by your tour operator, connecting various reserves.
How to reach Lake Bogoria by road
Lake Bogoria National Reserve is approximately 250 kilometres from Nairobi, and the journey takes a minimum of 5-6 hours. Most travellers opt to visit Bogoria as a side trip from Nakuru, which is about a 3-4 hour drive from the reserve.
The southern entrance, 38 kilometres north of Nakuru, requires a 4WD due to challenging conditions. However, the northern entrance, accessible via a sealed road from Nakuru (150 kilometres), provides easier vehicle access, even with a 2WD.
The southern entrance, 38 kilometres north of Nakuru, requires a 4WD due to challenging conditions. However, the northern entrance, accessible via a sealed road from Nakuru (150 kilometres), provides easier vehicle access, even with a 2WD.
How to reach Lake Bogoria by bus
Various bus companies operate from Nairobi to Nakuru, from where you can use local transport options to reach the reserve. The cost is typically between 500 to 1000 Kenyan Shillings. Matatus ply the route from Nakuru to Lake Bogoria, offering a more affordable option with prices ranging from 300 to 500 Kenyan Shillings.
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