Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.
Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.
This small reserve can only be visited as a day trip and is on few tourist itineraries. There is only one road through which needs to be backtracked to leave. Most of the reserve consists of a large, algae-rich lake usually inhabited by big flocks of flamingos. Aside from birds, there is very little wildlife.
The reserve’s main appeal lies in the scenery and the flamingos. The movement of the flamingos depends on water levels and algae concentrations. The reserve is also a refuge for greater kudu, but these stately animals aren’t seen very often. Warthog, Kirk's dik-dik, Grant's gazelle and impala can occasionally be seen crossing the road.
The scenery of Lake Bogoria NR is breathtaking. The road runs along the lake at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Loburu Hot Springs is an interesting landmark, and a reminder of the tectonic activity in the area that shaped the Rift Valley. The road climbs up to viewpoints from where the dramatic scenery can be observed on a larger scale.
Weather & Climate
Consistently warm temperatures are the norm at Lake Bogoria, thanks to its equatorial location. It does get colder higher up the escarpment, but this area is off-limits to visitors. The weather in the Dry season (September to February) is very agreeable, though rain can wash in at short notice. The Wet season is characterized not so much by rainy days as rainy afternoons.
Flamingos can be seen at the lake throughout the year. But it’s probably best to see them in the Dry season (September to February), when you can avoid the overcast skies and rain interruptions of the wetter months. The only drawback is the dust that can cloud the air at this time.
Melissa is an award winning travel writer for Fodors, Frommers and Insight, including guides to Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Lake Bogoria – letting off steam in the Rift Valley
3/5
You really don’t go to Lake Bogoria to look at animals. There are plenty of places in Kenya, never mind the rest of Africa where the gameviewing is far far better. Spotting the odd zebra or buffalo wandering around on the water’s edge...