Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Lake Bogoria was gazetted on November 20, 1973 as a national reserve. It is 10km north of the Equator and 285km north of Nairobi. It sits on the floor of the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley at an altitude of 1000m above sea level from which the escarpment forms one of Kenya’s most pictures que backdrops.
Lake Bogoria National Reserve It is 107km sq and most of the reserve is occupied by Lake Bogoria, a spectacular sight reflecting searing blue skies and the rose pink of flamingos. It is well known for its hot springs and geysers dotting the southern shore of the lake. Home to massive flocks of flamingos. You’ll find an abundance of bird species thriving here, as well as East Africa’s largest herd of rare greater kudu.
Activities in Lake Bogoria National reserve
- Game drives- Most animals are seen early in the morning or in late afternoon due to the hot weather conditions. Lake Bogoria National Reserve is the home of Africa’s most magnificent antelope, the greater kudu, and of other savannah wildlife: Zebra, impala, Grant’s gazelle, Klipspringer, buffalo, dik dik and Patas monkey, among others. Predators include the leopard, cheetah, hyena, mongoose, jackal and Karakul cat.
- Bird watching- birders are not left behind either. Lake Bogoria National Reserve a birding paradise with over 222 species recorded majority begin the lesser flamingoes.
- Nature walks- You can park at the hot springs and walk to get closer to the thermal pools, but be very careful where you stand as the water and mud is boiling. Stop off for a bite to eat at the Loburu Picnic Site which overlooks the geysers – probably the most unusual and atmospheric location for a picnic. In the evening, visit the northern end of the lake at Kesubo Swamp for the best chance of seeing the Greater Kudu. You can also take a bird walk at Kesubo swamp with one of the resident birding guides – it’s great to learn how to identify the birds from their different calls.
Where to stay at Lake Bogoria National Reserve
There are no lodges at Bogoria, just a couple of hotel-style accommodations. Both are located outside the reserve, nearby Loboi Gate. The Lake Bogoria Hotel offers a hot water pool. Nearby is the Papyrus Inn, which offers pleasant rooms, or camping in its gardens for a small fee. Apart from that, there are 3 campsites in the park itself, all set in beautiful surroundings in the southern area
