Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo is, after Lake Turkana, the most northern of the Great Rift Valley lakes of Kenya, with a surface area of about 130 km² and an elevation of about 970 m. The lake is fed by several rivers, El Molo, Perkerra and Ol Arabel, and has no obvious outlet, it is assumed that the water seeps through the lake sediments into the faulted volcanic bedrock.

Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake like the Lake Naivasha and both are in the Rift Valley in Kenya. It lies off the beaten track in a hot and dusty setting and over 470 species of birds have been recorded there, occasionally including migrating flamingos. The lake is part of the Great Rift Valley lake system.

The Tugen Hills, an uplifted fault block of volcanic and metamorphic rocks, lies west of the lake with the Laikipia Escarpment lying on the eastern side. Lake Barigo is fed by water that flows from the Mau Hills and Tugen Hills. It is a significant environment and safe haven for more than 500 kinds of birds and flora & fauna, some of the wandering water bird species being significant in these regions and worldwide.

Lake Baringo provides an invaluable habitat for seven fresh water fish species. Fishing is an important activity to the local economy. Moreover the area is a home for many species of animals including the hippos, crocodile and many other mammals, amphibians, reptiles and the invertebrate communities

Lake Baringo is surrounded by a scenic rugged semi-desert landscape, this freshwater lake located in the Rift Valley is a classic example of timeless Africa. A birdwatcher’s paradise with over 450 species spotted, the lake is also home to crocodiles and hippos. Activities at the lake include fishing, water-skiing, surfing and nature boat rides, vehicles and your feet, explore the Baringo

lakeshores, islands and surrounding plains

Baringo  Birdies Paradise
Baringo is a birdies paradise with the ubiquities birdlife in this area.  Watch out for the huge colonies of Weavers in the acacia trees, including buffalo weavers and white-headed weavers. Tawny eagles, Martial eagles, Wahlberg eagles and others nest in the treetops and birds of prey that feed off the small mammals, dry country game and birds such as the abundant Guinea fowl and Francolins that come to the lake to drink.

Blacksmith plovers nest on sand bars and huge flocks of Sand grouse come to bathe and quench their thirst. Queleas, hornbills, Secretary birds and Black crested snake eagles may also be found in the area. Malachite kingfishers, White throated bee-eaters and various Barbets are all easily spotted as are Variable and Collared sunbirds. Black headed herons, purple herons, Yellow-billed storks, Sacred ibis, Red-billed duck, Cape teal and other water birds are all found in abundance and there are always new species being recorded.

The Main Town Near the Lake
The main town near the lake is Marigat, while smaller settlements include Kampi ya Samaki and Loruk. The area is increasingly visited by tourists and is situated at the southern end of a region of Kenya inhabited largely by pastoralist ethnic groups including Il Chamus, Rendille, Turkana and Kalenjin.