Table of Contents
Take a motorboat safari across idyllic Lake Baringo, a vast freshwater lake famous for its birds, fish, crocodiles and hippos. This peaceful wetland habitat is a birdwatching hot spot, home to over a third of all Kenya’s native bird species – one local ornithologist saw 342 bird species in an hour! Visit authentic lakeshore villages and spend the night on one of Lake Baringo’s picturesque islands.
A Peaceful, Wetland Oasis
If you are planning a safari in Northern Kenya, stay a couple of nights at Lake Baringo for some fantastic birding and boating. This is the northernmost lake of the Great Rift Valley, just a short drive from the hot springs and flamingos of Lake Bogoria. Lake Baringo is a peaceful, wetland oasis surrounded by mountains and rocky hills. A dormant volcano, Karosi, dominates the landscape at the northern end of the lake. Even if you’re not mad about birdwatching, the passion of the ornithological guides is infectious.
Amazing Birding, the Njemps Tribe and Other Highlights
Motor Boating on Lake Baringo
The best way to explore Lake Baringo and its islands is by motorboat. Your guide will know exactly where to find specific birds and wildlife, and you’re in for a sensational tour. 130 sq km Lake Baringo has a high silt content and can appear red, yellow, coral, or purple, depending on the time of day and the sun’s location. These colourful waters are teeming with fish, especially Tilapia and African Lungfish, and you can enjoy some exceptionally good fishing.
Exceptional Birding Tours
There are 458 bird species in Lake Baringo National Park, which are best seen by motorboat and guided morning/evening walk. On your motorboat tour of the lake, your ornithologist captain will point out many water birds, including the world’s largest flying bird, the Goliath heron. The African openbill stork is amazing to see, a wading bird with a large, unique bill that only meets at the tip. A highlight is when your guide throws fish into the lake to entice magnificent African Fish Eagles, which swoop down at incredible speed to grab the fish, just ahead of the crocodiles.
Your guided walk through the bush is taken early at 7 am, or at 5 pm, when most bird species are either active or about to roost. You’ll come across lots of Owls, like the northern White-Faced Owl and the African Scops Owl. There is a stretch of bush along the road at the base of the baboon cliffs where you can spot many rare species, such as the Violet Wood Hoopoe and the male Paradise Flycatcher. If you happen to spot a bird that looks like a mini Pterodactyl, it’s a Hammerkop in flight. Occasionally, you may also see Flamingos migrating from Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria.
Njemps Lakeshore Villages
The villages on the lake’s shores belong to the Njemps tribe, who survive on pastoralism and fishing. You’ll see the Njemps fishing and traversing the lake in wooden boats called “gadich” made from the Ambatch (balsa) trees that grow around Lake Bogoria. Visit the Njemps villages to learn how the tribe lives, including how they create handicrafts, carve out their boats, build their dwellings, and smoke their fish. You can also join in with some wonderfully rhythmic dancing. If you visit during the dry season, you might see their cattle swimming across the lake to graze on island vegetation.
Lake Baringo’s Islands
Lake Baringo has several small islands. Ol Kokwe Island is the largest, in the centre of the lake – an extinct volcano dotted with hot springs where you’ll find Njemps villages and a wonderful tented camp. Ol Kokwe makes a great base for exploration. Lake Baringo’s other islands are much smaller, but many are great for birding. You can visit the amazing Goliath Heronry on Gibraltar Island.
Activities
Birdwatching is by far the most popular activity in Lake Baringo National Park. The best way to explore is by motorboat, captained by an ornithologist. You can also book excellent morning and evening guided walks, or a full-day trip into the bush. The Goliath Heronry on Gibraltar Island is home to the largest population of these incredible birds anywhere in East Africa, and it is a privilege to see. Other activities you’re certain to enjoy are fishing, water skiing, or windsurfing on the lake, Camel trekking, a cultural tour of a Njemps village, and a visit to Lake Baringo Reptile Park. You should also go on a boat excursion to Giraffe Island, where you can view the endangered Rothschild Giraffes, Ostrich, Warthogs, Impala, and Hyrax.
Accommodation
There are 3 comfortable lodges set on the shores of Lake Baringo. If you’re on a low budget, there is a well-equipped campsite with cottages and self-catering “bandas” for hire. You’ll find more exclusive accommodation on the lake’s islands – Island Camp is a luxury tented camp which offers complete relaxation as well as access to all the lake activities.
Best Time to Visit
Days and nights are always warm at Lake Baringo National Park, and you can visit any time of year. There are fewer birds here in the dry season.
How to Get There
Lake Baringo National Park is in the Great Rift Valley, 280km north of Nairobi. It’s a 5 to 5.5-hour drive along reasonable roads, or 45 45-minute flight. Kampi ya Samaki is the closest town to Lake Baringo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Baringo located and why is it special?
Lake Baringo is a beautiful freshwater lake located in the northern part of Kenya’s famous Great Rift Valley. It is one of the few freshwater lakes in the region, which makes it very important for wildlife and local communities. The lake is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, rocky hills, and small islands that add to its charm. Because of its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, it attracts nature lovers and birdwatchers from around the world. Visitors often enjoy the calm environment and the chance to experience a quieter side of Kenya.
What wildlife and birds can be seen at Lake Baringo?
Lake Baringo is especially famous for its incredible birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. More than 450 bird species have been recorded around the lake, including kingfishers, herons, hornbills, and fish eagles. Visitors may also spot crocodiles and hippos along the lake’s shores or while exploring by boat. The surrounding areas are home to small antelope, monkeys, and other wildlife. Because of this rich biodiversity, the lake is considered one of Kenya’s top birding destinations.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Lake Baringo?
There are many relaxing and interesting activities to enjoy when visiting Lake Baringo. One of the most popular experiences is a boat trip across the lake, where visitors can observe birds and wildlife up close. Travelers can also visit nearby islands and learn about the local communities who live around the lake. Birdwatching, photography, and nature walks are common activities for nature enthusiasts. These experiences allow visitors to explore the lake’s beauty in a calm and memorable way.
When is the best time to visit Lake Baringo?
Lake Baringo can be visited throughout the year, but the dry seasons are usually the most comfortable for travel. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot and boat trips are more enjoyable. Birdwatching is especially rewarding when migratory birds arrive between October and April. The surrounding landscapes are also beautiful after seasonal rains when the vegetation becomes lush and green. Because of its warm climate, the lake remains a pleasant destination in most seasons.
Why should Lake Baringo be included in a Kenya safari itinerary?
Adding Lake Baringo to a safari itinerary offers a different experience from the typical wildlife parks. Unlike busy reserves such as Maasai Mara National Reserve, the lake provides a peaceful environment where visitors can slow down and enjoy nature. Its rich birdlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters make it a unique destination. Travelers also appreciate the chance to explore the lake by boat and visit nearby communities. Overall, it adds variety and depth to a Kenya safari adventure.
Still have questions?
Our local safari experts are happy to help you plan the perfect African safari.
