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Rift Valley destination
Lake Bogoria, hot springs and flamingos
Steaming geysers, pink flamingos and dramatic Rift Valley cliffs.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Baringo County, Kenya
Reserve size
About 107 sq km
Ideal stay
1 night
Best time
June to October
Reserve overview
Where the earth steams
Lake Bogoria is a narrow soda lake in the northern Rift Valley, framed by steep cliffs and dotted with bubbling hot springs and geysers. It is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Kenya and feels very different from the savannah parks further south.
When conditions are right, the lake turns pink with lesser flamingos feeding in the shallows. The surrounding hills are home to the rare greater kudu, and the reserve combines easily with nearby Lake Baringo for boat trips and outstanding birdwatching.
- About 280 km north of Nairobi
- Hot springs and geysers on the lake shore
- Easy to combine with Lake Baringo
Why go
Six reasons to visit Lake Bogoria
A wild, otherworldly corner of the Rift Valley.
Hot springs and geysers
Boiling water and steam rising from the lake shore.
Lesser flamingos
Large flocks feed in the lake when conditions are right.
Greater kudu
One of the few places in Kenya to see this graceful antelope.
Dramatic scenery
Steep escarpments and the Siracho cliffs frame the lake.
Lake Baringo nearby
Boat trips and superb birding on a freshwater lake close by.
Off the beaten path
Far fewer visitors than the southern parks.
Wildlife
Who you will meet at Lake Bogoria
Birds and antelope thrive in this rugged corner of the Rift.
Lesser flamingos
Feeding on algae in the shallow, salty water.
Flamingos in flight
A spectacular sight as flocks move along the lake.
Greater kudu
Shy antelope with spiral horns in the rocky hills.
Impala
Graceful antelope grazing the open areas.
Buffalo
Found in the bush around the reserve.
Fish eagles
Hunting over the lakes of the northern Rift.
When to visit
Lake Bogoria through the year
Every season has its own rewards. Pick the one that matches what you most want to see.
Peak season
June to October
Long dry season
Dry, clear weather and good conditions for exploring the springs.
Great time
January to February
Short dry season
Warm days and easy travel between the lakes.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Greener hills and fewer visitors, with occasional heavy showers.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
Fresh scenery and migrant birds in the region.
Things to do
More than a lake
Steam, birds and big Rift Valley views.
Hot springs and geysers
Watch the water bubble and steam on the lake shore.
Flamingo watching
See the flocks feeding and flying along the lake.
Lake Baringo boat trip
Look for hippos, crocodiles and birds by boat.
Scenic drives
Follow the lake shore beneath the escarpment.
Birdwatching
Spot raptors, waders and hornbills across the region.
Photography
Steam, cliffs and flamingos make striking images.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the scenery.
By road
About five hours north of Nairobi, often combined with Lake Nakuru or Lake Baringo.
By air
Charter flights can reach airstrips in the region when time is short.
Where to stay
Lodges near the reserve or around nearby Lake Baringo.
Lake Bogoria safaris
Trips that include Lake Bogoria
Safaris through the Rift Valley lakes and beyond. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Nairobi
- 5 Days 4 Nights
Good to know
Lake Bogoria questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Flamingo numbers vary with water conditions across the Rift Valley lakes, so sightings are never guaranteed.
Yes, when you stay on marked paths and follow your guide. The water is boiling hot, so never touch it.
One night is usually enough, often combined with Lake Baringo or Lake Nakuru.
The reserve is one of the best places in Kenya to look for them, though they are shy.
Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara all pair well.
It is around five hours from Nairobi, so it fits best into a longer Rift Valley itinerary.
Ready for Lake Bogoria?
Tell us your dates and which lakes you would like to explore, and we will plan your Rift Valley trip around you.
