Lake Baringo Travel Guide
Travel to Lake Baringo - Beautiful Rift Valley Lake
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Lake Baringo is at the threshold of Northern Kenya, and its freshwaters are an oasis in the arid plains. The 129 sq km lake is well stocked with fish, and attracts many pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles.
The lake itself is truly beautiful, surrounded by volcanic ranges that stretch as far as the eye can see. Lake Baringo is well known for two of its waters’ residents - hippo and crocodile. There is plenty of both here, and visitors have no trouble seeing either. Baringo is an ideal stopover on a safari to Northern Kenya.
At the lakes heart is Ol Kokwe Island, a stark rocky island that is home to Njemps villages and a well appointed camp. This is an excellent base for exploring the lake, with boat trips ideal for bird and hippo spotting.
The lake is an important bird area, species of interest recorded here include Jackson's and Hemprich's Hornbills, Bristle Crowned Starling, and waterbirds including Goliath Heron, White backed Duck, and African Skimmers and Darters.
Attractions in Lake Baringo
Crocodiles are often seen lying on the shores or swimming through the shallows hunting waterfowl. Hippos are seen in the lake on boat trips, and at lakeside lodges and camps, they are seen at night grazing the lawns - a memorable sight for overnight guests. Most visitors are amazed when they see just how large a hippo is when it emerges from the water. It is an awe-inspiring vision, even more so when they are grazing a few feet from the door of your tent. Hippos are a common cause of sleepless nights for lakeside campers.
The lake has an abundance of fish, and as a direct result, an abundance of Fish Eagles, cormorants and pelicans. The lake is a well known birding destination, with a local record set at 300 species recorded in a single hour at the Baringo Club.
Activities in Lake Baringo
There are excellent guided boat trips possible from the Baringo Club or Island camp. These are ideal for birding and exploring the Lake.
Ol Kokwe Island in the middle of the lake is perfect for exploring on foot. There is good birding, and views across the lake to surrounding mountain ranges. There is an Njemps Fishing village you can visit and at the far north of the island, a series of bubbling hot springs.
Horses and guides are available for hire, making an interesting way to explore the lakeshore, especially for birding and those interested in local culture and visiting Njemps villages.
Relaxing
Relax on a leisurely boat cruise around the lake.
Getting Around
Main road access to Baringo is directly from Nakuru by bus or private transport. The nearest town to the lake is Kampi ya Samaki.
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