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Kenya · Rift Valley Region
Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Steaming geysers, bubbling hot springs and, in good years, a shoreline of pink flamingos.
Location
Baringo County, Kenya
Reserve size
About 107 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
One to two nights
The reserve
Hot springs and flamingos
Lake Bogoria is a long, narrow soda lake beneath the Siracho Escarpment in the northern Rift Valley. Its western shore is lined with geysers and hot springs that hiss and steam, some boiling hot, making it one of the most dramatic landscapes in Kenya.
The alkaline water can attract huge flocks of lesser flamingos, though numbers depend on water levels and change from year to year. The woodland around the lake is one of the best places in Kenya to see the greater kudu, and the reserve is a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Bogoria is often combined with nearby Lake Baringo, and with Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha on a Rift Valley lakes tour.
Places your guide will show you
Loburu hot springsSiracho EscarpmentFig Tree CampLake BaringoLoboi GateKesubo Swamp
Natural wonder
Geysers that steam and spout
Wildlife
Who you will meet
Birds steal the show, but the woodland hides some of Kenya’s shyest antelope.
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01
Lesser flamingo
Can gather in huge numbers to feed on algae in the soda lake.
02
Greater kudu
Look for these spiral-horned antelope in the acacia woodland.
03
Impala
Graze the open ground near the lake shore.
04
Buffalo
Found in the wetter areas around the reserve.
05
Fish eagle
Common on nearby Lake Baringo.
06
Weaver birds
Build hanging nests in the trees around the lake.
Experiences
Things to do at Bogoria
Bogoria is a short, memorable stop with scenery unlike anywhere else in Kenya.
Geysers and hot springs
Explore the steaming shoreline with your guide, keeping a safe distance.
Flamingo photography
Capture pink shorelines when the birds are present.
Game viewing
Search the woodland for kudu, impala and zebra.
Birdwatching
Hundreds of species between Bogoria and Lake Baringo.
Lake Baringo boat trip
A freshwater lake nearby with hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles.
Lakeshore walks
Guided walks along the shore and to the Kesubo Swamp.
When to visit
The best time for Lake Bogoria
Bogoria is hot and dry most of the year. Flamingo numbers depend on water levels rather than the season.
Jan – Feb
Short dry season
Warm, clear days and good game viewing.
Mar – May
Long rains
Green landscapes, lower rates and fewer visitors.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Long dry season
Cool, dry weather and easy wildlife sightings.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short showers and migrant birds arriving.
Getting there
Reaching the reserve
By road
About 270 km from Nairobi, roughly five hours via Nakuru.
Rift Valley route
Combine with Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo and Lake Naivasha.
From Lake Nakuru
About two hours north by road.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
Lakeside lodges
A few lodges and camps near the reserve gates.
02
Lake Baringo
Lodges and camps on Lake Baringo, a short drive away.
03
Nakuru
Hotels in Nakuru for travellers visiting on a day trip.
Reserve entry fees are set by Baringo County and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Lake Bogoria safari tours
Our Kenya Lakes and Wildlife Odyssey visits Lake Bogoria, and we can add it to any Rift Valley safari.
- 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
- 8 Days 7 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 FAQs
Where is Lake Bogoria?
In Baringo County in Kenya’s northern Rift Valley, about 270 km from Nairobi.
Are there flamingos at Lake Bogoria?
Often, but numbers change with water levels and can vary greatly from year to year.
Are the hot springs safe?
The water can be boiling, so always stay on the path with your guide and keep a safe distance.
What animals live at Lake Bogoria?
Greater kudu, impala, zebra, buffalo and many birds. Nearby Lake Baringo has hippos and crocodiles.
How long do you need?
A night or a long day is enough, often combined with Lake Baringo.
Can Lake Bogoria be combined with other parks?
Yes. It pairs well with Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Samburu.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Lake Bogoria and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start your Lake Bogoria journey
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Lake Bogoria itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
