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. One of only two freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley of Kenya (the other being Lake Naivasha), it is fed by several rivers, (El Molo, Perkerra and Ol Arabel), and has no obvious outlet. Geologists suggest that the waters seep through the lake sediments into the faulted volcanic bedrock below. 

Lying well off the beaten track, the lake is typically a golden amber-brown colour. As evening falls, however, it moves through shades of lilac and pink. Unusual, exceptionally beautiful, the lake is a popular tourist destination, especially amongst ornithologists. The area is not an officially protected national reserve or national park.

Location

About 290km North of Nairobi, Lake Baringo is the most northerly of the Rift Valley Lakes. It can be reached from Nairobi in a day or the journey can be broken in Lake Nakuru or Lake Naivasha - both worth a visit in their own right. 

Wildlife

The waters and cliffs of the lake are home to over 470 species including migrating flamingos. While it lacks the spectacle of some of its saline neighbours such as Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru with their huge flocks of flamingos, it more than makes up for this with the sheer variety of birdlife to be found in and around its shores. (It's also very well placed for a daytrip to Lake Bogoria.) More than 470 species have been recorded there in total, and more than 300 have been recorded in a single day. A recent bird census, carried out in two three hour spells on consecutive days recorded just over 280 species in the 6 hours, and that was outside the main periods for northern or southern migrants. While you're unlikely to see all 470+ species in a short visit, there are plenty of birds to be seen even by novice birders. Pale and dark phase Gabar Goshawk, Paradise Flycatcher, African Fish Eagles, Marabou Storks, Shikra and White-faced Scops Owl are amongst the regular sightings, while some the less common birds that can be seen there include Hemprich's Hornbill (along the cliffs), the African Darter and occasionally the African Skimmer.

The lake also provideds an invaluable habitat for seven fresh water fish species. One, Oreochromis alcalicus baringoensi, is endemic to the lake. Additionally the area is a habitat for many species of animals including the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and many other mammals, amphibians, reptiles and the invertebrate communities.

Geology

Geologically, the lake is part of the Great Rift Valley system. The Tugen Hills, an uplifted fault block of volcanic and metamorphic rocks, lies west of the lake. The Laikipia Escarpment lies to the east.

The islands of the lake

The lake has several small islands, the largest being Ol Kokwe Island. Ol Kokwe, an extinct volcanic centre related to Korosi volcano north of the lake, has several hot springs and fumaroles, some of which have precipitated sulphur deposits. A group of hot springs discharge along the shoreline at Soro near the northeastern corner of the island.

What to do and see

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. Accommodation (hotel, camping) is available at and near Kampi-Ya-Samaki on the midwestern shore. Boats to Ol Kokwe can be hired at Kampi-Ya-Samaki. In addition to bird watching walks and boat trips, with the guidance of a professional ornithologist, the lake offers a range of activities which include fishing, water sports (ski, wind-surfing), camel rides, day trips to the nearby Lake Bogoria National Reserve or visiting a Njemps village. Activities are mainly run by the lake's two lodges, Lake Baringo Club and Island Camp. Local fishermen also provide boat trips, during which they usually spread fresh fish as a bait for the fish eagles.