LAKES OF KENYA
Kenya’s lakes are more than just scenic wonders — they are vibrant ecosystems that bring life to the heart of the Great Rift Valley. From the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru to the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha and the otherworldly landscapes surrounding Lake Turkana, each lake offers its own unique beauty and biodiversity.
LAKE NAKURU
First gazetted as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru National Park is considered one of the best bird watching destinations in the world, with over 450 species to see. Literally millions of flamingoes feed from the alkaline lake of 60km². Around the lake are acacia woodlands, grassland and rocky hillsides. Buffalo, lion and leopard sightings are excellent in the park, which is also a rhino sanctuary. In all, over 50 mammal species live in the 188 km² national park.
LAKE NAIVASHA
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, which lies north west of Nairobi. It is part of the Great Rift Valley
LAKE ELEMENTAITA
lake features include the Kesubo Swamp to the north and the Siracho Escarpment to the east, both within the National Reserve. The lake is also famous for geysers and hot springs along the bank of the lake and in the lake. In four locations around the lake can be observed at least 10 geysers, which erupt up to 5 m high.[ Geyser activity is affected by the fluctuations of lake level, which may inundate or expose some geysers.
LAKE BARINGO
Lake Baringo is, after Lake Turkana, the most northern of the Kenyan Rift Valley lakes, with a surface area of about 130 square kilometres (50 sq mi) and an elevation of about 970 metres (3,180 ft). The lake is fed by several rivers, Molo, Perkerra and Ol Arabel, and has no obvious outlet; the waters are assumed to seep through lake sediments into the faulted volcanic bedrock. It is one of the two freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley in Kenya, the other being Lake Naivasha. It lies off the beaten track in a hot and dusty setting and over 470 species of birds have been recorded there, occasionally including migrating flamingos. A Goliath heronry is located on a rocky islet in the lake known as Gibraltar.
These freshwater and alkaline lakes are havens for birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles, and provide breathtaking backdrops for boating, birding, and cultural exploration. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or nature photography, Kenya’s lakes invite you to experience a quieter, equally captivating side of the safari experience.
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