Lying 1000-1600 m above sea level in the Rift Valley is a beautiful place that has the pink cloud of flamingoes and the geysers bubbling with the most spectacular hot water volcanic springs. It covers 107 sq km with 34 sq km being covered by water. The Lake Bogoria National Reserve is dominated by thorny bushland of acacia and the open shores of the lake dominated by grasslands while the sedge cyperus is around the hot springs. Lake Bogoria National Reserve is a beautiful place with the pink cloud of flamingoes and the geysers bubbling with the most spectacular hot water volcanic springs. Much more is the fascinating phenomenon of the hot springs, an indication that molten rock does not lie far below the earth's surface.
Pros:
Cons:
March to August –Wet Season
Skies are clear of dust and the reserve is green
Flamingos are usually present
Bird watching is excellent and migratory birds are present
Cons:
April can be very wet and rain might interfere with your game drive
The scenery looks drab in overcast weather
Lake Bogoria is not a conventional safari destination. The best time to visit is when there is are lots of flamingos, but this is unpredictable. At most times of the year though, there are usually a good number of flamingos, which makes it worthwhile visiting at any time of the year.
Unfortunately, overgrazing due to livestock encroachment is a big problem in the reserve, and there is very little wildlife to be seen. However, the birding is great and the real draw is the flamingos. Leopard tortoises are quite numerous. Mammals sometimes encountered are impala, dik-dik, impala, zebra, Grant's gazelle, and warthog.
Being close to the equator, temperatures are quite uniform throughout the year at Lake Bogoria. Daytime temperatures are in the upper twenties, while it cools off considerably at night. Although there is a big altitude variation within the park, visitors are restricted to the road along the lake at the lower altitudes. Along the lakeshore, temperatures are higher than on the top of the escarpment. The area isn’t very wet, but there is some rain throughout the year.
The best time to visit is when there are lots of flamingos, but this is unpredictable. At most times of the year though, there are usually a good number of flamingos, which makes it worthwhile visiting at any time of the year.
Lake Bogoria is not a conventional safari destination. The best time to visit is when there are lots of flamingos, but this is unpredictable. At most times of the year though, there are usually a good number of flamingos, which makes it worthwhile visiting at any time of the year.
April to August
March to August
It seldom rains all day in the Wet season. Afternoon showers can be expected on some days. The heat, which has been building since the end of the Dry season finally breaks when it rains, and then it builds again until the next shower. Afternoon temperatures are around 28°C/82°F. April is the wettest month.
There is no problem with safety inside Lake Bogoria National Reserve. In our opinion, it's quite safe for visitors. There is no accommodation in the reserve aside from a campsite. Most people will visit as a daytrip on an organized safari. As long as you go with a reputable company, there are no safety concerns in visiting any of the parks and reserves in Kenya. If you are on a self-drive safari, it is important to avoid driving after dark and to take safety precautions in the towns. See ‘cities and other urban areas safety precautions’ for more.
Before coming to Kenya you will most likely require several vaccinations. Lake Bogoria is a shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley and malaria is a big concern here. All precautions should be taken seriously. Taking antimalarial medication is recommended, and to minimize the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, the use of repellent (with at least 30% DEET) and covering up at dusk is advisable.
Being close to the equator, temperatures are quite uniform throughout the year at Lake Bogoria. Daytime temperatures are in the upper twenties, while it cools off considerably at night. Although there is a big altitude variation within the park, visitors are restricted to the road along the lake at the lower altitudes. Along the lakeshore, temperatures are higher than on the top of the escarpment. The area isn’t very wet, but there is some rain throughout the year.