Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria
3.5
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3.5
125 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
39
Average
23
Poor
10
Terrible
12
Lucio P
Rome, Italy1,019 contributions
Feb 2020
From Lonely Planet Guide: “Lake Bogoria is backed by the bleak Siracho Escarpment, and moss-green waves roll down its rocky, barren shores. A road that becomes a rough track (and then peters out entirely) runs along the lake’s western shore, which is where flamingos gather. About halfway along the lake, hot springs and geysers spew boiling fluids from the earth’s insides. If you’re here early in the morning, you may have the place to yourself”.
At the moment, Lake Bogoria seems to be the only place in Kenya where flamingos can be seen in large quantities (Nakuru is not the glorious Nakuru anymore).
But all what is reported by Lonely Planet is not up-to-date, because, at the moment, it is only possible to enter with the car inside the reserve, park it 10 meters inside, get out of the car and see the lake (and the flamingos).
All the roads and tracks around the lake and inside the Reserve are not accessible, the distance to reach this place is high (4, 5 hours from Nairobi), and the price to access it ($ 50) is exorbitant and not worthwhile the visit.
At the moment, Lake Bogoria seems to be the only place in Kenya where flamingos can be seen in large quantities (Nakuru is not the glorious Nakuru anymore).
But all what is reported by Lonely Planet is not up-to-date, because, at the moment, it is only possible to enter with the car inside the reserve, park it 10 meters inside, get out of the car and see the lake (and the flamingos).
All the roads and tracks around the lake and inside the Reserve are not accessible, the distance to reach this place is high (4, 5 hours from Nairobi), and the price to access it ($ 50) is exorbitant and not worthwhile the visit.
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clement Waigwa
Mombasa, Kenya119 contributions
Jan 2020 • Business
This Lake never disappoint for the number of times have visited. This year flamingoes are on their millions. We were lucky to experience them land in the morning and also at night. So peaceful and well maintained reserve. Officers in charge are very helpful and rich in knowledge. This one of 🇰🇪 hidden gem that we need to explore and enjoy
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard Cherutich
3 contributions
Oct 2019
The team for sure does great work. They touched my heart like never before , by any hotel and industry staff. The hotel environment is super. The staff very welcoming. The facilities are among the best I have ever used in my tours to this class of hotels. The planed tours are the ones i will live to remember in the coming years.
Congratulations to the team lead by Lydia, Olivia and Caroline
Congratulations to the team lead by Lydia, Olivia and Caroline
Written 18 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VanRood
27 contributions
June 2013
Compared to other national parks (lake Bogoria is a reserve) the entrance fee for non residents is way overrated. We visited Aberdares National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park for comparable fees. There you see dozens of different wild life, including big five animals. In Lake Bogoria you see mainly flamengos (who used to be at Lake Nakuru) and some wildlife. The road was accesible due to high water levels only halfway the park. We spent there two hours only. Half the fee or less would be more appropriate.
Written 19 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaylowe
Hong Kong, China950 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Though I'm of Chinese descent, but I have to agree with other reviewers that mainland Chinese travelers have been a nightmare wherever they go. We arrived at the lake around 2:30pm and there were a small group (thank god) of mainland Chinese tourists who screamed at the flamingos just to get a shot of them flying. So selfish. But this was the spot only 5 minutes away from the gate. And to view tens of thousands of flamingos without truckloads of other tourists, our guide drove more than an hour from that first spot to a secret viewing place. The drive was very bumpy with lots of mud holes. But it was all worth it when we saw what we saw...
Joseph was our guide from Julius Tact Safari. He said this is a newly found spot by other guides and not a lot of people knew about it yet. We asked him what's the place called, he said it had no name. It's just another spot on the coast of Lake Bogoria.
Joseph was our guide from Julius Tact Safari. He said this is a newly found spot by other guides and not a lot of people knew about it yet. We asked him what's the place called, he said it had no name. It's just another spot on the coast of Lake Bogoria.
Written 8 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ultramelc
Hollywood, FL2 contributions
July 2017 • Couples
We planned our second visit to Kenya with seeing the spectacular flocks of flamingos in mind, and were advised to see them at Lake Bogoria rather than at Nakuru because of a rise in the water level since 2014. We were not disappointed - they are spectacular, and lucky for us, our guide advised that we visit as the park opens at 6:30am, for the best sighting. What shocked us about the place was the behavior of the hundreds of tourists from China, who had absolutely no respect for the wildlife. They alighted from their vehicles, ran towards the birds in pursuit of selfies and photos with the birds, and in so doing scared thousands of birds away. They were seen to throw rocks at the birds, shouted at them and made loud noises causing the birds to take flight in their masses. End result was that noone got to see this spectacle in its full glory. The birds flew to inaccessible faraway banks of the lake. There is one nature conservationist on duty, but he cannot possibly cope with the disrespectful people who have no regard for any request to stay on the road and not approach the animals. The afternoon is the best time to take photos considering the position of the sun, but we counted 45 jeeps the afternoon we were there. 45 times an average of 6 visitors - almost 300 people out of their vehicles, colored fabric sarongs flying all over the place, cavorting around, shouting, and scaring away the birds. What a pity! The Kenyan Nature Conservation department has to step in before the birds are scared away permanently
Written 5 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maps100469
United Kingdom3 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
Flamingos are at Lake Bogoria this year 2018. We were told that once we got to lake Nakuru. We decided to change our plan and kept driving to see them. The drive was around 6 hours and some part of the road was flooded. 4x4 wheel is recommended. We saw thousands of pink flamingos just next to the shore. We walked close to them and got good photos. It is a once in a life time opportunity so it is worth going despise the long drive.
Written 2 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wily d
30 contributions
Jan 2017 • Business
Many tourists that have been to Lake Nakuru have been disappointed because there are no flamingos. The only point on the lake to find them is taking the right turn from the main gate and continuing to the lake shore. Here there are a few greater flamingos and they feed on small living things in the water like worms and crustaceans but their numbers are few because of the increase in the volume of water. The majority (at the ratio of10 to 1)which are the lesser flamingos can be found at Lake Bogoria 130km and about 2 and a half hours from Nakuru. They feed on blue algae which grows in salty water. Apart from Lake Naivasha the rest of the rift valley lakes are salty. In the recent years heavy rains have increased the volume of the lakes diluting water thereby hindering the growth of blue algae and covering the nesting grounds hence the absence of the lesser flamingos. Because of the hot water geysers the rate of evaporation in Lake Bogoria is high allowing the salt concentration of the water to rise so blue algae can grow which explains the presence of the lesser flamingos. Evaporation also allows the shore to dry and give them nesting grounds.
It is possible to drive from Nairobi directly to Lake Bogoria have lunch at the only lodge 1km from the gate and spend a whole afternoon at the lake. Unfortunately the hot water geysers are still covered by the lake which is reclining slowly and we hope in the near future they will be accessible. Spending a night at Lake Bogoria Resort and Spa one has the chance to enjoy the natural Jacuzzis within the resort which also has comfortable rooms, a bar and a restaurant serving delicious hot food. I would recommend a 5 day, 4 night safari covering 1 night Lake Bogoria, 1 night Lake Nakuru for a chance to see the black and white rhino and the Rothschild giraffe and 2 nights Maasai Mara.
It is possible to drive from Nairobi directly to Lake Bogoria have lunch at the only lodge 1km from the gate and spend a whole afternoon at the lake. Unfortunately the hot water geysers are still covered by the lake which is reclining slowly and we hope in the near future they will be accessible. Spending a night at Lake Bogoria Resort and Spa one has the chance to enjoy the natural Jacuzzis within the resort which also has comfortable rooms, a bar and a restaurant serving delicious hot food. I would recommend a 5 day, 4 night safari covering 1 night Lake Bogoria, 1 night Lake Nakuru for a chance to see the black and white rhino and the Rothschild giraffe and 2 nights Maasai Mara.
Written 26 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve G
Edinburgh, United Kingdom50 contributions
Sept 2011 • Family
When conditions are right Lake Bogoria must surely rank as one of the World's greatest natural spectacles!
Lake Bogoria is a shallow fairly narrow lake with the long axis on a roughly north-south orientation. There are wooded hills rising to either side which create a beautiful backdrop to the lake. Bogoria is fed by a couple of small seasonal rivers and numerous hot springs and fumaroles. The lake sits under a hot baking sun and has no outlet. Volcanic soda-rich springs flow into the lake which is constantly losing water to evaporation and, as a result the lake water has become progressively more mineral-laden and alkaline. Such caustic water is too extreme for most forms of aquatic life but it does support rich blooms of Cyanobacteria. These micro-organisms can photo-synthesize like algae and the higher plants, and in the waters of Bogoria they occur in a super-abundance which colours the lake a rich pea-soup green. Up close the lake water looks almost “gloopy” and rather unpleasant but from a distance of 5 metres or more it takes on a beautiful emerald appearance which with wooded hills as a backdrop makes the lake very photogenic. This super-growth of Cyanobacteria coupled with a relative lack of disturbance produces just the right conditions to create what is one of the greatest natural wonders of the World. Lake Bogoria is a sparkling jewel –a pink fringed Emerald that holds the single greatest population of flamingos on the planet. There are Greater Flamingos present but it is the massive number of Lesser Flamingos that makes this place truly spectacular.
Lake Bogoria sits within a national nature reserve which holds a rather limited range of wildlife, the most visible of which are: Plains Zebra, Warthogs, Grant's Gazelle and Ostriches. It is also one of the best places in East Africa to see Greater Kudu (best in the late afternoon). It is however the flamingo flock which makes this place stand out. When the lake levels and mineral content are just right the lake can support over two million flamingos.
In the summer of 2011 we were fortunate to be able to visit this lake at just the right time and what we saw was truly amazing!
We drove on down from the reserve gate to the southern edge of the lake to witness a truly awesome and jaw-dropping scene. Bogoria was a vivid green soup, replete with microbial life and there to harvest the rich bounty was an immense flock of pink-hued flamingos. The reserve gate-staff had told us that the flock was thought to number between 1.5 and 2 million as the condition of the lake water was optimal for sustaining a massive Cyanobacteria bloom and therefore supporting the huge numbers of flamingos. We got out of our vehicle near the shoreline to an assault on the senses. The air was tainted with a faintly “fishy” aroma (there are no fish in Bogoria) mixed with the smell of sulphur, whilst a background cackling cacophony was interspersed with demented raucous honking. But it was the vast expanse of pink on green that demanded our full attention, a visual extravaganza beyond anything we had ever seen before! We stood transfixed, paralysed by this surreal and wonderful sight. Eventually the spell was broken as my wife’s camera discharged a machine-gun burst of shutter clicks. As I set up my tripod I had a slight feeling of disquiet, there was something strange and unusual about this experience, something .........unexpected; then it hit me, we were alone, alone with two million flamingos; we were here witnessing one of the greatest natural splendours that Africa has to offer and we had it all to ourselves!
Driving up the eastern side of the lake leads to an area where hot volcanic springs and sulphurous fumaroles can be seen. There are also a number of geysers and steam vents which can, with care, be explored more closely. The sight of a spouting geyser against the backdrop of the massive flamingo flock is a dramatic and almost surreal experience and you are instantly reminded that this is Africa's Great Rift Valley, one of the most geologically active areas on our planet!
Whilst Bogoria can be reached on a day trip from Nakuru it is better to stay locally if possible.
There is only one hotel near the lake: The Lake Bogoria Spa Resort ( http://www.lakebogoria-hotel.com/ ) of which I cannot comment as I haven't stayed there. Another, perhaps better option is to stay at Lake Baringo which is a large freshwater lake about 1 hour's drive to the north of Bogoria. The Lake Baringo area has a number of accommodation options ranging from campsites, self-catering cottages, mid-range lodge accommodation (-the Baringo Country Club) to more expensive luxury accommodation at Samation Island lodge ( http://www.samatianislandlodge.com/ ).
Lake Baringo itself offers the opportunity for excellent boat trips which will be of particular interest to birdwatchers but also offer good close-up views of hippos whilst the lake is a real contrast to Lake Bogoria. A two night stay at Baringo will provide sufficient time to explore both Lakes Baringo and Bogoria whilst offering a relaxing break in the itinerary between safaris in such places as Nakuru National park and the Mara.
Lake Bogoria is a shallow fairly narrow lake with the long axis on a roughly north-south orientation. There are wooded hills rising to either side which create a beautiful backdrop to the lake. Bogoria is fed by a couple of small seasonal rivers and numerous hot springs and fumaroles. The lake sits under a hot baking sun and has no outlet. Volcanic soda-rich springs flow into the lake which is constantly losing water to evaporation and, as a result the lake water has become progressively more mineral-laden and alkaline. Such caustic water is too extreme for most forms of aquatic life but it does support rich blooms of Cyanobacteria. These micro-organisms can photo-synthesize like algae and the higher plants, and in the waters of Bogoria they occur in a super-abundance which colours the lake a rich pea-soup green. Up close the lake water looks almost “gloopy” and rather unpleasant but from a distance of 5 metres or more it takes on a beautiful emerald appearance which with wooded hills as a backdrop makes the lake very photogenic. This super-growth of Cyanobacteria coupled with a relative lack of disturbance produces just the right conditions to create what is one of the greatest natural wonders of the World. Lake Bogoria is a sparkling jewel –a pink fringed Emerald that holds the single greatest population of flamingos on the planet. There are Greater Flamingos present but it is the massive number of Lesser Flamingos that makes this place truly spectacular.
Lake Bogoria sits within a national nature reserve which holds a rather limited range of wildlife, the most visible of which are: Plains Zebra, Warthogs, Grant's Gazelle and Ostriches. It is also one of the best places in East Africa to see Greater Kudu (best in the late afternoon). It is however the flamingo flock which makes this place stand out. When the lake levels and mineral content are just right the lake can support over two million flamingos.
In the summer of 2011 we were fortunate to be able to visit this lake at just the right time and what we saw was truly amazing!
We drove on down from the reserve gate to the southern edge of the lake to witness a truly awesome and jaw-dropping scene. Bogoria was a vivid green soup, replete with microbial life and there to harvest the rich bounty was an immense flock of pink-hued flamingos. The reserve gate-staff had told us that the flock was thought to number between 1.5 and 2 million as the condition of the lake water was optimal for sustaining a massive Cyanobacteria bloom and therefore supporting the huge numbers of flamingos. We got out of our vehicle near the shoreline to an assault on the senses. The air was tainted with a faintly “fishy” aroma (there are no fish in Bogoria) mixed with the smell of sulphur, whilst a background cackling cacophony was interspersed with demented raucous honking. But it was the vast expanse of pink on green that demanded our full attention, a visual extravaganza beyond anything we had ever seen before! We stood transfixed, paralysed by this surreal and wonderful sight. Eventually the spell was broken as my wife’s camera discharged a machine-gun burst of shutter clicks. As I set up my tripod I had a slight feeling of disquiet, there was something strange and unusual about this experience, something .........unexpected; then it hit me, we were alone, alone with two million flamingos; we were here witnessing one of the greatest natural splendours that Africa has to offer and we had it all to ourselves!
Driving up the eastern side of the lake leads to an area where hot volcanic springs and sulphurous fumaroles can be seen. There are also a number of geysers and steam vents which can, with care, be explored more closely. The sight of a spouting geyser against the backdrop of the massive flamingo flock is a dramatic and almost surreal experience and you are instantly reminded that this is Africa's Great Rift Valley, one of the most geologically active areas on our planet!
Whilst Bogoria can be reached on a day trip from Nakuru it is better to stay locally if possible.
There is only one hotel near the lake: The Lake Bogoria Spa Resort ( http://www.lakebogoria-hotel.com/ ) of which I cannot comment as I haven't stayed there. Another, perhaps better option is to stay at Lake Baringo which is a large freshwater lake about 1 hour's drive to the north of Bogoria. The Lake Baringo area has a number of accommodation options ranging from campsites, self-catering cottages, mid-range lodge accommodation (-the Baringo Country Club) to more expensive luxury accommodation at Samation Island lodge ( http://www.samatianislandlodge.com/ ).
Lake Baringo itself offers the opportunity for excellent boat trips which will be of particular interest to birdwatchers but also offer good close-up views of hippos whilst the lake is a real contrast to Lake Bogoria. A two night stay at Baringo will provide sufficient time to explore both Lakes Baringo and Bogoria whilst offering a relaxing break in the itinerary between safaris in such places as Nakuru National park and the Mara.
Written 12 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul W
London, UK162 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
The water level in Lake Bogoria has risen considerably and the old road has been washed away. It's an 18km drive to the hot springs and the scenery, flamingos, and pelicans are stunning. The road is not suitable for saloon cars and the 18km trip takes 40 mins to 1 hour each way. So provided you are in a 4x4 it is well worth the trip to this remote part of Kenya.
Written 13 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry I would not know but you can google kenya park fees and a full chart will come up
Written 4 February 2020
I'm looking to book a lake stay in Kenya for a few days in July. The options I'm considering are Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru or Lake Baringo. Can anyone recommend which is best for seeing wildlife?
I've heard Lake Bogoria is best for flamingos but is there a much wider variety of wildlife to see there?
Written 2 May 2018
Lake Nakuru National Park has lots of game. Baringo and Bogoria are more for birds. However Lake Baringo Island resort is stunning.
Written 14 May 2018
Hello.
Do we need a guide to get to the geysers and flamingos? If yes, can you please suggest one? If no, how did you find them
Thanks in advance.
Neil
Written 11 December 2017
You don't really need a guide but if you do I am helpful and available.
Written 17 December 2017
Planning a trip for students and teaching staff,what are the charges and for which packages?
Written 12 July 2017
what is the park fees for lake bagoria.. as of today.... is it worth spending so high park fees to see flamingos from far distance?
as i was informed cant get close to shore
Written 15 September 2016
hello clarissac...nice to hear you visited lake bogoria... i was there last october... which route did you take to lake bogoria which took you only 2 hours from nakuru.... we started at 8am in morning and reached at 11-30 am passing through tarmac road for first 30 minutes and then 3 hours ride on a stony bumpy road from tarmac road to lake bogoria the bad road is almost 50km... had a nightmare travelling up and down for 6 hours covering 100km
Written 1 November 2016
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