Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo is one of a number of lakes that form part of the East African Rift system. The Tugen Hills, an uplifted fault of volcanic and metamorphic rocks, lies west of the lake, while the Laikipia Escarpment lies to the east. It is one of the two fresh-water lakes in the Rift Valley (the other being Lake Naivasha). It lies off the beaten track in a hot and dusty setting, and is one of the northern-most lakes in the valley. The real joy of Baringo is how little of the tourist traffic from Naivasha and Nakuru makes it up this far. Time spent boating and walking around the lake is heavenly, whilst the hot springs and flamingos of Lake Bogoria are only a short drive away. Over 470 species of birds have been recorded there, occasionally including migrating flamingos. A Goliath heronry used to be located on a rocky islet in the lake known as Gibraltar, but it is not visible any longer. However, experts say they are not permanent and could possibly be re-established in the future.