Lake Bogoria National Reserve: A Haven of Flamingoes and Geothermal Wonders
Introduction to Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Approximately 239 km (148miles) northwest of Nairobi on the south of the equator you find the Lake Bogoria national reserve. The reserve was declared a place of huge ecological importance in the 1970s and since then its shores have been under strong protection.
Lake Bogoria national reserve is in a semi-arid area.
Lake bogoria national reserve covers an area of 107km2 (41 square miles) with the lake covering 34km2 (13square miles). Found on the floor of the great rift valley in a trough below the Ngendelel escarpment the reserve lies about 1000m to 1600m above sea level .
Lake bogoria is the main attraction. Originating from the northern slopes of the Aberdare ranges Waseges river is the only major river feeding the lake. The river runs through a very dry bushy terrain before entering the lake at its northern end. The lake is surrounded by grasslands dotted with bushes. There is acacia-fichus woodland to the south, and the north merges into a papyrus swamp.
Lake Bogoria: A Jewel of the Rift Valley
The Enchanting Flamingoes
Famous for the large number of Flamigoes on it, which can at times cross the 2 million mark making lake bogoria one of the best places in the world to watch flamingoes.
The waters of the Lake are alkaline. This alkalinity facilitates the growth of blue-green algae which in turn feed the great number of flamingoes which form a beautiful pink cloud over the lake
Away from the fascinating flamingoes, the lake’s greatest wonder is the presence of over 200 steaming volcanic springs around and under the lake. The temperature of the waters here can reach up to 94 degrees Celsius. If you want to cook a fast food without lighting a stove or taking a warm bath without having to warm any water, then this is the place to be. Just pack your noodles and eggs and come cook and bath in the warm and hot springs of Lake Bongoria national reserve.
Hot Springs and Geysers
Erupting Geysers are another major attraction here. In various locations around and within the lake up to 18 geysers can be spotted, their plumes rising up to 5m (16ft) high. In the whole African continent there is any other spot that can boast of having more geysers that Lake Bogoria reserve. The geysers have a finite life span as the geothermal pressure below fades over time.
Bird Watching Paradise
The reserve also offers a great bird watching experience. Lake Bogoria National Reserve is home to 135 bird species ranging from the tawny eagles, stork, yellow billed stork, sacred ibis, ostrich, crane, little grebe, spoonbill buzzard, hornbill, African spoonbill, little bee-eater, augur buzzard, gabber gas hawk, great tit, water dikkop to the pratincol.
Wildlife of Lake Bogoria
Though not the main attraction nor commonly seen around the reserve wildlife is also another attraction that cannot be brushed aside. Wild animal species found here include herds of the uncommon greater kudu, spotted hyena, impala, olive baboons, cheater, leopard, impala, buffalo, dik-dik, zebra, caracal, vervet monkeys, baboon, and warthog.
