The Ultimate Guide to Lake Baringo National Park

Eagle at Lake Baringo National Park

Lake Baringo, in Lake Baringo National Park, is an idyllic freshwater lake. It is tucked away at the northern edge of the Great Rift Valley in Baringo County, about 290 KM from Nairobi. It is fed by Molo, Perkerra, and Arabel rivers.

Although the lake has no obvious outlet, it is one of two freshwater lakes in Kenya’s Rift Valley, the other being Lake Naivasha. It covers an area of 130 sq Km, and it acts as an oasis in the generally arid northern Kenya region. The lake has the breathtaking views of Tugen Hills to its west and the vast Laikipia Plateau to the east.

While not as popular as its sister lakes; Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo is a hidden gem with breathtaking views, small islands, abundant bird and animal life.

Book Your Safari to Lake Baringo National Park with Us

At AjKenyaSafaris.com, we arrange for you to visit Lake Baringo as part of a northern Kenya circuit tour. Other tourist attractions in this circuit include Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Parks.

Book your safari now by sending us an email at  james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com.  You can also call or WhatsApp us at +254-748-258-880.

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Lake Baringo Things to Do & Top 5 Attractions 

Here are our top recommendations for the most interesting things to do during your tour of Lake Baringo:

 1. Explore its Islands by Motorboat

Lake Baringo features seven islands namely Rongena, Samatian, Ol Kokwe, Parmolos, Gibraltar, Lokoros and the Devils Island.

Ol Kokwe, now an extinct volcano, is the largest Lake Baringo island and sits right in the middle of the lake. It houses the local Njemps people as well as Baringo Island Camp, one of the best accommodations at Lake Baringo.

Devil’s Island presents an interesting opportunity for you to defy the myth that surrounds it- if you dare! The local Njemps believe that the island is a home of devils and at night howling sounds and blue flames of fire can be seen, only to disappear in the morning. Due to this myth, the locals do not go there and get thoroughly amused at visitors who wish to risk their lives rock climbing in the forbidden island.

Gibraltar is a small islet that features the largest goliath heron population in East Africa. The goliath heron is the largest type of heron in the world, extremely aquatic and does not venture far from the water source. It is a solitary forager and does not take kindly to other birds invading its feeding grounds. Due to its large size a goliath heron is able to forage deep into the waters more than other birds can.

Samatian Island is small and green, home to Samatian Island Camp- another accommodation facility at Lake Baringo. Other smaller islands at Lake Baringo are seasonal and get submerged in water during the rainy season only to reappear when it’s dry.

 2. Wildlife Tour

Strictly speaking, Lake Baringo is not popular for wildlife viewing. Nevertheless,  you will still see plenty of games by taking a boat excursion to ‘Giraffe Island’ on the 19,000 acres Ruko Conservancy on the eastern shores of the lake.

Ruko Conservancy is a unique conservation effort that also brings Lake Baringo’s two traditionally warring tribes- the Pokot and the Njemps together. Within the conservancy is a fenced sanctuary that holds animals that have been translocated from other areas with the aim of eventually repopulating the area that was once teeming with wildlife.

This sanctuary is unique in that during the rainy season when the lake swells it temporarily becomes an island, separated from the main conservancy until the waters recede. In 2012 eight Rothschild giraffes were moved from Soysambu Conservancy in Laikipia and brought to Ruko Conservancy nearly 70 years since they last inhabited Baringo.

You will also be able to do a nature walk at Ruko Conservancy and to get closer to these gentle giant herbivores as well as other animals such as ostriches, mountain hyrax, baboons, warthogs, waterbucks, and impala.

The lake itself is home to a healthy population of hippos and crocodiles. Be warned that the ‘logs’ you see on the shores of the lake are actually crocodiles taking in some sun so do not disturb them!

Lake Baringo National Park - AjKenyaSafaris.com
Enjoy Game Drives at Lake Baringo National Park with AjKenyaSafaris.com

 3. Birding Tours

This is a chance for you to try and identify as many bird species as you can. Lake Baringo is a haven for birdwatchers with over 450 bird species recorded here. These include: Goliath heron, The African eagle, The African openbill stork, and the Rare species such as the violet wood hoopoe as well as the African paradise flycatcher.

The paradise flycatcher is a particularly distinctive bird, featuring a crown on its head and a very long tail. We will organize for you to take a birding tour either by motorboat or as part of a nature walk with a knowledgeable resident guide.

Your guide will be able to point out the different kinds of birds and other interesting anecdotes along the way. The most exciting moment and a definite showstopper is a performance by the African Eagle so get your cameras ready!

The African eagle scouts for prey (fish in the lake) from atop a tree, waits until the opportune moment then swoops into the water and snatches the fish with its strong claws in one motion. Seeing the eagle in action is quite a spectacular photo moment and your guide may trigger some action by throwing some fish in the air.

 4. Interacting with the local Njemps People

Lake Baringo is an excellent place for you to immerse yourself and learn about one of Kenya’s most intriguing tribes, the Njemps people who live in and around the lake. The Njemps people (also known as Il Chamus) are thought to be related to the Samburu and Masai tribes as their culture and traditions are similar.

The Njemps are however unique in that they no longer practice nomadism. They have settled down to herd livestock such as cows and goats, grow crops and also fish in the lake. An excursion to a Njemps village reveals their interesting lifestyle. The Njemps use boats called ‘gadich’ made from local balsa wood that grows around Lake Bogoria.

The gadich is simply a log that has been carved on the inside to create a hollow space, a craft that is passed on from generation to generation. They use these boats to fish, as well as to ferry their animals across the islands for pasture. 

Only the goats have the privilege of being ferried by boat as the cows have to swim across- quite a sight for newcomers! The Njemps will freely teach you how to make the gadich, their traditional ways of smoking fish as well as weaving beads and handicrafts.

 5. Fishing

Owing to its fresh water status and the increase in water levels over the Years Lake Baringo enjoys abundant fish populations including the marbled lungfish, African catfish, tilapia and barbel varieties.

The local Njemps people have taken up fishing as an economic venture but if you enjoy fishing you can spice up your expedition by taking part in the Baringo Fishing Competition.

The competition takes place every year with the proceeds going to two projects. These include rehabilitation and conservation of Lake Baringo including restocking tilapia in the lake as well as to a health clinic that caters to the local people.

You might find yourself going home with bragging rights for biggest fish caught; most fish species caught, or even for the best-dressed team!

Even if you are not crazy about fishing this competition is a chance for you to enjoy Kenya’s renowned nyama choma (barbeque meat). Chased down with something frothy and ice cold- all in one of the most picturesque safari destinations in Kenya.

Hippo and crocodile
Hippo Fighting a Crocodile at Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo Hotels – Top 4 Accommodation

There are several places to stay during your expedition to Lake Baringo and our team of experts will advise you on all available options as per your preferences and budget.

 1. Island Camp Resort 

It is one of the best accommodation options at Lake Baringo. It is located on the southern end of Ol Kokwe Island, right in the middle of the lake. Island Camp Resort is one of the oldest camps in Kenya and was completely refurbished in 2013 and now offers accommodation in comfortable thatched cottages with large lake-facing verandahs and private pools.

The cottages come in superior and deluxe options. The camp also features a dining room overlooking the lake, a bar, pool bar and table games. The camp can arrange different kinds of excursions around the lake for its guests.

 2. Samatian Island Lake Baringo

The hotel is located on Samatian Island and offers breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. Samatian Island runs as a self-catering facility with five thatched rooms, two of these being family units. 

There is a dining room that can seat 12 people and extra chairs can be provided for children. The lodge has an infinity pool with breathtaking views of the lake and the hills surrounding it.

Samatian Island Lake Baringo
Samatian Island Lake Baringo - Accommodation in Baringo

 3. Soi Safari Lodge

This lodge is located on the shores of Lake Baringo at Kampi Samaki, a small fishing town. Surrounded by acacia trees and beautiful landscapes the lodge offers accommodation in 86 rooms of various categories.

Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, large swimming pool, spa services as well as conferencing rooms. The lodge offers excursions to Lake Baringo including nature walks, boat rides and tours to the local Njemps villages.

 4. Robert’s Camp

It is a well-designed campsite along the shores of Lake Baringo. It offers various sleeping options including camping grounds with a clean toilet. Shower facilities, bandas as well as large and small tents set under a thatched roof.

There is also a cottage that sleeps up to 6 people.  The Thirsty Goat bar and restaurant is open for guests but campers are advised to call in advance as it’s often full. Like other accommodations in the area Robert’s Camp offers different excursions to Lake Baringo and beyond, including day trips to the nearby Lake Bogoria National Park.

Robert’s Camp
Robert’s Camp at Lake Baringo

FAQs – Lake Baringo National Park

The lake is part of the Baringo-Bogoria ecosystem, a Ramsar site since 2005.  The lake supports many species of birds and animals including hippos, crocodiles and fish. It is a popular spot for birdwatchers as it has more than 350 species of birds including some rare ones such as Below are some frequently asked questions about Lake Baringo in Kenya.

 1. What is the size of Lake Baringo? 

Lake Baringo covers an area of approximately 130 square kilometers, making it the tenth largest of Kenya’s lakes.

 2.  Where is Lake Baringo located? Lake Baringo Location

Lake Baringo is located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. It is situated in the north-western part of the country and borders both Baringo County and Nakuru County.

 3. What type of fish can be found in Lake Baringo? 

There are about 30 species of fish in Lake Baringo, including Nile perch, Tilapia and catfish. The lake is also home to a variety of aquatic birds.

 4. What activities can be enjoyed at Lake Baringo? 

Visitors to Lake Baringo can enjoy a variety of activities, such as boat tours, fishing, bird watching and swimming. There are also a number of lodges around the lake offering accommodation and other tourist activities. 

 5. How deep is Lake Baringo? 

The maximum depth of Lake Baringo is approximately 30 metres. The lake is also home to a number of islands, the largest of which is Ol Kokwe Island.

 6. Is Lake Baringo Freshwater?

It is the second largest freshwater lake in Kenya with an area of 130 sq km. It is a saline, alkaline lake with many hot springs around its shores.

 7. Is Lake Baringo Salty?

It is a freshwater lake but is slightly alkaline due to runoff from nearby hot springs. It also contains some levels of salinity due to the addition of salt by evaporation. The alkalinity of the water is beneficial to some species, such as tilapia which are able to tolerate its high levels.

 8. What is the best time to visit Lake Baringo?

Lake Baringo is truly an all-year destination as the weather is generally warm throughout the year. The Lake experiences two rainy seasons along with the rest of the country- from April- June, and October- December.

Even during the rainy season, the land dries fast and this should not impede your tour to Lake Baringo in any way. A few years ago the level of the lake rose suddenly submerging camps like the Lake Baringo Club and part of Roberts Camp as well as displacing thousands of local inhabitants.