Lake Bogoria is an alkaline lake that lies in a volcanic region south of Lake Baringo, Kenya. Like Lakes Logipi, Baringo, Magadi and Elementaita, Lake Bogoria, is home, at times, to one of the world’s largest populations of lesser flamingos.

Naturally, it is Lake Nakuru that is the crowd-puller, but this year, tables have changed. It is not to the famous lake that tourists are flocking to as they come to behold the sheer number of flamingos in Kenya.

With an estimated 1.7 million lesser flamingos this year, Lake Bogoria has claimed the top position for hosting the largest population of birds in Kenya and in the world – relegating the traditional home of the flamingoes to the second position. The global population of lesser flamingos stands at about 2 million.

The lesser flamingos are the most common type of flamingo found in Kenya and 75% are to be seen in Lake Bogoria. This year’s numbers are the highest recorded at the lake in the last 4 years earning it the title of the ‘natural home of flamingos’. As a result, visitor numbers are anticipated to go well above the average annual figure of 150,000.

There are also a large number of greater flamingoes in the lake. Some of the birds in Lake Baringo migrate from Europe between October and March each year. The lake which is home to some 472 bird species is a Ramsar site and has been a protected National Reserve since 1973. It is inscribed in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

Besides enjoying the diversity of birdlife at the lake, one can also visit the numerous hot springs and geysers located on the western shore. The lake has the largest number of geysers in Africa. It is said that in 1828, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred at the lake.