Lakes in Kenya

Lake Bogoria is located just north of the equator, 250 kilometers from Nairobi. Like most of the Rift Valley lakes, it is alkaline and has several flamingos, making it one of the most scenic lakes in Kenya. Due to its primary ecological importance, the lake has been declared a Ramsar site.

Lake Bogoria is accessible to tourists from 8 am to 5 pm, and guests here can enjoy birdwatching, nature safaris, and boat rides. However, the lake is situated in a remote location, attracting fewer visitors.

Lake Magadi is located in the southernmost region of Kenya in Kajiado County. The journey from Nairobi to the lake takes three hours, and the path goes through severe countryside, giving you a glimpse of the lives of the local Masai community. Expect to see traditionally dressed men tending cows by the roadside on your way to Magadi town.

Lake Magadi is renowned for being a birding destination as it has over 100 bird species, including Grey-headed silverbill, Cut-Throat, Taita Fiscal, Decken's Hornbill, and Northern Crombec. Besides birding, the lake is also a fantastic place to spot wildlife, as zebras, warthogs, antelopes, giraffes, and hyenas, among other wild animals, can be easily spotted around its edges.

Lake Magadi has several hot springs located on its northwest and southern shorelines. Guests here can enjoy diving in these springs at the most incredible time of the day since the water in some springs reaches 90 degrees. Do not be surprised to see the lake turn bright pink as this happens because of an algae bloom.

Whether it's Kenya or Africa, you can't talk about lakes and fail to mention the famous Lake Victoria. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania share the lake, which covers 59,947 square kilometers. Whereas Tanzania takes up 49% (33,700 square kilometers) of the total size of the lake and Uganda takes up 45% (31,000 square kilometers), Kenya takes just 6% (4,100 square kilometers). It's the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.

‍Lake Victoria was named after British explorer John Hanning Speke named it after Queen Victoria. Lake Victoria's primary water source is rainfall, but streams and rivers empty into it.

Lake Victoria is an excellent destination for wildlife viewing as the surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, gigantic otter shrews, African clawless otters, and bohor reedbuck. Over 100 fish species are also on the lake, but the invasive Nile perch has caused the numbers to decline. Scientists believe that the lake's Indigenous species have been  reduced by 80%.

We recommend you take a boat safari to enjoy breathtaking lake views. Besides being a tourist destination, Lake Victoria is also vital to the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyans nearby.

Nestled between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita is one of Kenya’s hidden gems. This lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides breathtaking scenery and an intimate connection with nature, making it a fantastic destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Like Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita is also a birdwatching destination as it has several bird species, with flamingos being the most dominant. A visit to the lake can be combined with a trip to Soysambu Conservancy, home to antelopes, zebras, and giraffes.