Part of the East African Rift Valley, Lake Baringo is one of only two freshwater Rift Valley lakes, together with Lake Naivasha, in Kenya. It is in the remote west-central region of Kenya, with only Lake Turkana being further north. Lake Baringo is fed by a number of rivers, but has no visible outlet. It is assumed that the water seeps away into the faults in the bedrock. The water level of Lake Baringo dropped to some of the lowest levels recorded due to drought and agricultural irrigation but the floods in Northern Kenya in recent years pushed the level up alarmingly.
Wildlife of Lake Baringo
Many of the Kenyan Rift Valley lakes are known for their birdlife, and in particular the concentrations of Flamingoes, but because of Baringo’s freshwater properties Flamingoes tend to stay away. The lake is home to more than 470 species of birds however – many of which breed on and around the lake. It is an important stop for migratory birds – both inter-Africa and globally.
The area is also home to a number of species such as Hippo, Crocodile, Zebra, Klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, Chandler’s Mountain Reedbuck, and the rare Greater Kudu.