Baringo’s Attractions

By Allan Olingo

Tourism is gaining prominence in Baringo County due to the high potential of attractions such as lakes Baringo and Bogoria.

These two lakes have spectacular sceneries, a dazzling array of colourful birdlife, with Lake Baringo boasting of the Turkana, Pokot, Tugen and Ilchamus fishermen.

The main access to Baringo is from Nakuru by bus or private transport, and the nearest town to the lake is Kampi ya Samaki. Lake Baringo, at 144 square kilometres, is situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley system of faults and cliffs.

Fed by fresh water inflows from Mau Complex and Tugen Hills, it is surrounded by semi-desert vegetation and high temperatures. To the east of the lake is the scenic Laikipia Escarpment and The Tugen Hills with many volcanic features sits on the western side of the lake.

The lake also boasts of beautiful islands with the well-known one being the Olkokwa Island, which is the home of the Ilchamus people. This island is an excellent base for exploring the lake, with boat trips ideal for bird and hippo spotting.

Other islands on the lake are Lokoros, Sumaityan, Parmolok, Lesukut, Lengai, Longcharo, Rongena and Devils. Local myth has it that  Devils Island is the home of devils and no one lives there, despite its lovely rocky view. 

Baringo is also home to the Chesawanja archaeological site. This site is well known for the evidence of ancient man’s control of fire and more advanced art of civilisation.

There are two reptile parks in the lakeshore: The Lake Baringo Reptile Park and Dr Richard Leakey’s Snake Park. These parks house snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, turtles, monitor lizards, and offer a panoramic view of the lake on one side, and Kampi Samaki Escarpment on the other.

The attractions here include the crocodiles, hippos and more than 400 bird species hunting for fish from the lake.

Pink lake

The beautiful Lake Bogoria also sits in this county. The ’pink’ lake is the heart of an arid landscape, in the shadow of the Siracho Range walls. It is referred to as pink because of the huge numbers of flamingos that are attracted to it by its soda waters.

There are also a huge number of fish eagles that prey on the flamingos. The shores are nearly always lined with gazelle, zebra and baboons. This is one of the best places to see the greater kudu.

Accommodation within Baringo is varied and notable tourist hotels and lodges include the Island Camp, Lake Bogoria Club, Roberts Camp and Soi Safari.

Cultural tourism is another tourist attraction with the Pokot, Ilchamus and Turkana villages that sits on the shores of the lake showing the rich culture and heritage in this area.

The activities that one can engage in here include boat rides, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, swimming, camping and nature walks.