3-Day Lake Baringo & Lake Bogoria Rift Valley Escape
Lake Baringo · Lake Bogoria
Starting from
USD 520 / person
Tour Highlights
Places You'll Visit
Explore the destinations included in this safari
About This Tour
3-Day Lake Baringo & Lake Bogoria Rift Valley Escape
Tour Overview
This short Rift Valley journey focuses on two destinations that offer something very different from Kenya's classic safari parks.
Lake Baringo is known for its freshwater environment, birdlife and boat excursions.
Lake Bogoria is dramatically different, with geothermal features, hot springs and large numbers of flamingos when conditions are suitable.
TipThis itinerary is ideal for travelers who want landscapes, birds and natural features rather than another conventional Big Five safari.
Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Baringo
Depart Nairobi in the morning and travel into the Great Rift Valley.
Arrive around Lake Baringo and settle into your accommodation.
In the afternoon, take a boat excursion across the lake.
The boat experience provides an opportunity to observe:
- Fish eagles
- Cormorants
- Kingfishers
- Herons
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Other waterbirds
The lake is surrounded by rugged hills, creating a dramatic setting for photography.
Traditional boat moving across Lake Baringo at golden hour with a fish eagle perched nearby and the Rift Valley escarpment in the background.
WarningHippos and crocodiles are wild animals. Remain inside the boat and follow the guide's instructions throughout the excursion.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 — Lake Baringo to Lake Bogoria
Enjoy a relaxed morning around Lake Baringo before continuing toward Lake Bogoria.
The landscape changes as you approach the lake, with increasingly dramatic geothermal features.
Explore areas around Lake Bogoria and its hot springs.
When conditions are suitable, the lake may also support substantial flamingo concentrations.
NoteFlamingo numbers vary according to water levels, food availability and seasonal conditions. A large flock should never be guaranteed.
Take time to observe the geothermal landscape before continuing to your accommodation.
Spend the evening in the Rift Valley.
Day 3 - Bogoria Exploration & Nairobi
Begin with a final morning visit around Lake Bogoria.
Explore the lake's volcanic and geothermal features before starting the return journey to Nairobi.
Depending on timing, there may be opportunities for scenic stops along the Rift Valley route.
Arrive in Nairobi later in the day.
TipThe journey back can be combined with selected Rift Valley viewpoints for travelers interested in landscape photography.
Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria
The two lakes create a useful contrast.
| Lake Baringo | Lake Bogoria |
|---|---|
| Freshwater lake | Alkaline lake |
| Boat excursions | Geothermal features |
| Birdwatching | Flamingo viewing opportunities |
| Hippos and crocodiles | Hot springs |
| Rugged lake scenery | Volcanic landscape |
The appeal of the itinerary is not trying to turn the lakes into safari destinations.
It is about experiencing a different side of Kenya's natural environment.
Best For
- Birdwatchers
- Photographers
- Nature lovers
- Couples
- Repeat Kenya visitors
- Travelers interested in geology
- Travelers seeking quieter destinations
- Short Rift Valley escapes
Accommodation
Budget
Comfortable guesthouses and simple lakeside accommodation.
Mid-Range
Well-appointed lodges and hotels around the lakes.
Luxury
Higher-end lakeside properties where available.
NoteAccommodation options are more limited than in Kenya's major safari destinations and depend on travel dates.
Practical Notes
Pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight clothing
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Light jacket
- Reusable water bottle
WarningGeothermal areas can be extremely hot. Stay on designated paths and follow local guide instructions around hot springs and steam vents.
Plan Your Rift Valley Escape
ZikaraLink Travel can customize this itinerary around your interests in birdwatching, photography, geology and nature.
Possible additions include:
- Lake Naivasha
- Hell's Gate National Park
- Mount Longonot
- Longer Rift Valley itineraries
- Private transport
- Birdwatching-focused excursions
- Nairobi extensions
Included
- Nairobi pickup and drop-off
- private transport
- professional English-speaking guide
- 2 nights accommodation
- Lake Baringo boat excursion
- Lake Bogoria entry fees
- nature exploration
- bottled drinking water
- meals as specified
Excluded
- International flights
- visa fees
- travel insurance
- alcoholic drinks
- personal expenses
- tips
- optional activities
- fishing activities
- items not listed under inclusions