The Most Scenic Lakes in Kenya for Your Next Safari
Kenya also boasts several scenic lakes worth exploring. These large water bodies, from the well-known Lake Victoria to hidden gems like Lake Elementaita, add to the country’s incredible beauty.
Kenya is home to 64 lakes, comprising 6.5% of Africa’s lakes. Eight lakes are found within the Great Rift Valley, and most have a high concentration of salts and other minerals.
In this article, Roamroar Kenya Safaris looks closer at the most stunning lakes in the East African country for your next safari.
What Is The Biggest Lake in Kenya?
Also known as the Jade Sea, Lake Turkana is the biggest lake in Kenya and the largest alkaline lake in the world. It is 300 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide.
The lake is found on the Rift Valley in Northern Kenya, although its northern end has crossed the border to Ethiopia. It was previously called Lake Rudolph before being renamed Lake Turkana in 1975.
Lake Turkana is ideal for tourists who want to enjoy birdwatching and sport fishing, as there are over 400 bird species here and 50 fish species. The lake is also home to crocodiles, hippos, and several species of snakes.
What Are The Most Scenic Lakes in Kenya?
1. Lake Nakuru
Apart from being one of the most scenic lakes in Kenya, Lake Nakuru is also among the most popular lakes in the world. Situated in the Great Rift Valley in central Kenya, Lake Nakuru is renowned for its high flamingo population, attracting tourists from all parts of the world. The flamingos often exceed hundreds of thousands, turning the lake shores pink.
Apart from flamingos, over 450 bird species live in the lake's surroundings, making it a perfect destination for birdwatching. The lake is preserved as a national park, and visitors enjoy guided walks, game drives, and birding there. Some animals you can spot at Lake Nakuru National Park include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, hippos, Rothschild's giraffes, and buffalo.
2. Lake Naivasha
Another lake located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, is a must-visit for nature lovers who want to explore Kenya's beautiful lakes. It also has a significant population of flamingos, hippos, zebras, and giraffes, making it a tourist destination. The lake is preserved as a national park, home to abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. Visitors here enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and boat rides.
A visit to Lake Naivasha is often combined with a tour to nearby attractions such as Hell's Gate National Park, which is known for its dramatic landscapes and wildlife.
Lake Naivasha is one of the two freshwater lakes in Kenya's Rift Valley - the other being Lake Baringo.
3. Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo is a scenic lake in the Great Rift Valley and the second-most northern lake after Lake Turkana. The lake has several rivers feeding it, including Ol Arabel, Perkerra, and Molo, but has no clear outlet. Scientists believe the lake is fresh because the water seeps through lake sediments into the volcanic bedrock.
Lake Baringo has several attractions, including seven beautiful islands, birds, fish species, and animals. The largest island on the lake is Ol Kokwe Island, which has several hot springs and fumaroles worth exploring.
Some animals roaming the islands on Lake Baringo include hippos, crocodiles, zebras, dik-dik, and gazelles. Since the lake is rarely visited, you will enjoy exploring Baringo’s beauty.
