Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

There are numerous lakes throughout Kenya, mostly lying in the great Rift Valley. Most of these are shallow soda lakes, but there are also a few freshwater lakes, including Lake Victoria.

Lake Turkana stretches south from the Ethiopian border for some 250kms. It is Kenya's largest lake and as a result of the Leakey's archaeological digs, is regarded as the "birthplace of humanity". This remote region of Kenya, with its diverse geographical and climatic features, naturally shelters a varied fauna. The Grey's zebra as well as the reticulated giraffe thrive in this area. Lake Turkana also supports the largest population of Nile crocodiles.

Lake Turkana and Fishing Lake Turkana

Possibly the Ornithologist's dream come true, Lake Nakuru at times shelters over a million flamingos as well as nearly 500 species of bird. Though mainly a bird sanctuary, the 202 square kms park is also home to the Black Rhino, Reed Buck, Hippo, Leopard, Waterbuck and the introduced Rothschild's Giraffe. The park also boasts the greatest concentration of leopard in Kenya.

The lake supports many different species of aquatic animal and bird life as well as crocodiles and herds of hippos. But the lake, dubbed the "bird-watching centre of Kenya" is mainly an ornithologist's dream with some 450 species of birds that fill the trees around its shores. Boat rides on the lake and visits to its islands can also be arranged.

Flaminggos on Lake Nakuru

Due to fluctuations in Lake Nakuru’s level, many flamingos migrate back and forth between Nakuru and Bogoria in search of better feeding grounds. At times around a million of them can be found in Lake Bogoria where they give a pink haze to the horizon. The other attractions of Lake Bogoria are the hot springs and geysers along the lake going south. The land to the west of the lake is a hot and a relatively barren and though animals are few, you can catch sight of small herds of Thompson's gazelle, greater kudu or impala.

Naivasha is one of the Rift valley's freshwater lakes and its ecology is quite different from that of the soda lakes. It is home to an incredible variety of bird species and a focus of conservation efforts in Kenya. The surrounding countryside is a major production area of flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as beef cattle.

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