Tourist attractions in Baringo County

Tourist attractions in Baringo County : In what was formerly Kenya’s Rift Valley province, there is a county named Baringo. The county is referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Views” because of the stunning beauty.

Six electoral regions make up Baringo County: Baringo Central, Baringo South, Baringo North, Eldama Ravine, Mogotio, and Tiaty. Kabarnet serves as both the county’s capital and largest town. You can gain insight into the way of life of minority ethnic groups including the Pokot, Tugen, Njemps, and Nubians by travelling to this county. The top attractions in Baringo County are listed here.

Lake Bogoria

One of the most stunning lakes in the Great Rift Valley is Lake Bogoria, which is surrounded by a sea of hot, pink geysers. As a day trip from neighbouring Lake Baringo, it is best observed. At any given time, Lake Bogoria is known to be home to more than 2 million flamingos. The lake is one of the best places to observe flamingos because they may be seen here year-round. Lake Bogoria which is within Lake Bogoria National Reserve is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Along the shores of Lake Bogoria, acres of lush, green wilderness and forest provide habitat for a diverse range of animals and plants. Striped zebras, Ostriches, impalas, vervet monkeys and hyena packs are frequently spotted feeding on the emerald green grass among the bushes. The main draws of the lake are its hot springs and geysers, where you can boil eggs and even boil corn.

Lake Baringo

On the northern edge of the Great Rift Valley sits Lake Baringo, a 130 square kilometres freshwater lake. The Laikipia Escarpments and Tugen Hills are both parts of the East African Rift System, which also includes Lake Baringo. There is no exit for Lake Baringo, which is nourished by the Molo, Perkerra, and Ol Arabel rivers.

Lake Baringo and Lake Naivasha are the two freshwater lakes in the rift valley. The lake is home to amphibians, hippos, crocodiles, and over 470 different bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and fish eagles. The lake also features islands, including the well-known Ol Kokwe Island, which may be reached by boat. Fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, swimming, camping, and nature walks are some of the many activities that may be done here. It is also the best place for Bird watching safaris in Kenya .

Lake Bogoria Reserve

In the 107 square kilometre of Lake Bogoria National Reserve, there are 34 square kilometre of water. The Reserve has over 135 different bird species identified, the area is a haven for birds. These include the tiny grebe, black-necked grebe, pratincole, swift, little bee-eater, cape wigeon, yellow-billed stork, water dikkop, great tit, starling, hornbill, and crombec making it one of the best places in Kenya for birdwatching safaris.

The reserve serves as a habitat for the secretive Greater Kudu. Buffalo, zebra, cheetah, warthogs, velvet monkeys, spotted hyenas, impalas, and Dik Dik are some other wild animals. Camping, bird watching, game viewing, nature hikes, and boat trips can all be enjoyed in the reserve.

Kabarnet Museum

In 1996, the public was allowed access to the Kabarnet Museum. The Rift Valley people, their culture, its environment, indigenous knowledge, and science for education are all featured in the museum, which is housed in the former District Commissioner Residence. The museum has two main public galleries.

The Museum’s primary attractions include;

• Cultural displays from the communities of Tugen, Ilchamus, Pokot, and Keiyo
• Live displays of reptiles including snakes, crocodiles, and tortoises from the Nile
• Playground for kids featuring slides and swings where kids may have fun, relax, and help them learn valuable skills.

Visitors can view videos and displays of thematic exhibitions about culture, the environment, wildlife, and more in the education hall filled with educational resources.

The Museum also features native tree species that can live for more than 100 years. The trees serve as homes for several bird species and offer visitors picturesque outside natural settings.

Lake Baringo reptiles Park

In order to educate the public about the numerous types of reptiles that are present, this park was created in 2003. Its development involved involvement from the Paris-based Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle. Black Mamba, Puff Adder, Boomslang (tree snake), Spitting Cobra, Monitor Lizards, Crocodiles, and a central pit shared by endangered tortoises and non-venomous Stripe-bellied Sand Snakes are just a few of the reptile species on display in the open-air museum. A qualified staff member is available to show you around and respond to your inquiries.

Kerubo swamp

It is situated right before the entrance to the national reserve at the northernmost point of Lake Bogoria. The landscape is serene and quiet, with occasional bird sounds and shrills. The papyrus’ lush green colour creates a beautiful contrast with the area’s stark brown patches. There are more than 200 species of birds in the wetland, which is its main draw. The marsh holds the Kenyan record for the most bird species recorded in a single hour (96 species), according to the Lonely Planet guide to East Africa.

Ruko Conservancy

Another little-known treasure is the Ruko Conservancy, which is mostly governed by the Rugus and Komolion, two formerly adversarial ethnic groups. The neighbourhood contests the demise of the giraffe as a result of the killing of rare wildlife as collateral damage. To try to boost the population, 8 Rothschild giraffes were moved to this conservancy and are now being raised. Apart from being a giraffe sanctuary, this conservation area is a wonderful example of how people and wildlife can live in harmony because it allows tourists to freely roam about among the animals.

Lake Kamnarok Game Reserve

The Kerio Valley’s base is home to the oxbow lake known as Lake Kamnarok Game Reserve, often referred to as “Amboseli of Baringo,” and its tributaries, the Rivers Ketipborok, Cheplogoi, Oiwo, and Lelabei. An oxbow lake is a U-shaped body of water that develops when a large meander from a river’s main stem gets separated and left to stand alone. It is Africa’s second-largest oxbow lake.

After Lake Chad, it contains the second-largest crocodile population, although it has been progressively declining; there are presently fewer than 5000 of them, down from 15,000 five years ago. This is a result of human interference and siltation brought on by activities near the lake. Here you can find Dik Dik, bush pigs, waterbuck, elephant, buffalo, warthog, and Rothschild’s giraffe. Many different bird species can be found in the Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, but grebes and pelicans are particularly prevalent.