Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo in remote central west Kenya is an attraction for geologists and nature lovers alike, with its exotic landscapes and birdlife making it one of the best lakes to visit in Kenya. Part of the East African Rift Valley, Lake Baringo is one of only two freshwater lakes of the Rift Valley, along with Lake Naivasha, in Kenya. It is located in the far west-central part of Kenya, with only Lake Turkana being further north. In what could be described as an oasis amid a harsh semi-desert landscape, this freshwater lake is truly one of Kenya's jewels. The lake is home to more than 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for aquarists.

Lake Baringo is fed by several rivers, but there is no visible outlet. It is thought that water seeps away faults in the bedrock. Lake Baringo's water levels have dropped to some of the lowest levels on record due to drought and agricultural irrigation, but flooding in Northern Kenya in recent years has pushed water levels up alarmingly. This has caused the water level to rise up to four meters, putting locals at risk and damaging the restricted tourist structure. The high water levels are thought to be the result of large amounts of sediment brought about by the floods. Most of the tourist facilities have been damaged by the rising water. In addition, Lake Baringo is a great bird habitat with over 470 bird species including flamingoes, pelicans, cormorants, and fish eagles, the lake also features islands that are visited on a boat ride.

• Location: Great Rift Valley, Kenya