Visitor Information
A modest website with information about Lake Baringo is www.lake-baringo.com. To access Lake Baringo by road, you need to pay a toll at the entrance to the lakeside "village" of Campi ya Samaki; at press time, this was Ksh200 per person, plus Ksh100 per car, but it does vary unexpectedly and the payment of fees depends on whether someone is posted at the checkpoint (also known as Lake Baringo Statistical Information & Boating Centre). For information on Baringo, you're best off contacting someone from the lodge or camp where you intend to stay. Bogoria is part of Lake Bogoria National Reserve and is managed (very poorly) by the Baringo and Koibatek county councils (P.O. Box 64, Marigat); they charge Ksh2,000 entry per adult, Ksh500 per child, and Ksh200 per vehicle (your Kenyan driver will probably be charged Ksh500). If you wish to speak to someone about conditions around the lake or want more details about entry, the current state of the roads (which were dire at the time of researching), or camping within the reserve (Ksh500 per person), contact the senior warden (tel. 0721/343-808).
Getting There
If you want to fly to Baringo, you'll need to charter a plane; the flight from Nairobi will take around 45 minutes. If you drive directly from Nairobi, you'll be on the road for at least 4 to 5 hours, although you're more likely to break up the trip with a night (at least) at Naivasha or Nakuru, or both. If you're staying at either of the two island "resorts," you'll be transferred by boat from the mainland -- if weather conditions are bad, this part of your trip might be delayed, so it's a good idea to have some flexibility time-wise. There are parking facilities on the mainland, and your driver will be able to find accommodations in Campi ya Samaki while you're staying on the island. The most convenient way to see Bogoria is as a day-trip from Baringo -- if you don't arrive with your own vehicle, the outing can be arranged through your accommodation. Alternatively, if you're covering the whole Rift Valley region and are looking to save time, it's possible see Bogoria as a stop-off en route from Nakuru to Baringo.
Getting Around
Once on the shores of Lake Baringo, much of your sightseeing will be by boat. You'll need a 4X4 to get to Bogoria or to explore any of the offbeat destinations north of Baringo. Boat trips, as well as excursions to any outlying locations, can be arranged through your lodge or camp.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
