Marigat: Lake Baringo and Islands

Lake Baringo is in the vicinity of Marigat. Its islands are visited on boat trips; at the same time, the lake is home to more than 470 bird species. The wider destination of Baringo County offers further geological, landscape, and cultural themes.

Lake Baringo: Islands and Birdlife

The bird species and boat trips to the islands offer two different perspectives on Lake Baringo: one focuses on its role as a habitat, the other on the islands as a destination for a trip. If you plan your stay around specific themes, you can therefore explore the lake both from a natural history perspective and through its islands. Both are part of the area around Marigat, but they do not describe the same way of experiencing the lake.

A Reported Crossing to the Livestock Market in Marigat

A boat operator reported a crossing during which cattle swam from the islands across the lake to the livestock market in Marigat, a journey of about three hours. If a cow did not want to swim, the calf would be led into the shallow water; the other cattle would then follow. This account comes from a report published in 2013 and updated in 2020. It describes a different connection between the islands, lake, and Marigat than the boat trips to the islands: in this account, the crossing leads to the livestock market.

Baringo County: Geology and Nature

In Baringo County, Ol Kokwa Island is a distinctive geological example. The island is the summit of a submerged shield volcano built up by repeated lava flows. Hot springs and fumaroles occur in its northern part. The island’s volcanic structure and geothermal features thus sit side by side: the lava flows explain its formation, while the springs and fumaroles reveal another aspect of the landscape.

Tourist attractions in Baringo County also include hot springs and geysers at Lake Bogoria, as well as hot springs near Cheparuas/Kapedo. Lake Kamnarok National Reserve and Lake Bogoria National Reserve are also among the county’s attractions. These protected areas are complemented by Cheploch Gorge and flamingos at Lake Bogoria. The range therefore extends from geothermal features to reserves and a gorge, as well as wildlife associated with a particular lake.

Museums and Cultural Themes

The Kabarnet Museum collection includes cultural exhibits of the Tugen, Ilchamus, Pokot, and Keiyo. The museum also has indigenous trees that are more than 100 years old and provide habitat for various bird species. The museum thus brings together cultural themes and a natural feature that is also found in Baringo County.

The Kipsaraman Museum offers insights into Tugen history and culture; visitors can view traditional artifacts there. The two museums have different focuses: while the Kabarnet Museum displays exhibits from four groups, the Kipsaraman Museum focuses on Tugen history and culture. Cultural themes thus complement the geological and landscape setting of Baringo County, without being conflated with the features of nearby Lake Baringo.

Discover more destinations: Mogotio

For the wider travel overview: Baringo County.