Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley is a dramatically situated fresh water lake approximately 22 km long by 11 kms wide. Evidence of its violent volcanic origins is all around, and especially in the extraordinary stepped basalt cliffs to the West of the lake. It lies at an altitude of 1100 meters and is surrounded by mountains rising to almost 3000 meters above the ambient ground level in places. Beyond the northern end of the Lake rises the dormant volcano, Karosi, 1449 meters high.
The Lake is home to hippos and crocodiles as well as an abundance of colourful birds and small reptiles. Giraffe and other grazers are also present to the north of the lake. Lake Baringo is well known as a birding centre and many groups have sprung up to cater for the business of guiding and taking visitors on boat trips around the lake.
There is a Reptile Park near Lake Baringo which is run by Baringo Council and supported by National Museums of Kenya. It is useful to be able to identify the different snake species in the area (which include the notorious Black Mamba) and is worth a visit. For those who enjoy rambling without a guide there are plenty of good walks(walking tour). You can print out sketch maps of two such walks, "Sehemu ya Chura" and "Short Walk" here. In recent months a number of Rothschild Giraffe have been returned to the conservancy area to the north and east of the lake. It is possible to arrange a trip by boat to Longicaro to view the giraffe . This lake is best for Active tours, fitness tours, active safaris.