Baringo County’s Tourism Sector Thrives Amid Flamingo Migration

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The tourism sector in Baringo County is experiencing a significant boost following the migration of millions of flamingos to Lake Bogoria, after a successful breeding season at Lake Natron in Tanzania.
These stunning birds, known for their vibrant pink plumage, typically return between June and July, and last week they arrived with thousands of young flamingos in tow. A recent tour of the lake revealed breathtaking scenes, with millions of birds creating beautiful pink patterns that attract visitors from far and wide.
James Kimaru, senior warden at Lake Bogoria, explained that the flamingos breed annually from February to April at Lake Natron, a salt lake in northern Tanzania, and make their return in July. “The birds have maintained a consistent migration pattern for the past seven years, spending about four to five months in Kenya before heading back for breeding,” Kimaru noted. “Their large numbers and robust health this year indicate a successful breeding season, and they often return to Kenya to feed after this period.”
Kimaru added that the influx of flamingos aligns with the peak tourism season, leading to a noticeable increase in visitor numbers. Major hotels in the area are reporting high occupancy rates.
Lydia Dentewo, manager of Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, shared that their facilities are operating at near full capacity due to the surge in guests. “Our accommodation is fully booked for the next two months. We are in the process of constructing over 120 additional rooms and tented camps to accommodate the high demand,” Dentewo said.
Lake Bogoria is recognized as a World Heritage Site within the Kenya Lake System, which also includes Lakes Nakuru and Elementaita. However, the flamingo population at Lake Nakuru has been declining in recent years, largely due to rising water levels and pollution. In contrast, Lake Bogoria continues to host larger populations of flamingos.
A recent report on the status of World Heritage Sites in Africa suggested that other critical flamingo habitats, such as Lake Natron, should be added to the World Heritage List. The report emphasized that while the flamingos primarily nest in Lake Natron, significant populations can also be found in Lakes Manyara and Eyasi, as well as in several Ethiopian lakes, including Abijatta, Shalla, Metehara, Chitu, and Aranguade.