More than 800,000 flamingoes have migrated to Lake Bogoria as Baringo County enjoys a tourism boom during its high season.
James Kimaru, the game warden at the reserve, says the spectacle was attracting tourists from far and wide coupled with the hot springs at the lake.
The brightly coloured flamingoes hover around the shoreline of Lake Bogoria in such a way that they form shapes of the shore. In this pattern, the shoreline itself looks pink.
“The birds stretch for miles, creating a wildlife experience unlike any other. Upwards of 1.5 million of these birds can be at 36-square kilometre at one time,” said Mr Kimaru. He said that the number of flamingoes that go to Lake Bogoria every year varies, depending on the amount of food and water level. Heavy rainfall, for example, can keep them away.
Lake Bogoria is famous for its geysers and hot springs. As a wetland, it has international significance. The saline lake is one of a series of lakes in the Great Rift Valley that the flamingoes migrate to, flying in large ‘V’ formations from Tanzania to get there.
“They migrate to the valley when their food sources deplete and mating season arrives. Couples rely on unique environments for nesting spots, enjoying the freshwater streams of Lake Bogoria, and they produce just one egg at a time,” said Mr Kimaru.
The warden said that the number of tourists touring the lake has also increased tremendously since the reserve was listed as one of the world
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