Introduction
Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria are two of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley gems, famed for their birdlife, flamingos, hot springs, dramatic escarpments, and unique local culture. These lakes are perfect for nature lovers, birders, families, and those seeking off-the-beaten-track adventure. Accommodation options range from charming lakeside lodges and classic tented camps to eco-retreats and affordable guesthouses—suiting every traveler and budget.
1. Lakeside Lodges & Resorts
Lake Baringo
- Soi Safari Lodge
- The largest and best-appointed resort on Lake Baringo.
- Spacious en-suite rooms and suites, pool, conference facilities, gardens, birding walks, boat trips, family-friendly.
- Lake Baringo Club (Sunbird Lodge)
- Comfortable rooms, lush grounds, pool, good restaurant, ideal for families and groups.
- Tumbili Cliff Lodge
- Boutique-style, perched above the lake with stunning views, unique décor, birdwatching, quiet ambiance.
- Island Camp Baringo
- Exclusive tented camp on Ol Kokwe Island, accessible by boat only, infinity pool, bar, beautiful lake views, romantic atmosphere.
- Robert’s Camp
- Popular for self-catering cottages, bandas, and camping; lakeside location, bar/restaurant, hippos and birds abound, great for families and groups.
Lake Bogoria
- Lake Bogoria Spa Resort
- The largest lodge in the area, close to the hot springs.
- Choice of hotel rooms, cottages, and family suites, natural hot spring spa pool, restaurant/bar, walking distance to the lake.
- Papyrus Inn
- Budget hotel near the lake, simple rooms, friendly staff, suitable for overnight stays or budget trips.
2. Tented Camps & Eco-Retreats
Lake Baringo
- Island Camp Baringo
- Upscale tented camp on Ol Kokwe Island, private decks, en-suite bathrooms, dining with panoramic views.
- Samatian Island Lodge
- Luxury eco-lodge on an island, open-fronted cottages, all-inclusive, intimate, popular for couples and private groups.
- Robert’s Camp
- Simple tented cottages and camping platforms on the shore, relaxed, sociable, birding and boating activities.
Lake Bogoria
- Lake Bogoria Tented Camp
- Rustic tents with en-suite bathrooms, basic but comfortable, near the lake and reserve gate.
- Kampi ya Samaki Tented Camp
- Eco-friendly, basic tents, guided walks, affordable, best for adventurous travelers.
3. Family-Friendly & Group Stays
- Soi Safari Lodge (Baringo)
- Family rooms, large pool, kids’ activities, spacious gardens.
- Lake Bogoria Spa Resort
- Cottages and family suites, large hot spring pool, flexible dining, safe grounds for kids.
- Robert’s Camp
- Multi-room cottages, communal facilities, group bookings, camping, and self-catering.
4. Budget Accommodations & Camping
- Robert’s Camp (Baringo)
- Budget bandas, camping platforms, shared facilities, lakeside bar, lively traveler community.
- Papyrus Inn (Bogoria)
- Budget hotel, basic rooms, good for short stays.
- Kampi ya Samaki Guesthouses
- Village-based guesthouses, very affordable, local experience, simple amenities.
- Camping at Lake Bogoria Reserve Gate
- Public campsite, bring your own gear, basic facilities, birding and flamingos nearby.
5. Eco & Community Options
- Samatian Island Lodge (Baringo)
- Community partnerships, supports local schools, eco-friendly design.
- Kampi ya Samaki Tented Camp (Bogoria)
- Employs local staff, supports village projects, guided cultural walks.
- Robert’s Camp
- Birdwatching and local engagement, supports community tourism.
6. Self-Catering Cottages & Villas
- Robert’s Camp (Baringo)
- Fully equipped cottages and bandas, self-catering kitchens, BBQ facilities, ideal for families or groups.
- Lake Bogoria Spa Resort
- Some cottages have kitchenettes, meals can be arranged in-house or self-prepared by request.
Lake Baringo & Bogoria Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Lake | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Self-Catering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soi Safari Lodge | Baringo | Lakeside Lodge | $90–$150 | Pool, gardens, activities | Yes | Yes | Some | No |
| Lake Baringo Club (Sunbird) | Baringo | Lakeside Resort | $70–$130 | Pool, gardens, restaurant | Yes | Yes | Some | No |
| Tumbili Cliff Lodge | Baringo | Boutique Lodge | $120–$200 | Panoramic views, boutique charm | Yes | No | Some | No |
| Island Camp Baringo | Baringo | Tented Camp/Lodge | $130–$250 | Island, pool, romantic, exclusive | Yes | Yes | Some | No |
| Samatian Island Lodge | Baringo | Eco-Lodge | $220–$350 | Island, open cottages, eco, private | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Robert’s Camp | Baringo | Cottages/Bandas/Camp | $10–$60 | Budget, self-cater, family, bar | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
| Lake Bogoria Spa Resort | Bogoria | Resort/Lodge | $60–$120 | Hot spring pool, spa, near springs | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes (some) |
| Papyrus Inn | Bogoria | Budget Hotel | $20–$40 | Simple, affordable, overnight | Some | No | Some | No |
| Lake Bogoria Tented Camp | Bogoria | Tented Camp | $40–$80 | Rustic, near reserve, basic | Some | No | Some | No |
| Kampi ya Samaki Camp | Bogoria | Eco/Budget Camp | $20–$50 | Guided walks, community-based | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Guesthouses/Village Camps | Both | Basic Guesthouse | $10–$30 | Village experience, local meals | Yes | No | Some | No |
| Camping (Public/Roberts) | Both | Camping | $5–$20 | BYO gear, communal, budget | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
*pppn = per person per night. Rates are approximate and may vary by season, inclusions, and group size.
Conclusion
Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria offer a variety of accommodation:
- Lakeside lodges and boutique hotels for relaxing stays and birding.
- Tented camps and eco-lodges for privacy and immersion in nature.
- Family/group cottages and resorts with flexible options for all ages.
- Budget bandas, guesthouses, and camping for adventurous and cost-conscious travelers.
- Eco and community options that support local people and conservation.