Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo, directly south of Lake Bogoria, turned out to be just as flooded, so much so that they bulldozed new roads up into the hills in order to keep the National Park open when the roads disappeared under water. We were happy to have our 4WD! The campgrounds were all under water, but the ranger told us to camp anywhere we wanted that was suitable. So, we set off to explore the park and spend a night in the wilderness with the Kudos.

A view of where the road should have been, now under water.

The car goes for a swim. Parts of the roads required us to drive through the lake....

Hoping the water won't get deeper...

Admittedly a bit worried.....

Usually the site where hundreds of thousands of flamingos gather to feed, we were told the flocks had just left a week ago. What was left were flamingo carcasses strewn on the road and in the trees. It was a bit macabre so say the least. I asked the ranger if this was normal and he said the flood was to blame. Not only did the extra water dilute the brine and hurt the population of water animals the flamingos feed on, but it disorientated the birds which are used to there being more space between the water and the trees. Apparently they take off from the lake and get stuck in the trees.

 

One of the biggest attractions for the Kenyans are the hot springs at the side of the lake. It's not Yellowstone, but it was hot enough to boil a few eggs for dinner.

And, it was hot!!!

A beautiful spot littered with trash. What a shame!!!

Lone flamingo left behind by the troops.

We surprised a zebra along the way.

 

A sighting of the rare Giant Kudos which can grow to be 2 meters high and only live in the Lake Baringo area within Kenya.

We saw a male Kudo as well, with huge spiral antlers towering on his head, but I couldn't get a picture of him.

After almost giving up, we eventually found a spot which was flat enough without too many rocks to pitch our tent.

Sascha built us a little patio out of rocks so we woudl feel more at home.

While collecting firewood, Sascha discovered perfectly round balls and filled a pail up with them. "They will help the fire" she claimed. What she didn't know was that they were Gazelle and Kudo poop. That's one dirty little girl!!

And they really did help the fire get going. It's only dried grass after all, right?

A view into our kitchen.....

Dinner is almost ready!

Waking up.

Wild animals in the trees outside our tent....:))