KENYA: Lake Baringo, Locals Can Tell A crocodile’s Birthday

From the sweltering Marigat Town, it just takes an hour to get to the shores of one of the two Rift Valley fresh water lakes; Lake Baringo.

Unlike its sister Lake Bogoria, which is salty and thus has no fish, Lake Baringo is full of aquatic life; from five types of fish to friendly crocodiles and big hippos.

The numerous local tribes that live around the lake make it a colourful place to visit.

You cannot fail to bump into Tugens, Njemps, Maasai Fishermen and Pokots co-existing peacefully despite the turmoil that sometimes erupts in the county.

Its more interesting to visit now because water levels have risen and submerged trees and hotels which were once on dry land.

If you are a fish lover, you will love the lake’s environment. It is surrounded by a small market where fresh fish is fried and hawked for only Sh50 a piece.

At that price, you could simply take your pick from the many varieties like tilapia, catfish, barbers or lung fish.

This lake, which lies to the left of the breathtaking Tugen hills, is also home to hundreds of species of fauna.

Because of the availability of fish, there are over 400 species of birds that hover around the lake, occasionally diving in to get some fresh food.

Bird watching is thus an excellent recreation here too especially around Kampi ya Samaki area.

A boat ride on the lake is inevitable if you want to see the “friendly” crocodiles therein.

Local legend has it that if you want to know the age of the crocodile, slaughter them and count the number of stones in the stomach.

Residents even volunteer to do that for a fee.

Each stone you find represents a birthday.

Alternatively, you could simply check its back, if grass grows on it, then it is an old crocodile.

Lake Baringo also has hippopotamus which are said to be territorial and live in groups of 15.

Fourteen females and one male. It is heart-warming to know that the money you pay for the boat ride supports the community.

This is because the boats are community owned.

Yet the most intriguing tale of the lake lies hidden behind the seven islands that are visible from the shore but which are only a boat ride away.

They have fascinating names like the devil’s island or samatian paradise.

Whether for the meals or adventure, Lake Baringo is a perfect getaway.