Want to know where you were conceived? Twende Bogoria and stop at Mogotio Equitor Monument.

BaringoKenya

By Luxit Africa on 7 Mar 2017 • ( 5 Comments )

Day two of My #TembeKenya Diaries landed me in Mogotio equator monument on my way to lake Bogoria. It’s at this stop-over that the resident guide made known to us that how our hair lie’s, is determined by the side of the equator you were conceived from, if your hair stands still then your parents must have conceived you at zero degree…. Hehe! The Coriolis Force is also demonstrated for travelers, the effect is zero on the equator but, flows clockwise or anticlockwise depending on; if you are on the northern or southern hemisphere. This was demonstrated to us using water and a match stick though a leaf may also be used to show motion.

At Baringo equator Monument with Charity of Adventure360 and the local guide as he demonstrated the 13 countries in the world which the Equator passes through.

As we share the uniqueness of having different flora and fauna from each side of the Equator Perhaps the most unique feature, of all the countries that the equator cuts across, Kenya has the highest mountains, we also have the most beautiful landscape and great weather. We have earned this brag rights….. but who is saying..

As we departed Mogotio the conversation trying to demystify our place of birth was on top gear… and let me sensor this I don’t want to be put of flying squad alert hehe!

True to the equator facts the vegetation changed as we entered Baringo county, unlike that of Nakuru it was more of semi-arid it was really hot.. Word of advice stay hydrated. Our journey to lake bogoria was awesome and at some point felt like we were on pacific route of ‘Need for speed’ only there was no lake but plains of lands… the view was breathtaking and the ride quite thrilling as we navigated through the escarpment down to the floor of the rift.

Upon arrival at lake Bogoria we proceeded to the reserve after buying eggs from the locals and getting our Ticket from Kenya Wildlife service offices.

The longer the Ant-Hill the hotter the Area.

A moment with the locals..

 

I enjoy traditional stories –folklores and I had to get at least one legend of Lake Bogoria, A local was happy to narrate one quite interesting story. Their was no Hadithi Njoo [story come] he went straight to the legend. He said that long long ago the place was habited by two communities The Kapsokomos and the Kapsarakis, they were all pastoralist and they were blessed with very fertile land, however, one community was rude and very arrogant. The gods were very angry at them and they were given a warning, however they didn’t change an d the gods told them to leave, The Sokomos decided to leave, but that night it rained heavily that the ground started to tremor and jets of hot water started to shoot up from the ground, there were chaos, wails, confusions and desperations as they tried to escape, but quite a number of people were killed and homes and livestock destroyed. But the Sokomos were spared, their houses not touched despite the village being submerged in water.

The following morning they found themselves standing on an island and there was a narrow dry path leading them to the mainland. Sokomo and his household hurriedly left the island and by the time they had reached the mainland the path collapsed into the new formed lake the neighbors named it Lake Bogoria [steams] . .

Geysers of Lake Bogoria

Lake Bogoria

I never got to pester more about the story as it was time for our game drive, as we drove around this saline, alkaline lake I couldn’t help but smile about the legend that was narrated to me before. The blue-Green algae give this lake a beautiful mix of turquoise, emerald like color, and the lesser Flamingoes love it-sometimes they flock here in thousands. The background hills, the Siracho and the Ngendelel escarpments looked like they were protecting some mystery only known to this eco-styem – its breathtaking. The variety of birds chirping and tweeting gave the surrounding a rhythm of different dis-orderly notes yet so harmonious with nature.

The color of the lake due to the blue-green Algae

The geysers, looked like they were on a piano lesson perhaps just to portray the geo-thermal activity under or just to remind the locals the wrath of the gods. Lake Bogoria has the most concentration of true geysers in Africa, 18 recorded so far that can erupt up-to 5metres high, and they carry with them a strong pungent sulfur smell, their activity is affected by the fluctuation of the water levels which may expose some more geysers. It may be thrilling to watch them erupt but care should be taken as the springs are dangerously hot and beware of sinking grounds. Once Bogoria was a fresh water lake but I guess the heat contributed to a higher evaporation rate making the lake saline.

On the shores of Lake bogoria at the Hot springs

Geologist says this Ramser site lake is Meromictic, meaning the water body is divided into layers that can stay for years without mixing.. interesting, right? The history of the lake is as beautiful as its physical attraction. I echo Bishop Hannington’s word when he first saw the lake: “This is the most beautiful view in Africa”

As much as the main attraction in this reserve is the lake, it also has some natural springs that one can bathe in and are believed to have healing properties. It’s also home to the uncommon greater Kudu amongst other plain games, cats and primates.

There are different types of accommodation available one is camping within the three camping sites designated by KWS and another is from a local community. Our stay was at the beautiful Lake Bogoria Resort and spa and it actually caters for accommodation across all budgets from camping, simple tented rooms to luxurious lodge rooms. The resort also has a natural spa in the sense that the pool water are supplied from the Bogoria springs. Its an awesome place to stay and the food is yummy.

 

Lake Bogoria Resort

The Natural spa pool at the Resort

As we departed Lake Bogoria Reserve to Eldoret, the images of this eco-system played a peaceful slide in my Mind.. Lets #FlirtWithKenya #MagicalKenya #SupportLocal

ooh just a few more final photos when @TravelWithEliud decided to walk on water and forgot to check on his eggs in the hotsprings,.. lol

when Eliud was walking on Water

his eggs

dis-integrated

 

Categories: BaringoKenya, MagicalKenya, SupportLocal, TheGreat Riftvalley, Uncategorized

Tagged as: Africa, baringo, East Africaluxury travel, Kenya, LakeBogoria, luxuryLiving, luxuryTravel, MagicalKenya, SupporLocal