Kenya is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from vast savannas teeming with wildlife to majestic mountains. Yet, nestled within its diverse geography are also numerous lakes, each contributing uniquely to the country’s rich ecosystems and providing vital resources for communities and wildlife alike.
From the expansive Lake Baringo to the more intimate Lake Wamithi, Kenya’s aquatic heritage is truly remarkable. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive compilation of all 18 Lakes in Kenya, each detailed with its Location, Surface Area (km²), and a distinctive Key Feature, offering a clear understanding of these natural wonders.
Why do some of Kenya’s lakes have high salinity?
Many of Kenya’s lakes, particularly those within the Great Rift Valley, are endorheic – meaning they have no natural outflow to the sea. Over centuries, water flows into these basins carrying dissolved minerals from the surrounding volcanic rock, but only the water evaporates, leaving the salts behind to concentrate. This natural process, combined with the region’s geological activity, results in several lakes with distinctively high alkalinity and salinity, creating unique habitats for specialized flora and fauna like flamingos.
Lakes in Kenya
| Lake Name | Location | Surface Area (km²) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Victoria | Nyanza (Kisumu) | 68,800 | Africa’s largest lake; Nile source |
| Lake Turkana | Turkana County | 6,405 | Largest desert lake; rich in fossils |
| Lake Naivasha | Nakuru County | 139 | Freshwater lake with hippos and islands |
| Lake Nakuru | Nakuru County | 188 | Renowned for flamingo flocks; national park |
| Lake Baringo | Baringo County | 130 | Freshwater Rift Valley lake with crocodiles |
| Lake Bogoria | Baringo County | 32 | Hot springs and geysers; flamingo populations |
| Lake Elementaita | Nakuru County | 10 | Alkaline soda lake; important bird sanctuary |
| Lake Magadi | Kajiado County | 100 | Highly saline soda lake; commercial trona mining |
| Lake Jipe | Taita-Taveta County | 30 | Transboundary lake on Kenya–Tanzania border |
| Lake Chala | Taita-Taveta County | 9 | Crater lake with deep clear waters |
| Lake Logipi | Turkana County | 5 | Shallow saline lake with hot springs |
| Lake Oloidien | Nakuru County | 4 | Shallow alkaline lake near Naivasha |
| Lake Sonachi | Nakuru County | 1 | Small volcanic crater lake with dramatic cliffs |
| Lake Simbi Nyaima | Homa Bay County | 0.70 | Legendary crater lake with clear waters |
| Lake Ol Bolossat | Nyandarua County | 4 | Central Kenya freshwater lake; hippos and birds |
| Lake Kanyaboli | Siaya County | 20 | Freshwater oxbow lake; refuge for endemic fish |
| Lake Wamithi | Murang’a County | 2 | Small freshwater lake near Murang’a town |
| Lake Sare | Homa Bay County | 1 | Shallow satellite lake of Lake Victoria |
Images and Descriptions
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa by surface area. It is a vital freshwater lake shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This vast lake supports diverse aquatic life and is a significant source for fishing communities. Its presence in Kenya earns it a top spot on any list of Kenyan lakes.
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana is the world’s largest permanent desert lake. It is located in the Great Rift Valley of northern Kenya. This unique jade-colored lake is known for its fossil finds, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Its size and ecological significance make it a key feature when discussing lakes in Kenya.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, northwest of Nairobi. It is known for its abundant birdlife and hippos. The lake is a popular tourist destination and supports an important flower industry. Its accessibility and biodiversity secure its place among noteworthy Kenyan lakes.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is a shallow, alkaline-saline lake in the Rift Valley. It is famous for its large flocks of flamingos and is a key conservation area for rhinos. The lake is protected within Lake Nakuru National Park. Its iconic wildlife makes it a must-include lake for any comprehensive list.
Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo is one of the two freshwater lakes in Kenya’s Rift Valley, the other being Lake Naivasha. This lake is home to diverse bird species, hippos, and crocodiles. It plays a crucial role in local livelihoods through fishing and tourism. Its ecological importance ensures its inclusion on this list.
Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria is a saline, alkaline lake in the Rift Valley. It is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and large populations of minor flamingos. The lake is a Ramsar site, recognized for its wetlands of international importance. Its unique geothermal features distinguish it among Kenyan lakes.
Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita is a soda lake in the Great Rift Valley, situated between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. It is a major breeding ground for pelicans and a feeding ground for flamingos. This lake is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significant bird populations. It is relevant for understanding bird migration patterns in Kenya.
Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is a saline, alkaline lake in the southern Rift Valley. It is known for its large deposits of soda ash, which are commercially extracted. The lake’s harsh environment supports specialized life forms, including flamingos. Its unique geological composition sets it apart from other lakes in Kenya.
Lake Jipe
Lake Jipe is a small, shallow lake located on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. It serves as an important water source for wildlife within Tsavo West National Park. The lake provides a habitat for various bird species and crocodiles. Its location within a major national park makes it a notable Kenyan lake.
Lake Chala
Lake Chala is a freshwater crater lake on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. It is fed by underground springs and offers clear blue waters. The lake is known for its scenic beauty and offers opportunities for swimming and kayaking. Its origin as a volcanic crater makes it a fascinating entry on this list.
Lake Logipi
Lake Logipi is a temporary, saline, alkaline lake in the northern Rift Valley. It is located north of Lake Bogoria and south of Lake Turkana. This intermittent lake is an important breeding ground for flamingos when water levels are sufficient. Its fluctuating nature makes it a unique part of Kenya’s diverse lake system.
Lake Oloidien
Lake Oloidien is a small, freshwater lake adjacent to Lake Naivasha. It is separated from Naivasha by a narrow land bridge. This lake is a significant bird habitat, particularly for flamingos and pelicans. Its close proximity to a major lake makes it a relevant companion for exploration.
Lake Sonachi
Lake Sonachi is a small, alkaline crater lake located within Hell’s Gate National Park. It is known for its high mineral content and picturesque setting. The lake is a site of geological interest. Its inclusion highlights the diverse lake types found within Kenya’s protected areas.
Lake Simbi Nyaima
Lake Simbi Nyaima is a small, alkaline crater lake in western Kenya. Local legends often surround this unique lake. It is known for its distinct water chemistry. This lake adds cultural and geological depth to the list of Kenyan lakes.
Lake Ol Bolossat
Lake Ol Bolossat is the only high-altitude freshwater lake in Kenya’s central highlands. It is an important source of water for surrounding communities and wildlife. The lake supports a variety of bird species. Its elevation distinguishes it from other lakes on this list.
Lake Kanyaboli
Lake Kanyaboli is a freshwater lake in western Kenya, part of the Yala Swamp system. It is a significant refuge for endangered fish species endemic to the Lake Victoria basin. The lake’s conservation importance makes it a key feature for illustrating biodiversity. This lake is crucial for fish conservation efforts.
Lake Wamithi
Lake Wamithi is a small, seasonal freshwater lake located in central Kenya. It is important for local agriculture and as a stopover for migratory birds during wet seasons. Its intermittent nature and role in local ecosystems are noteworthy. This lake reflects the dynamic nature of Kenya’s wetland areas.
Lake Sare
Lake Sare is a shallow, freshwater lake in western Kenya, connected to the Yala Swamp. It is an important fishing ground for local communities. The lake supports diverse aquatic flora and fauna. Its role in local livelihoods makes it relevant to understanding human-lake interactions in Kenya.
