Lake Bogoria

Image credit: Air Pano

There’s so much that meets the eye when casting a glance at Lake Bogoria. First is how its glistening blue waters are often frosted a shade of pink due to the estimated two million flamingos that flock its shoreline. Next is the presence of spouting geysers along its western shores, and the fig and acacia trees that flank its south. Under the shade of these trees roam buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, caracals, and kudus. This unique blend of flora and fauna made Lake Bogoria become Kenya’s third Ramsar site in 2001 (Convention of Wetlands of International Importance) and a designated World Heritage Site.  

The dramatic views offered by this saltwater lake draw enough attention, but when compounded with the mythical tale of how Bogoria came to be and how it got its name, its lure increases tenfold.  

Paukwa? 

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21 generations ago, the was a village that was blessed with rich fertile soils and a wealth of cattle. Two clans from the Endorois community lived in this village: Kapsogomo and Kapsaraki. Despite sharing common ancestry, the two were as different as night and day. Where the Kapsogomo were kind and generous, Kapsaraki were selfish and unwelcoming. So uncharitable were the Kapsaraki that one day, as a boast of their wealth, they dug dams and filled them with milk rather than share it with the less fortunate. This angered the gods, and the clan was asked to repent for its wastefulness. But they did not learn anything from this and continued in their warped ways.  

After this incident, a beggar passing through the village stopped by the homes of Kapsaraki clan members to request for food and water, but all the man was offered was a goat’s placenta. The man then stumbled across Kapsogomo with the same request on his lips. Here he was ushered in and offered a place to rest, food, refreshment, and a change of clothes before continuing with his journey. That evening, the gods told the Kapsogomo clan that their kindness would be rewarded. The gods were furious and wanted to destroy the village, but this clan would be spared the wrath.  

That night, thick dark clouds rolled over and blanketed the sky. A light drizzle grew into moderate showers, which grew into a heavy downpour which became a crashing torrent. From the safety of their houses, the Kapsogomo could hear their neighbours wailing and shouting for help as they drowned. So heavy was the rain that the ground shook and jets of hot water sprung up from beneath.  

Come morning, all other houses in the village were submerged save for the few belonging to the Kapsogomo clan. Leading out of this mass of water was a narrow path which they used to access the mainland, but upon reaching the other side, this path disappeared under the water, leaving only a small island where their houses stood. At dawn, when those from neighbouring villages learned of what had happened, they gave the waterbody the name Bogoria, which means, “the place of the lost tribe”.  

To date, the lineage of Sogomo lives around the lake but for fear of drowning, they never venture too close to it. At night, the sounds of the Kapsaraki clan and their cattle floats up from the depths of Bogoria’s alkaline waters, reminding those who escaped the all too important lesson on pride. 

Image credit: Magical Kenya