Hot springs, geysers, and natural pools in Kenya
One unspoken rule of adventure is, if there is a water body, you have to take a dip. Whether warm or cold and if it's safe to do so.
And these two warm ones were a treat, after several days of dusty overlanding and camping on two separate occasions.
- Buffalo Springs, tucked inside the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
- The warm springs at Netbon Bogoria Kudi Camp near Lake Bogoria National Reserve.
Buffalo Springs Natural Pool
This was our last stop on a 7-day camping expedition, ‘cradle of mankind’, that was organized by the Mara nomads (check them out, they coordinate family-friendly expeditions).
It’s said that the crater (pool) that gets filled from underground spring water was formed after a bombing during WWII. The pool is a lovely welcome and a great dip in the scorching Samburu heat and is a must-stop if you are going or coming from the North.
Reserve charges apply - KES 500 (as of August, '23)
Best accessed from the Chokaa gate, if coming from Nairobi that’s the second gate towards the Mt Ololokwe direction. And whilst you are there, drive around the park, you might spot some animals.
How about natural hot springs?
While camping at Netbon Bogoria Kudi Camp, we took a dip in the Maji Moto hot springs. They are just a minute's walk from the camp. The water was a lovely turquoise blue, clean, and clear in the morning. Once you get in, it gets muddy but it’s great for small groups.
The camping fee was KES 800 per person for the night, KES 250 for accessing the springs, and KES 400 for a bonfire. (as of May, '23)
After Kudu, we headed back to Nairobi through Lake Bogorial National Reserve. The reserve fee was KES 400, and KES 500 for the car.
Lake Bogorial Geyseys - Lake Bogoria is home to very many flamingos, hot springs, and geysers at the backdrop of a lovely landscape. The geysers' eruptions were marvelous to witness.
Natural pools and hot springs hold ecological memories of a place.
We still remember the feel of the mud in the hot springs and the slime on the rock at the Buffalo springs. And how good we felt after that first dip. It’s good and memorable to experience a dip from a natural sprout of the earth. They are joyous, a welcome surprise, and a lovely discovery. Especially after a long drive.
We sure foresee going back to these several times. Some say hot springs have healing capabilities from the minerals contained, and while we don't have clear proof, we sure felt some deep nature connection.
