Lake Magadi is an alkaline lake in the Great Rift Valley of southern Kenya, in East Africa. Its waters are extremely salty, and the shoreline is edged with bright white salt deposits that give the place a stark, otherworldly look.
What you will see
The lake is best known for its flamingos. Thousands of them gather in the mineral-rich shallows to feed, and their pink plumage stands out sharply against the pale salt and the water. Watching them move across the lake is the main draw for most visitors.
The setting is equally striking. The surrounding landscape offers wide, open views toward the volcanic hills that rise around the valley, and the contrast between the white salt, the blue-grey water and the dark volcanic slopes is memorable in its own right.
What to know before you go
- The lake's salinity shapes the whole landscape, so the scenery feels unlike most natural places you may have visited.
- Soda ash mining operates around the lake, so the natural beauty and industrial activity sit side by side. Some visitors find this part of the experience thought-provoking.
- The lake lies in the Rift Valley, so a visit suits travellers who want to combine wildlife and scenery with time in the wider region.
Lake Magadi is a good choice for visitors interested in birdlife, dramatic landscapes and the geology of the Rift Valley. Come for the flamingos and the open views, and allow time to take in the surroundings at an unhurried pace.