Free Articles on Destinations and many other topics
Another free Destinations article for you by James G. Kamweru
Titled: Mysterious Hot Water Geysers Of The Kenyan Rift Valley Get the Destinations category RSS Feed

Mysterious Hot Water Geysers Of The Kenyan Rift Valley

Article Summary: One of the most conspicuous occurrences of the great rift valley is its many lakes. Every few kilometres down the floor of the rift valley one finds a lake. In Kenya, five lakes namely, Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru, Elementaita and Naivasha occur within a span of forty kilometres. The lakes are known all over the world for being pivotal to the regions ecosystem.

One of the most consipicous occurences of the great rift valley is its many lakes. Every few kilometres down the floor of the rift valley one finds a lake. In Kenya, five lakes namely, Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru, Elementaita and Naivasha occur within a span of forty kilometres. The lakes are known all over the world for being pivotal to the regions ecosystem.

Lake Nakuru is known as one of the biggest bird sanctuaries on earth where millions of flamingos and many other bird species live. Hundreds of others use the lake as either the region's stop over in their migratory path or as a get away sanctuary during winter.

But the hot water geysers of Bogoria are the mystery that one witnesses first hand. From a distance it looks like a sprinkler or a burst water pipe. It jets out with so much pressure that one may forgiven for assuming it is a man made innovation. On nearing the geysers, you realise that it is not only natural but the water is at boiling temperature. It gushes out from the earth with so much pressure that it rises five meters above the ground.

The water is so hot that birds that mistakenly cross its path are killed instantly. You will find dead flamingoes, pelicans and pigeons that fail to judge the distance from the source well. Baboons often play in the vicinity of the hot waters but hardly do the primates fall victims of the heat from waters.

But it is the human fascination with the waters that can never be enough. From believers of the healing abilities in the geyser jets to skeptics who want to touch it to believe that truly the water is boiling. Tourists especially from Asia believe that the waters have healing powers. They line up in large numbers at the points of source to get the sprays of steam 'heal' them.

But whether foreign or local, visitors to lake Bogoria can never have enough of the hot geysers. The lake has other attractions as well. It is home to thousands of bird species, mainly flamingoes the greater and lessor species, pelicans and many other water birds. Being a national reserve, lake Bogoria supports a lot of other game including rare species of antelope, gazelles, baboons and the rock hyrax among others.

An approach of the lake from the south takes the visitor through a hilly section that is followed by a continuous descent to the floor of the rift valley. So long is the descent that drivers are warned to check their brakes before embarking on it. It is not surprising therefore that it leads one to the boiling waters from the crust of the earth. Tourists are recommended to approach the lake from the north using the better tarmacked road to the park.

The rift valley has sections that so fertile that it forms an integral part of the food basket in Kenya. Yet there are sections that are so harsh that no man can live there. Apart from the extremely hot temperatures, the water flowing from the streams are poisonous, containing sulphur and other chemicals. The hot water geysers of Bogoria present an opportunity to witness first hand the mysteries and the features of the great rift valley.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author:
James G. Kamweru
James G. Kamweru is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For More Information Visit his site at Hot Water GeysersI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Comments Kenya Travel On My Blog HereHot Water Geysers