21/01/2026
Lake Logipi Kenya’s hidden red lake in Turkana County
Deep in the remote Suguta Valley, one of the hottest and driest parts of northern Kenya, lies Lake Logipi, a lake few have ever seen, yet one of the most fascinating in the country.
What makes it extraordinary is its striking red, orange and pink waters.
The vibrant hues come from tiny heat loving microorganisms, including special bacteria and algae, that thrive in its saline, alkaline waters. Scientists marvel at this natural phenomenon, but to local communities, these colors are often viewed as messages or signs from the spirits, giving the lake a mystical reputation.
Lake Logipi is small but resilient, measuring about 6 km wide and 3 km long, with a maximum depth of 3–5 meters. Its waters are maintained by saline hot springs along the northern shore and at Cathedral Rocks, ensuring the lake survives even during the driest months.
During the rainy season, it’s also fed by the Suguta River, which sometimes forms temporary Lake Alablab that merges with Logipi. In 2020, Lake Turkana overflowed, briefly connecting with Lake Logipi.
Life thrives in this extreme environment. Thousands of flamingos flock to the lake, feeding on the very microorganisms that color the water, creating a spectacular pink and red display against the white salt crusts. Surrounding volcanic hills and shimmering salt flats complete this surreal scene, making Lake Logipi a hidden gem in Kenya’s rugged north.
Yet despite its beauty, this magical lake remains largely unseen by tourists. Banditry in the region has made access risky, preventing Lake Logipi from becoming the top tourist destination it could easily be.
Lake Logipi is a testament to resilience, life in extreme conditions and Kenya’s hidden natural wonders. It reminds us that even in the harshest places, nature finds a way to thrive and beauty can appear where we least expect it.
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