Lakes in Meru

Lake Magado: The Multi-Coloured Oddity

Anywhere they occur, multi-colored lakes are extraordinary natural phenomena where the waters exhibit a range of vibrant colors due to various environmental and geological factors. These lakes are often found in volcanic regions or areas with unique mineral compositions. The same, Lake Magado, uniquely formed of saline pools dazzling with many colours – green, red, brown, peach, melba, white – varying over time, which have been a shared well for salt and a meeting place for the multiplicity of communities living around it, is truly an a unique attraction.

During the hotter months of the year, Magado Lake is highly alkaline, adorning a darker reddish hue caused by salt-loving microorganisms and algae that thrive in the extreme conditions. Presently, the crater lake is so caustic that pastoralists and animals flock in to mine, easily collecting the brine. The vibrant colors are due to a combination of mineral deposits, algae, and the reflection of surrounding forests. A trip to the Magado Crater not only offers a chance to visit an untravelled oddity that lacks recognition as a great spectacle, but one that’s rare and otherworldly.

Magado Crater is accessible from Mutuati, off B9 Isiolo-Mandera Road, or from Nakuprat-Gotu and Shaba National Reserve. Most hotels in the area are happy to organize your trip. The Ameru people in particular have been collecting brine at Magado for many a generations, and in recent development have welcomed the company of Borana and Somali cultures to cordially share the salt pools. As the small lake on the floor evaporate to form the kooky soda salt crust, they all gather here. It is not rare to the visitor to Magado Crater, during the dry season, to meet all members of these tribes here, and to watch them extracting the raw salt brine.

During the dry season, as the small lake recedes, the soda that remains behind is collected. After the rains, these multi-colored lakes are less colourful, of a mostly brown state, but, in consideration to their rugged surrounding, still offer unique views and unique experiences for visitors. Likewise, the three resident tribes still communally gather at Magado Lake, to water their cattle in this natural collecting basin. Still and all, the vivid colors of Magado Lake, a result of specific geological actions, make this oddity an unusual attraction and wonder of the natural world. It is located at the eastern edge of the Nyambene Reserve, 64 km from Isiolo town.

Kenya is blessed with several lakes, each offering unique attractions, ecosystems, and opportunities for exploration. Shared with Uganda and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world by surface area. Known for its geysers and hot springs, Lake Bogoria is among the unique lakes along Kenya’s Rift Valley. All these lakes not only provide scenic beauty but also support diverse ecosystems.

Index of Lakes Around Kenya

Baringo County - Lake Bogoria , Lake Baringo , Lake Kamnarok , Garissa County - Lake Ishaqbini , Homa Bay County - Lake Simbi Nyaima , Kajiado County - Lake Magadi, Lake Amboseli, Lake Natron, Kisii County - Lake Okari , Lamu County - Lake Kenyatta , Lake Moa , Kisumu County - Lake Victoria, Meru County - Lake Thai , Lake Nkunga , Lake Ellis , Lake Michaelson , Lake Rutundu , Lake Alice , Magado Lake , Nakuru County - Lake Solai, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Oloiden, Crater Lake, Lake Elementaita, Nyandarua County - Lake Olbolosat , Siaya County - Lake Sare, Lake Namboyo, Lake Bob, Lake Kanyaboli, Taita Taveta - Lake Jipe , Lake Chala , Tana River County - Lake Shakababo , Turkana County - Lake Logipi, Lake Turkana, Lake Alablab, Wajir County - Lake Yahud

Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.

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A Guide to Meru County

A Summa Digest of Meru

About Meru Way Back When

65 Destinations in Meru County , arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Kierra Valley , Kierra Ridge , St. Mary’s High School , Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill , Tharuu Springs , Giitune Sacred Forest , M.Mpuri Cultural Centre , Meru Museum , St. Joseph's Cathedral , Meru Sports Club , Alba Hotel , Kathita Falls , Irine (Devil's Bridge) Falls , Cool Stream Garden , Thiiri Cultural Centre , Kaaga Methodist Church , Kaaga War Memorial , Kiathandi Hill , Mpogoro Forest , Stone Woman Kieiga Forest , Njuri Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru , Ngaya Forest , Meru National Park , Twin Baobab Tree , Elsa’s Kopje , Ikweta Safari Camp , Adamson Falls Bridge , Rhino River Camp , Giant Meru Oak , Lake Nkunga , Mucheene Forest Station , Mucheene Cave , Lake Thai , Lewa Wildlife Conservancy , Sirikoi House , Nyambene Reserve , Liga Ria Ngutu , Lake Magado , Ngare-Ndare Forest Reserve , Ngare-Ndare Falls , Mount Kenya National Park , Sirimon Route , Mount Kenya One Day Trip , Theemwe Route , Theemwe Springs , Marania Route , Lake Rutundu , Rutundu Log Cabins , Chogoria Route , Nithi Falls , The Gates Falls, Lake Alice , Lake Ellis , Lake Michaelson , Vivienne Falls , Timau River Lodge , Wonky House , Tamalu Farm , Charanna Farm, Kisima Farm , Kisimani Resort , Mwonyo Valley , Giant Footprints

Know More About Meru County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.12?

Meru County’s positioning on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl.

What’s The Air Like In Meru?

The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively.

Know More About Meru County…