Lake Jipe

Lakes in Taita Taveta

Lake Jipe: Primitive Yet Comely Landscape

North and east of Pare Mountains, with Mount Kilimanjaro dominating the horizon some 60 km to the northwest, the picturesque 30 km2 Lake Jipe lies astride the Kenya-Tanzania boundary. It is long and shallow, with a maximum length of 12 km and a maximum width of 3 km, its depth not exceeding 3 ms. Jipe is fed primarily by Rivers Lumi and Ruvu that have their headwaters on the snows of Kilimanjaro. Jipe is a birders paradise, especially vibrant between October and January when migratory birds come to nest and roost here. Camping facilities are provided and fishing is allowed with permission from KWS; though the assets have diminished much with time. Set in a hinterland where elephants had thrived for ages, with contact between the locals and the sentient giants becoming frequent, you might be lucky to see some in the vicinity. Lake Jipe is situated 30 km south of Ziwani.


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.


Situated in south-western Kenya, and part of the Coast Region of Kenya, Taita-Taveta County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The county features diverse landscapes, including the Taita Hills, which are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, and the vast plains of Tsavo, which are part of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks – Kenya’s largest wildlife preserve.

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The mean temperature in Taita Taveta is 23 Degrees Celsius, cooler around the hills and hotter on the Nyika where the Tsavos sit. Rainfall distribution is uneven, with the highlands receiving higher rains than the lowland areas.

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