LAKE TURKANA NATIONAL PARKS
Lake Turkana National Parks are constituted of Sibiloi National Park and two Islands I.e. Southern Island and the Central Island National Parks, covering a total area of 161,485 hectares located within the Lake Turkana basin whose total surface area is 7 million ha. The Lake is the most saline lake in East Africa and the largest desert lake in the world, surrounded by an arid, seemingly extraterrestrial landscape that is often devoid of life. There are numerous volcanic overflows with petrified forests. The existing ecological conditions provide habitats for maintaining diverse flora and fauna. Reasons for the park’s importance include its use as a stopping point for migratory birds, as a breeding ground for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus, and snakes. It also contains fossils in the Koobi Fora deposits which are unique in the world.
Sibiloi National Park
This park lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Turkana. It was established in 1973 by the government of Kenya for the protection of wildlife and paleontologist sites around that area. The park covers an area of 1,570 km2 and is internationally popular for its unprecedented fossils. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 as a part of Lake Turkana National Parks.
Central Island
It is also known as the crocodile Island and is governed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). It is composed of more than a dozen craters and cones, three of which are filled by small lakes. The two largest lakes partially fill craters up to a kilometer wide and about 80 m deep, the floors of which are near sea level. In 1974 intense emission of molten sulfur and steam clouds were seen from the mainland.
Southern Island
The island is home to lots of birdlife including 23 species which breed here, among them; Goliath heron, and African skimmer, while African open-billed stork, Duck and Gulls feed on the shores and the volcanic island lakes attract lesser flamingos. Birds of prey are also abundant, especially swallow-tailed kites. This park is ideal for game watching and has one of the world’s largest concentrations of crocodiles.
Best time to visit
June to September and January to February are the best times to visit the parks due to the favorable weather patterns, better sightings of wildlife and allows for clear views of the diverse landscape.
Highlights
The most popular natural attractions that you can’t miss are the scenic landscapes and mountain vistas. There are a number of permanent rivers with woodland fringes and salty springs.
Wildlife recorded in this reserve include Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, eland, Oryx, impala, bushbuck, greater kudu, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and jackal. There are crocodiles in the rivers and abundant birdlife, much of which gathers on the banks of the Kerio River.
Our Favourite Properties
Eliye Springs Resort
The property is mostly recognized as an eco-resort and is situated on the Western shores of Lake Turkana, about 70 km northeast from Lodwar. The resort offers different types of accommodation such as the luxury Bomas, self-contained rooms and a campsite. Ample space has been provided within the sand dune for the campers. A wide range of activities are offered including boat-rides, sports-fishing, film nights, sundowners, birdwatching, donkey trekking among others. See more.
Lobolo Camp
Lobolo, meaning ‘the place of abundant water’, is a simple open sided tent structure that allows a welcome breeze that comes off the lake. The camp has only six ensuite tents all overlooking the Lake and Central Island.It offers a highly personalized and intimate experience and is the ideal launching pad for excursions and expeditions on Lake Turkana and beyond.Despite the remoteness of the camp, Joyce Chianda-Scheuerman (who owns and manages it with her brother Njogu Chianda) and her team manage to provide amazing meals with crispy salads and fresh fruits. See more.
Desert Rose
This is one of the best eco-friendly lodges found on the Elbarta Plains in Mt. Nyiru between Karisia Mountains and Lake Turkana. The lodge accommodates a total of twelve guests in its entirely secluded houses which provide utmost serenity and comfort.The main lounge and a pool area have been beautifully hand crafted to blend with the well maintained gardens. The lodge also offers a fully stocked bar, a sitting room and a fireplace. See more.
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