Lake Turkana National Parks are among the most exclusive Kenya safari destinations. They are located in Northern Kenya, around Lake Turkana, the World’s largest Lake.
Lake Turkana National Parks cover 161,485 hectares including part of the Lake. They comprise Sibiloi National Park, the Island National Park, and the South Island National Park. Each has a unique ecosystem offering incredible Discovery Journeys adventures.
Lake Turkana was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and expanded in 2001. This was because of its unique wildlife diversity and the need to protect its ecosystem.
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Discovery Journeys ToLake Turkana National Parks
Wildlife in Lake Turkana National Park
Lake Turkana has several reptile species including Nile Crocodiles, Snakes, and Lizards. The area is an important breeding ground for Hippos and crocodiles. The Central Island National Park has the highest wildlife concentration. It has excellent conditions that favor the survival of the wildlife species in the middle of a desert.
The area has an excellent bird life. Flamingos, herons, and pelicans are notable birds you can spot on a birding safari. Sibiloi National Park covers the mainland and is home to Giraffes, Zebras, Beisa Oryx, Ostriches, and Hyenas. Big cats like lions and cheetahs are occasionally spotted in the area.
Sibiloi is also famous for its fossil and paleoanthropological sites. Fossil findings in the area show clues to human evolution.
Activities in Lake Turkana National Park
Game drives
Game drives through the Sibiloi ecosystem are rewarding with possible sightings of safari animals like giraffes. Desert-adapted wildlife species like ostriches are also spotted on game drives. The rare Grevy’s zebras are also present in the park making your game drive experiences more memorable.
Birding
Lake Turkana’s bird diversity makes it an incredible birding destination. It is a stopover point for migratory birds enhancing the birding safari experience. Birding is best enjoyed on the Islands within the Lake. The arid and woodland areas of Sibiloi are also good for spotting mainland bird species.
Fossil Exploration
Fossil Exploration is another adventurous Kenya safari activity you can engage in, in the Lake Turkana National Parks. A visit to the cradle of Mankind takes you back in time as you learn about the history of man’s evolution.
Boat Trips
Boat Trips along Lake Turkana are scenic and offer incredible wildlife Discovery Journeys. They enable you to explore the islands with the highest wildlife concentrations including hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Where to Stay
Lobolo Camp
Lobolo Camp is a unique exclusive camp along the shores of Lake Turkana. The camp has 8 tents spacious tents that are self-contained with en-suite bathrooms. They are elevated with a view of the Lake and surrounding ecosystem.
It closes during the low season months of April, May and November.
Koobi Fora Camp
Koobi Fora Camp is situated in the Sibiloi National Park area. It is the best place to base from when exploring the park’s archeological sites. Koobi Fora Camp offers simple and comfortable accommodation that is budget-friendly.
Eliye Springs Resort, Napak Tented Camp, and Oasis Lodge are other lodging options you can look at.
Getting there
Lake Turkana National Parks can be accessed by road and air transport. There are scheduled flights from Nairobi to Lodwar on the western side of the Lake. You can also opt for charter flights to Sibiloi and Loiyangalani. Top northern Kenya safari destinations include Samburu National Reserve and the Lewa Conservancy.
Road transfers from Nairobi take an average of 10 to 12 hours. This is reduced by visiting other Kenya safari destinations along the northern circuit. A journey to Lake Turkana from Nairobi goes through the Chalbi or Karoli desert.
Best time to Visit
Lake Turkana National Parks can be visited any time of the year given the desert climate. The parks have impressive scenery after the rainy months of April and November.
Safaris in the rainy months are a challenge as some roads are cut off.