Lake Turkana National Parks shape the Sibiloi National Park, South Island and Central Island National Parks masking a complete vicinity of 161,485 hectares in the Lake Turkana Basin with a total area of 7 million hectares.

The lake is the saltiest lake in East Africa and the largest desert lake in the world. It is surrounded by a barren, seemingly alien landscape, often devoid of life. The long body of Lake Turkana plunges along the Rift Valle from the Ethiopian border and stretches 249 kilometers north to south and 44 km at its widest point with a depth of 30 meters.

The alkaline body of water is unique in that it is the largest permanent desert lake in the world. It is the fourth largest lake in Africa by volume and the largest lake in the eastern arm of the Rift Valley.

The National Parks are World Heritage Sites for his or her great herbal beauty, however the region’s role as the crucible of human evolution is equally (if not more) important.

Lake Turkana Outstanding Universal Value

• The property has unique geomorphologic features with fossil deposits in sedimentary formations as well as one hundred identified archaeological and paleontologi. There are numerous volcanic overflows with petrified forests.. Existing ecological conditions provide habitats to support diverse flora and fauna. Extensive paleontological discoveries have been made at Kobi Fora north of Allia Bay, beginning in 1969 with the discovery of Paranthropus boisei.

• The area is characterized by a variety of habitats resulting from ecological changes over time, terrestrial and aquatic, desert and grassland, and is inhabited by a wide variety of fauna. In situ conservation in protected areas includes endangered species, particularly reticulated giraffe, lion and zebra, as well as over 350 recorded species of terrestrial and aquatic birds Species.

• The lake is an important passage and stopover for Palearctic migratory birds, and South Island Park is also designated a Birdlife International Important Bird Area.

Lake Turkana Attractions

Crocodiles Kingdom and Nursery

Lake Turkana’s 12,000 crocodiles are estimated to have not changed in 130 million years. Despite their monstrous size and fearsome appearance, they are generally harmless creatures that live in perfect harmony with their environment, feeding on the many fish in the lake.

Venomous reptiles and prehistoric fish

Turkana is home to some of the world’s most venomous reptiles, including the saw-toothed otter, night and bird otters and the cobra. There are also many species of fish here, including giant Nile perch and large tilapia. Puffer fish, a group usually found in seawater, indicate a prehistoric connection between Turkana and the Red Sea.

Home of birds

The islands are home to rich birdlife (over 84 species of waterfowl). This incudes 34 species of European migratory birds, which are most spectacular when they return home between March and May. Birds of prey are also numerous, especially kites.

How to Get there

• Air : There are day by day flights out of Wilson Airport such as Silverstone Air that’s the maximum handy manner to get to Lodwar directly.
• Road :From Nairobi dive thru the Rift Valley to Turkana County, beyond Nakuru, Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo which gives masses of attractions.

Park Charges

Contacts

The warden: P. O. Box 219, Lodwar.

Tel:  (Lodwar) +254 (54) 21223

Email address: sibiloi@kws.go.ke

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at Turkana Hotels camps and lodges