Best Places to Visit in Turkana
Turkana is often associated with hunger, insecurity, underdevelopment, and poor infrastructure. Yet, Turkana, home to Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake and regarded as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, is emerging as a significant tourist destination.
Though not a primary wildlife destination, Lake Turkana is renowned for its crocodiles and bird colonies. Approximately 120,000 Nile crocodiles breed on Central Island, accessible by boat.
Sibiloi National Park protects the area’s wildlife, including unique species like reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, lesser kudu, gerenuk, and Grevy’s zebra. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are present but rarely sighted.
Fact Box
- Population: Pastoralists account for around 70% of Turkana County’s population.
- Borders: Samburu County (southeast), Baringo (south), West Pokot (southwest), Uganda (west), South Sudan (northwest), Ethiopia (north), and Lake Turkana (east).
- Size: Turkana County covers 77,000 square kilometers, making it the second largest in Kenya, with a population density of 13 inhabitants per square kilometer.
- Major settlements: Lodwar (50,000 people), Kakuma (40,000), Lokichogio (20,000), Kalokol, and Lokichar.
Best Places to Visit in Turkana
1. Central Island
Central Island, a gazetted national park, is teeming with life despite its arid surroundings. This island is renowned for its unique volcanic landscape and abundant birdlife, which houses hundreds of bird species, including migrants from northern Asia and Europe.
The island’s plankton masses support the fish, which in turn sustain 84 water bird species, including huge colonies of egrets, storks, and cormorants, as well as tens of thousands of flamingos at its crater lakes.
Depending on the weather, the island is accessible via a 1.5- to 2-hour boat ride from Kalokol Beach. Central Island features three crater lakes: Flamingo Lake, Tilapia Lake, and Crocodile Lake, reputed for their high crocodile density. Walking trails around the island lead to its highest point, offering sweeping views of the crater lakes and Lake Turkana.
2. Hike in the hills of Lodwar
Climbing the hills near Lodwar provides an uninterrupted view of the town and its surroundings. Near the Catholic mission stands Turkana’s version of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue. Staircases make the gentle ascent to the top easier.
3. Kenyatta House
Kenyatta House, a landmark of Kenya’s struggle against British imperialism, served as a detention camp for five of the Kapenguria Six, including Jomo Kenyatta. They imprisoned Kenyatta here until 1959, after which they placed him under house arrest in Lodwar for two years.
4. Eliye Springs
Eliye Springs offers expansive sandy beaches, palm groves, and the warm waters of Lake Turkana. Visitors can relax, swim in the lake’s remedial waters, and enjoy fresh fish, chicken, and goat from local sources. The remote ambiance, beautiful lake views, and star-filled night skies make this location particularly charming.
5. Namoratunga standing stones
The Namoratunga Standing Stones, located 15 kilometers southwest of Kalokol, are one of East Africa’s most intriguing archaeological sites. This small cluster of cylindrical stones is believed to have served as an ancient stellar observatory and remains a sacred place for the Turkana people.
6. South Turkana National Reserve
South Turkana National Reserve, known for its harsh brown terrain and high temperatures, teems with wildlife, including elephants, gazelles, warthogs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, leopards, and hyenas. The reserve offers stunning views of Mount Mtelo and Mount Nasolot, with Kailongol Mountain at its center, making it ideal for climbing and bush walking.
7. Kalokol
Kalokol, a town on the shores of Lake Turkana, has grown due to its robust fishing industry. The town serves as a base for boat trips to Central Island and provides visitors with a glimpse into the local fishing industry.
8. Ferguson Bay
South of Kalokol, Ferguson Bay features mudflats and salt swamps inhabited by pelicans, flamingos, and other birds. Visitors can witness the area’s stunning sunrises and sunsets, especially in the early morning or late evening.
9. Lokichar Hills
The Lokichar Hills, located along the route from Lokichar to Katilu, dominate the landscape and offer adventurous climbs for visitors. The hills are part of an impressive patchwork visible from the banks of the Turkwel River.
10. Nariokotome
Nariokotome, famous for discovering the Turkana Boy, a nearly complete Homo erectus skeleton dating back 1.5 million years, offers more than just archaeological finds. The site includes a lagoon frequented by flamingos and waterfowl, as well as a Catholic mission station that experiments with growing dates, olives, wine, and coconuts.
Getting There
Daily flights from Wilson Airport, including Silverstone Air, provide the most convenient access to Lodwar. From Nairobi, the route through the Rift Valley, past Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, and Lake Baringo, offers many attractions, including the option to stay overnight at Lake Baringo. Alternatively, you can book a Silverstone Air flight package with Turnup. Travel with a personalized itinerary.
Scenery
Surrounded by volcanic rock, Lake Turkana experiences a harsh southeasterly wind. The sparse and spiky vegetation adds to the landscape’s rugged beauty. Often referred to as the ‘Jade Sea’ for its turquoise waters, the lake’s water level has fluctuated significantly over the millennia, previously being 100 meters higher.
Weather and Climate
Situated in Kenya’s arid north, Lake Turkana endures extreme heat, with average daytime temperatures around 34°C (93°F). Annual rainfall is minimal, less than 300 mm (12 inches), with long rains in April and short rains in November.
Weather Highlights:
- The hottest region in Kenya
- Daytime temperatures: 34°C/93°F
- Annual rainfall: <300mm/12in
- Long rains: April
- November: Short rains
The Best Time to Visit
Lake Turkana’s desert climate means low rainfall, making it accessible year-round. However, the scenery is particularly striking after the rains in April and November. The wetter months may pose challenges for drivers coming from Nairobi due to difficult track conditions.
Travel Routes:
- Southeastern shore: Loiyangalani (charter flights, truck trips)
- Western side: Lodwar (scheduled flights from NBO, Eldoret)
- There is no direct road between the east and west sides; lake crossings are possible at a high cost.
For those driving from Nairobi, it is necessary to traverse the Chalbi or Karoli Desert. Partially tarred routes enhance accessibility, but experienced 4×4 drivers should ideally travel in convoys of at least two vehicles.
Key Points:
- Located in northern Kenya, 665 km (414 mi) from Nairobi
- The routes lead to both the east and west sides of the lake.
- We recommend convoy travel for 4×4 enthusiasts.
By understanding these aspects, visitors can better appreciate Lake Turkana’s unique offerings and plan their trips effectively.
Best Places to Visit in Turkana
