LAKE TURKANA
The world’s largest permanent desert lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Turkana, is located in Kenya’s remote northern arid lands. It is the most saline of Africa’s great lakes, and its vast aquatic resources contribute to the livelihoods of over 300,000 people. The three National Parks also serve as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and are major breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus and a variety of venomous snakes.
Best time to visit Lake Victoria is June to October (the coolest months).
Climate. Lake Turkana lies in the very dry with daytime temperatures reaching up to 37°C.
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How to get to Lake Turkana
By plane from Nairobi to Lodwar Airport (single tickets from .7.500 KES). It takes two hours.
To move around you will need to hire a 4WD driver.
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Lodwar town
Buy food there is limited. They don't usually have some basic food such as chicken, milk...
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Accommodation
Eliye Springs Resort. Nice open-air beds with mosquito nets to watch the start in the sky From 10 USD / night. They have washrooms, restaurant with buffet breakfast and menu. It 's just on the beach.
Lobolo Camp (Kalokol). A luxury option in Lake Turkana.
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What to visit in Lake Turkana
From Lodwar, you can travel by sandy roads to:
Ferguson Golf
Kalokol village
Central Island National Park
Loyangalan village. Near Marsabit, this village is famous for the Turkana Festival.
Nabiyotum crater is the most famous and beautiful crater in Kenya. It is located in the south of Lake Turkana.
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How to get to Central Island National Park
To get to the island a boat is needed. Visitors can arrange a boat trip in Kalokol from 12,000 KES (round trip).
In Kalokol you will find also the Park Offices to pay the fees.
A guide will bring you to the island as well as sleep in the campsite.
You can wait for the captain in a Camping Bar in surroundings.
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Camping
There, guests will find basic toilets. There is no power. Bring drinking water, picnic items, camping equipment and torches if you intend to stay overnight. Mosquito repellent is mandatory due to the high number of mosquitos bitting at nights.
Camping fees Resident Adult 350 KES - Child 200 KES Non Resident Adult 20 USD - Child 15 USD
Buy fresh lake captures of the day such Nile perch.
Watch out when taking baths due to crocodiles.
Park Fees (24 hours)
Resident Adult 600 KES - Child 255 KES Non Resident Adult 22 USD - Child 13 USD
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Wildlife. The islands are home to hippo, bats and the world’s largest Nile crocodile population, more than 350 recorded species including large flocks of flamingos, and there are 60 recorded species of fish in the lake.
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What to see
Three crater lakes, Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake and Tilapia Lake, provide breeding grounds for the world’s largest concentration of Nile crocodiles.
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More info here.
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Note: The prevalence of malaria among the residents basin remains high, therefore bring enough mosquito repellent.
Violence among tribes and some army attacks.
