Lake Turkana National Park is a group of Parks made up of Sibiloi National Park, Central island National Park, and South Island National Park in Kenya which typically covers a total area of 161,458 hectares. All this is within the Lake Turkana basin whose total surface area is 7 million ha. It’s the largest desert lake in the world and also the most saline lake in East Africa surrounded by extraterrestrial landscapes that are empty with no life.
This long lake drops from the Ethiopian border for about 249 kilometers from north to south and 44 km at its widest point with a depth of 30 meters. This Lake is fondly known as the Jade Sea because of its blue-green color which is breathtaking. The lake basin is also a unique geo-morphological feature with fossil deposits on sedimentary formations including over one hundred archeological and paleontological sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its remote location and unique ecosystem make it a hotspot for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and researchers.
Table of Contents
Geography and Physical Characteristics
Lake Turkana lies in the Great Rift Valley from Lebanon through East Africa. The Lake is fed by three rivers which are the Turwel and Kerio Rivers in Kenya and the Omo River which is in Ethiopia. The Lake is endorheic; meaning it has no outlet contributing to its salinity and unique chemistry which supports rare aquatic life.
Prehistoric Significance of Lake Turkana National Parks
Often referred to as the Cradle of mankind. Sitting at the heart of the East African Rift one of the most geologically active regions on Earth. Over millions of years ago, there were tectonic movements that created a dynamic environment that has preserved some of the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered.
Major Discoveries
- Numerous Acheulean and Oldowan tools.
- Fossils of prehistoric elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
- Turkana Boy skull that was a nearly complete skeleton of a homo erectus youth discovered by Richard Leakey’s team in 1984.
These discoveries have made the Lake basin a focal point for paleoanthropology and human evolution studies.
Biodervisisty and ecosystems
Birds
There are over 350 bird species in the lake basin including pelicans, herons, and flamingos. b} It is a Seasonal stopover for migratory birds on the African-Eurasian flyway.
Aquatic Life
- It is one of the world’s largest populations of Nile crocodiles.
- Endemic fish species like the Turkana barb (Barbus Turkana)
- There are 60 fish species including the Nile tilapia and perch.
Terrestrial Wildlife
- This is a great place for the oryx, giraffe, lions, zebras, and Turkana mud turtle.
- Sibiloi National Park is a conservation site for fossils and wildlife.
Cultural Importance
Lake Turkana is home to several indigenous communities who have coexisted with this harsh landscape for many years. These are:
- The El Molo
- Samburu
- Rendille
- Dassanach
- Turkana tribes.
The Turkana are pastoralists known for their traditional jewelry, culture, and dress. The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival promotes peace and cultural exchange among the local tribes in the area.
The El Molo is one of the smallest ethnic groups in Kenya known as fishermen in the Lake.
There is a great bond between these ethnic groups who solely rely on the lake for survival.
Tourism in Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana has grown rapidly in the last few years, though it is an arid place. The raw beauty and cultural immersion are a mind-blowing experience.
Major Tourism attractions
- Sibiloi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for fossils and wildlife
- Koobi Fora Museum is an ongoing anthropological research showcasing the rich fossil record
- Central Island National Park which is home to thousands of crocodiles
- South Island National Park is a bird sanctuary with great bird species and sunset views.
Best activities at Lake Turkana
- Birdwatching of the numerous bird’s population
- Camping and watching the night skies
- Boat trips in the lake to watch the hippos and crocodiles
- Wildlife safaris to catch the lions and other key wildlife
- A visit to the cultural villages and learn the culture of the communities in the region.
How to get to Lake Turkana
- By Air from Nairobi to Lodwar or Kalokol
- By Road with a 4×4 vehicle with experienced guides due to the rough terrain.
Best time to Visit Lake Turkana National Parks
Lake Turkana is in an arid and semi-arid area with high temperatures with little to no rainfall. Therefore, you can easily visit at any time but the best of the best time is June to October when it dry and also during which the temperatures are a bit conducive. During this same time, there is better visibility and the roads are passable. In short, it is dry and cooler between June and October and this is the best time to visit Lake Turkana.
Climate Overview
The average temperature is 30_40 degrees Celsius with little to no rainfall, however, the months of June to September are a bit cooler with good clear skies for star viewing at night. Preparation for survival in the hot weather is necessary, along with sun protection and consultation with a local guide.
Threats to the Lake Turkana
There are numerous environmental threats due to human activities such as excessive grazing and farming along the lake shores, others are overfishing. In Ethiopia, the Gibe 111 dam on the Omo River has significantly affected the inflow of the river into the Lake significantly affecting water levels. Climatic changes have also affected the regional weather with erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. Desertification due to human activities has also been affecting the regional weather patterns making the land much more bare. Great efforts are going on in Kenya and also from international conservation organizations to preserve the Lake’s ecosystem.
Conservation efforts
There have been government organizations and academics with great research initiatives and creating awareness in the local communities. Government regulation in the region to monitor fishing and manage protected areas as well as Community-based conservation empowering local communities to protect their environment while sustaining livelihoods.
Accommodation Options at Lake Turkana
- Eco-lodges at Loiyangalani and Eliye Springs provide scenic stays near the lake.
- Lodwar town offers basic hotels and guesthouses possible with guides that bring your gear.
Lake Turkana UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1997 the Lake Turkana National Parks were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the following reasons:
- The areas of geological and fossil evidence of human evolution
- The unique desert-lake ecosystem
- The lake’s importance as a staging post for migratory birds.
However, this status has greatly been under much threat from the dam construction at the OMO River in Ethiopia which has been affecting the lake’s water levels.
The Lake Turkana is a living museum of human history and a vital ecological habitat in a culturally strong region. The jade waters, fossil-rich lake shores, and resilient people give a great glimpse into the real life of people in this region. Lake Turkana should be an item in your itinerary.