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Hansueli Krapf CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Central Island

Island

Volcanic island in Lake Turkana, designated national park; visited for its volcanic landscape, freshwater springs and large flocks of flamingos and other waterbirds.

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In this guide

Central Island essentials

Address: Central Island, Lake Turkana, Turkana County, Kenya
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About Central Island

Central Island is a volcanic island located in Lake Turkana in Turkana County, northern Kenya. It is protected as Central Island National Park and is included in the Lake Turkana National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island’s volcanic crater and rocky shoreline are its main attractions, together with thermal features and springs. It is also important for wildlife, supporting seasonal colonies of waterbirds and areas where Nile crocodiles are commonly reported.

The island is of volcanic origin and formed through eruptions that left a central crater and lava flows. It has been protected under Kenya’s national parks system and recognized within the broader Lake Turkana World Heritage listing for its geological and ecological values.

Central Island lies in the central part of Lake Turkana, in a remote area of northern Kenya; the nearest regional town with services is Lodwar. Visits require boat transport from the lakeshore and coordination with Kenya Wildlife Service.

  • Protection status: Part of the Lake Turkana National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site and managed as Central Island National Park by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
  • Access: Access is by boat from the lake shore and visits require park permits and local arrangements due to the island’s remote location.

What to See#

  • Crater: A volcanic crater that forms the central high ground of the island and contains rocky outcrops and scattered vegetation.
  • Hot springs: Areas of warm springs and fumaroles on and near the crater rim that are visible as mineral stains and localized vegetation changes.
  • Bird colonies: Seasonal colonies of waterbirds that use the island for breeding and roosting, including large wader and flamingo populations at times of high water.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Central Island

Visit during dry months for more predictable access, but coordinate with local authorities for any visit to Lake Turkana.

Dry season
January-March, July-September · 28-38°C (82-100°F)
Hot and arid; lake levels lower, making some islands more accessible by boat.
Rainy season
April-June, October-December · 24-34°C (75-93°F)
Rain influences access and local pastoralist movements; river inflows can change shoreline access.

Weather & Climate near Central Island

Climate

Central Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 54 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 23° - 34° 28° 10 mm mostly sunny 44% 2.6 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.8h
February Ideal 24° - 34° 29° 10 mm mostly sunny 42% 2.4 m/s 2.7 extreme 11.9h
March Excellent 25° - 34° 30° 32 mm some cloud 47% 2.1 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
April Excellent 24° - 33° 30° 53 mm partly cloudy 57% 2.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
May Excellent 24° - 33° 29° 28 mm partly cloudy 56% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
June Ideal 23° - 32° 28° 7 mm some cloud 52% 2.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.2h
July Ideal 23° - 31° 27° 13 mm some cloud 50% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.2h
August Ideal 23° - 32° 28° 6 mm some cloud 48% 2.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
September Ideal 23° - 33° 28° 4 mm some cloud 45% 2.2 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
October Ideal 24° - 34° 29° 10 mm partly cloudy 50% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
November Excellent 23° - 34° 30° 37 mm some cloud 55% 1.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.8h
December Ideal 23° - 33° 29° 17 mm mostly sunny 49% 2.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Central Island

Central Island requires boat access from Lake Turkana’s shoreline communities (Loiyangalani or Kalokol are common departure points). Travel in the area should be arranged through local authorities or licensed tour operators who know lake conditions and have appropriate boats and safety gear.

Tips for Visiting Central Island

  • Check with Turkana County authorities for permissions and local guides; the island is remote and conditions can change.
  • Bring a satellite communication device and emergency plans; services are minimal.
  • Coordinate with a local community or conservation group - the lake and its islands are important for local pastoralists and wildlife.