Lake Turkana National ParksAbout Lake Turkana National Parks
Lake Turkana National Parks encompass lakeside, island and shoreline areas in northern Kenya that combine outstanding natural habitats with internationally significant palaeoanthropological and archaeological sites.
The lake and its islands support assemblages of waterbirds, crocodiles and unique desert-lake ecosystems, while shoreline and adjacent plains contain archaeological localities and fossil beds with remains of early hominins and fauna. Protected islands within the lake provide breeding sites and volcanic landforms to explore.
The lake basin formed through Rift Valley tectonics and has been a focal point for human and animal populations for millions of years; systematic palaeoanthropological research in the 20th century identified numerous fossil hominins and stone tool occupations that document human evolution.
The property lies in northern Kenya along the Lake Turkana basin, stretching from the lake shoreline into island and adjacent park areas; the main settlement and logistical centre for visits is the town of Lodwar on the lake’s western side.
- Largest permanent desert lake and fossil record: Lake Turkana is the world’s largest permanent desert lake and an alkaline lake with major fossil deposits spanning several million years.
- Hominin fossil sites: Archaeological and palaeoanthropological sites around the lake have produced important hominin fossils and stone tool assemblages used in the study of human evolution.
What to See#
- Sibiloi National Park / Koobi Fora area: Sibiloi National Park and its surrounding archaeological localities on the eastern shore, noted for extensive fossil and hominin sites.
- Central and South Island National Parks: Central Island and South Island national parks within the lake that include breeding sites for birds and are volcanic in origin.
Best Time to Visit Lake Turkana National Parks
Visit in dry months for safer overland travel; shoulder seasons can mean impassable tracks.
Weather & Climate near Lake Turkana National Parks
Lake Turkana National Parks's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 22° - 35° | 28° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 44% | 2.3 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| February | Excellent | 22° - 36° | 29° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 42% | 2.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 11.9h |
| March | Excellent | 23° - 36° | 30° | 28 mm | some cloud | 46% | 2.7 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 34° | 29° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 2.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| May | Excellent | 22° - 34° | 29° | 19 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| June | Ideal | 21° - 34° | 28° | 3 mm | some cloud | 50% | 1.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| July | Ideal | 21° - 33° | 27° | 9 mm | some cloud | 48% | 2.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 33° | 27° | 6 mm | some cloud | 47% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 35° | 28° | 1 mm | some cloud | 44% | 1.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Excellent | 22° - 35° | 28° | 9 mm | partly cloudy | 47% | 2.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| November | Excellent | 22° - 34° | 29° | 36 mm | some cloud | 54% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| December | Excellent | 21° - 34° | 28° | 20 mm | mostly sunny | 49% | 2.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
How to Get to Lake Turkana National Parks
The nearest commercial access point is Lodwar town; charter flights and overland 4x4 expeditions from Nairobi or Turkana towns are typical. Local tour operators and scientific institutions can facilitate permits and guided logistics.
Tips for Visiting Lake Turkana National Parks
- Prepare for extreme remoteness - logistics usually require charter flights or multi-day drives from Lodwar with vehicle support.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water; services are sparse and distances between settlements are large.
- Coordinate archaeological visits with researchers or the Kenya Wildlife Service to access certain protected areas.