How to get to Central Island National Park
How to get to Central Island National Park : Flying is usually the most convenient way to see Lake Turkana and the Central Island National Park. There are two all-weather airstrips: Loiyangalani and Lodwar. Travelling from Nairobi makes the park drive-by roads extremely boring and lengthy. From Nairobi, it takes around three days to drive through Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr. Alternatively, one can drive via Kitale and Lodwar from Nairobi to Kalokol, which is located on the western shores of the lake. Boat rental services to Central Island are offered from Kalokol.
The farthest national park is Central Island National Park, which is located 800 km from Nairobi on the blue-green waters of Lake Turkana, the world’s biggest permanent desert lake. Three active volcanoes that make up the Central Island National Park are the source of the sulphurous steam and smoke. The world’s largest population of Nile crocodiles has breeding grounds in three crater lakes: Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake. At the campground in the Central Island National Park, guests may take in the breathtaking views of the world’s only desert lake. The moon rises over the menacingly smouldering craters overlooking the park’s black lava beach. Also known as Crocodile Island, Central Island is one of Kenya’s smallest national park.
The volcanic island is in the centre of Kenya’s Lake Turkana. The Kenya Wildlife Service is in charge of Central Island National Park, which is situated there as well. Little lakes are found across the island’s three craters and more than a dozen cones. The floors of the two largest partially filled-in lakes can reach a width of one km and a depth of eighty meters, both of which are at sea level. At 550 meters, or around 190 meters above the lake’s surface, the highest point on this basaltic island is located.
The eastern side of the three-kilometers-wide island is divided by a sequence of tiny explosion craters that move west to east. Other cones and lava plugs are located beneath the lake’s surface close to the island, while a few small islands to the east represent partially submerged crater rims. The central crater’s northeast to southeast rim is the centre of Fumarolic activity, and in the 1930s, tourists saw sulphur sprays emerging from the fumaroles. Intense clouds of steam and molten sulphur were seen emanating from the mainland since 1974 and it rises 355 meters above sea level.
The weather of Central Island National Park
The park experiences intense heat and dry weather from December to March because it is located in a desert. It is coolest in June and July. Extremely strong morning and evening winds blow from May to September. In certain areas of the park, it may not rain for several years at a time, with annual rainfall of less than 250 mm.
What is there to see at Central Island national park
The Crocodiles Kingdom
Lake Turkana is host an estimated 12,000 crocodiles that have not changed in 130 million years, solidifying the long-standing reputation of the park as the first habitat of early people. Despite their enormous size and intimidating look, they are normally harmless animals who coexist peacefully with their surroundings and eat the many fish in the lake.
Reptiles and Fish
Some of the most deadly reptiles in the world, including as the saw-scaled viper, the night and puff adder, and the cobra, are known to call Turkana home. Numerous fish species exist as well, such as enormous tilapia and Nile perch. A sort of fish typically seen in seawater is the puffer fish.
Birdlife in Central Island National Park
There are more than eighty-four water bird species may be found on the islands, home to a diverse array of avian inhabitants. Among these are thirty-four species of European migrants, which are especially magnificent to watch during their April–May return home. Fewer flamingos are drawn to the volcanic island lakes, and at least 23 species breed here, including the African skimmer, Goliath heron, and African open-billed stork. Predatory birds abound as well; swallow-tailed kites are among the most numerous.
Park Entry fee
Adult child
Citizen kshs 300 kshs 125
Resident kshs 300 kshs 125
Non resident 22USD 13USD
Things to do in Central Island National Park
Birdwatching
There are more than 350 different bird species may be found in the Central Island National Park; 84 of them are aquatic species, while the remaining species are resident or migratory and include the Goliath heron, African skimmers, grey heron, Egyptian geese, great egrets, sacred ibis, fewer egrets, osprey, swallow-tailed kites, and many more.
Game viewing
Despite its tiny size, the park offers a unique Safari wild safari experience that showcases Kenya’s abundant and diverse wildlife. Game species include hippos, topis, Gravis zebras, grant gazelles, crocodiles, and oryxes can be found in the park. Because there are so many crocodiles in the area, it is recommended that visitors travel with an armed guide.
Nature walks
Kenya safari tour visitors hiking to the top of the flamingo crater will encounter many interesting sites along the way and, most importantly, breath-taking views of the entire park. Insects, butterflies, and dragonflies are also to be expected. There are guided nature walks and wonderful hiking on the island’s highest elevation, which have views of the magnificent lakes and scenery.
Camping
This park’s unique location makes camping in Kenya the most beautiful and fantastic activity you can do there, exposing you to the park’s natural beauty and providing you with breathtaking views of the lakes.
The best months to visit Central Island National Park
June and July are the ideal months to explore Central Island National Park because of the slightly lower temperatures. It is intensely dry and scorching from December to March. It is recommended that travellers pack a lot of snacks and drinking water.
Where to stay at Central Island national park
The only lodging options available on the island of Central Island National Park are campsites; all other lodging options are found on the mainland, including Eliye Springs Resort, Malabo Resort, and Oasis Lodge, which provide accommodations ranging from midrange and economical to the most luxurious.
