Lake Turkana

When planning an extraordinary expedition to the northern frontier of Kenya exploring an untamed aquatic marvel stands out as the ultimate adventure. Lake Turkana is a magnificent water body renowned globally for its striking jade green color, dramatic volcanic islands and rich cultural heritage. 

Unlike traditional holiday destinations this legendary emerald sea offers an unparalleled challenge for bold explorers and culture enthusiasts who wish to experience the raw beauty of the African desert wilderness.

What Makes Lake Turkana Unique

If you are wondering why visit Lake Turkana for your next vacation, the answer lies in its raw isolation, deep cultural heritage, and jaw dropping geographic marvels. This legendary frontier destination offers an elite escape from crowded tourist trails, rewarding bold travelers with vast open skies and dramatic volcanic craters.

Holding the prestigious title of the world’s largest permanent desert lake and the largest alkaline body of water on earth, this massive basin has no outlet. Because water loss occurs solely through intense evaporation, it has evolved into the most saline lake in East Africa among large basins. 

The heavy concentration of dissolved minerals creates its famous luminous jade green hue, supporting a specialized aquatic ecosystem that thrives despite the extreme surrounding aridity. It remains the ultimate destination for authentic cultural immersion and deep wilderness exploration.

Lake Turkana Location

Understanding the exact geographic setup helps you arrange your travel itinerary and logistics efficiently. Regarding the Lake Turkana location this massive body of water stretches across the arid northern territory of Kenya with its northernmost tip crossing slightly into the borders of Ethiopia. 

The expansive lake is situated centrally within the Great Rift Valley lying approximately eight hundred kilometers north of Nairobi city. It borders Turkana County on the western banks and Marsabit County on the eastern shores making it accessible via specialized road expeditions or quick domestic flights to airstrips in Lodwar Kalokol or Loiyangalani.

Lake Turkana Facts

The deep history and unique ecology of this zone are beautifully captured through these fascinating Lake Turkana facts:

• The cradle of mankind: The surrounding fossil deposits at Koobi Fora have yielded some of the most significant pre-human remains in history shaping our global understanding of human evolution.
• Massive crocodile colony: The waters host the largest single colony of Nile crocodiles in the world with thousands of individuals breeding safely on the volcanic islands.
• Ancient petrified forests: Sibiloi National Park features remnants of massive petrified trees that grew millions of years ago when the entire region was a lush tropical forest.
• Unmatched wind energy: The persistent and powerful desert winds howling through the valleys power the largest wind farm project on the African continent.

Top Places To Visit In Turkana

Planning your route with our specialists ensures you experience the absolute top places to visit in Turkana during your northern frontier safari:

• Sibiloi national park: Explore a wild archaeological treasure trove filled with ancient fossil displays rich cultural history and desert adapted wildlife.
• Central island national park: Journey by speed boat to an active volcanic island featuring three spectacular crater lakes named Crocodile Lake Flamingo Lake and Tilapia Lake.
• Eliye springs resort beaches: Relax on wide sandy shores lined with beautiful palm trees where clear spring water flows directly into the majestic desert lake.
• Loiyangalani cultural center: Meet the indigenous traditional communities to appreciate their vibrant dances, unique boma designs and authentic heritage.
  

  Lake Turkana Safari Packages

  • Seamless and stress free journey: Our team designs custom expeditions to ensure a completely smooth and worry free travel experience.