Lake Turkana is the Envy of the Other Kenya Lakes

Lake Turkana, is the largest of the inland Kenya lakes (the mammoth Lake Victoria is shared among 3 countries). While the lake is one of Kenya's remotest tourist destinations, it is also one of its most rewarding.

It lays claim to a number of distinctions that would make the other Kenya lakes turn green with envy although ironically, the Turkana lake is the green-faced beauty but more on that in a minute.

Here are the lake's unparalleled distinctions...

• At 290 km (180 miles) long and 32 km (20 miles) wide, Lake Turkana is the largest desert lake in the entire world. And, if you think the term "desert lake" is an inexcusable misnomer, then you need to visit this incredible lifeblood of the Turkana people

• The lake is fittingly christened "the cradle of mankind" on account of archeological finds which have proved that the lake's vicinity was occupied in pre-historic times. So, to visit Lake Turkana is to see, traverse and touch the very territory that your ancestors inhabited 3 to 20 million(!) years ago

• Fondly referred to as the "Jade Sea" because of its stunning shimmering green alkaline waters, the lake is, in fact, notorious for its constantly changing water colors and it is not unusual for it to be green one minute and gray or blue the next.

  This intriguing water surface is lent incredible beauty by the surrounding lunar landscape consisting of islands, extinct volcanoes, lava beds and the uncrossable but magnificent Suguta Valley.

• The desert lake is coveted as the single largest natural crocodile habitat in the world as its waters teem with an unbelievable 22,000 Nile crocodiles

Even though the above are reason enough to visit, here's some more dazzling info on this unlikeliest of the Kenya lakes.

The Jade Sea's Mammals

It is not difficult to spot herbivores, such as the reticulated giraffe, topi, Beisa Oryx, Grant's gazelle and Grevy's zebra on the scorched lake shores. Of course, wherever you find grazers you also find their predators; the African lion and cheetahs.

Bird Bonanza

Because it is a habitat for many native Kenya birds as well as their migrant counterparts which are attracted by the lake's algae and fish, the Turkana region is one of the country's Important Bird Areas (IBAs).

The Northern Masked Weaver is endemic to the lake while the region is your best bet for sighting the Common black-tailed Godwit. Other birds that abound in the area are the Common Pied Kingfisher, Little Stint, Gray-headed Sparrows, Long-tailed Cormorant, Eurasian Wigeon, Somali Bee Eater and the White-winged Tern.

Fish Haven...

Sport fishing is a popular pastime with some of the lake's Nile Perch catches weighing in at 100 kg (220 lb). Elephant fish, African arowana, knifefish, the ferocious tiger fish, tilapia, which is reputed to be at its tastiest here and 3 or so dozen other fish species set the stage for a thrilling fishing expedition.

Turkana People

The Turkana people are a pastoral community which lives around the lake. Cattle, goats and camels therefore play an essential part in the lives of these fascinating people.

Like the Masai people, they dress in checked sheet wraps and wear bangles and colorful necklaces which, in the case of the women, are far more elaborate than those of the Masai. The Turkana share the lake's shores with the El Molo, one of the minority Kenya tribes that live in tiny round reed huts.

Turkana Lake Tour Packages

Because Lake Turkana is well off-the-beaten-track, it is anything but touristy. It therefore offers a unique solitary experience with plenty of time to savor nature and to introspect.

Accommodations range from the luxurious Oasis Lodge which is located right on the lake shore and is renowned for its great food to basic camps. Depending on your preference for accommodation, you can choose from our range of Turkana lake tour packages.

Return from Lake Turkana to Kenya Lakes

Return from Lake Turkana to Kenya Travel Packages Homepage