Central Island National Park is located on the Central Island in the middle of Lake Turkana, Kenya. It is under the protection of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
It is part of the Lake Turkana National Parks which consists of the Sibiloi National Park, Central Island National Park, and the South Island National Park.
Central Island is also known as Crocodile Island is a volcanic island and is made of 3 active volcanoes that produce sulphurous smoke and steam.
The Island has three beautiful crater lakes namely; Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake. These Lakes form a breeding habitat for the world’s largest population of Nile Crocodiles which are also quite huge in size. The Lakes are up to a kilometre wide and about 80 m deep.
The park vegetation is scant.
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana is the largest permanent desert lake in the world and the waters in this lake are blue-green in colour and the aerial views of this island are stunning.
Central Island National Park Attractions
Why is the park popular? Here is why.
- Lake Turkana-the largest desert permanent lake in the world
- A campsite that offers stunning views of Lake Turkana and the blue-green waters
- The Huge population of the Nile Crocodile-Largest population of the Nile crocodiles in the world over 12,000 in number
- The Breeding season of the Nile crocodiles on the shores of the island between April and May of each year. It is the greatest crocodile nursery you will ever see.
- Venomous reptiles including the cobra, night and puff adder, saw-scaled viper among others
- Many species of fish including; the Nile perch, tilapia, and pufferfish
- Many species of birds-over 350 species of water-bird species on record including the European migrants which offer stunning views during migration back home between March and May.
- The three crater lakes
Central Island National Park Animals/Wildlife
The Island is home to hippopotamus, crocodile, and bats
It has many species of birds-over 350 on record which include; the large flocks of Flamingos, Goliath herons, African skimmers, African billed storks, Ducks, Gulls, Swallow-tailed kites among others
Many species of fish-over 60 species on record
Things to do in Central Island National Park
You can indulge yourself in a number of activities which include;
- Game viewing
- Fishing
- Camping-Central Island Campsite
Island Climate/ Weather
The Island is arid and hence is scorching hot especially between December and March. June and July are the coolest months while May to September has very strong winds.
The average annual rainfall is below 250 mm and it may take years to rain in some places
When to Visit
The most preferable time is between March and March during crocodile bleeding and birds migration back to Europe.
Otherwise, you can visit all year round given the climatic conditions of this area.
How to get there
By Road-It takes three days to get to Lake Turkana from Nairobi through Marsabit and North Horr or Maralal and South Horr.
You can also use Nairobi to Kalokol route via Kitale and Lodwar
By Air-You can also use air from Nairobi to get to Lake Turkana-there are airstrips there
Central Island National Park Entrance Fee
Park entry fees are as follows;
Citizens (KES): Adult 300, Child 125
Residents (KES): Adult 300 Child 170
Non-residents (USD): Adult 22 Child 13
Park Contacts
Landline: +254 (54) 21223
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Central Island National Park Hotels and Lodges
Accommodation near the park include
- Sanfields Lodwar Camp
- Eliye Springs Resort
- Proland Inn Ltd
- Desert Rose Kenya
- Palm Shade Resort
- Malobo Resort
Happy Wildlife Safari!
See also other Kenya National Parks and Game Reserves
