Sibiloi National Park is set on the Northern shore of Lake Turkana under the custody of the Kenya Wildlife Service. Lake Turkana is known as the ‘Jade Sea’ due to its mercurial blue-green colour.
Close to this park is the Central Island National Park which is located on Central Island in the middle of Lake Turkana.
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.
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 Lake are stunning.
The park habitat constitutes a semi-arid habitat and open plains occupied by volcanic formations such as Mount Sibiloi.
Sibiloi National Park is a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodiles and a stopover of the migrant waterfowl.
Cradle of Mankind
Sibiloi N
This park is known internationally for its contribution to fossils.
The main famous remains from Sibiloi are the Australopithecus and early homo fossils.
Sibiloi National Park is home to Koobi Fora Museum which is north of Allia Bay, a fossil skull labelled “Skull 1470”, an Elephant site, and a Giant tortoise.
Elephant site is the home to the elephant fossil dating 1.7 million years ago while the Grant tortoise is a 1.6 million years extinct tortoise fossil.
Sibiloi National Park Attractions
Why is Sibiloi National Park Popular? Here is why.
- Lake Turkana-the largest permanent desert/alkaline lake in the world
- Semi-desert habitat and plains occupied by volcanic formations
such as Mount Sibiloi - A laboratory that studies plant and animals
- Koobi Fora Museum-Archeological Museum
- Elephant site-where an elephant fossil dating 1.7 million years ago was found
- Surrounding communities-Turkana and
Gibra -who have maintained their traditional cultures - Magnificent wildlife including the huge population of Nile crocodile
- Many species of birds
- Migration of European migrants birds between March and May every year
Sibiloi National Park Animals/Wildlife
This park has a wide variety of wildlife which include; the Zebra, Grant gazelle, Greater kudus, Beisa Oryx, Northern Topi, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Hyena, Nile crocodile, Hippopotamus, among others.
It has also many species of birds-over 350 species on record-both terrestrial and aquatic birds. They include; the Somali ostrich, Kori bustard, Northern carmine, Somali bee-eaters, Fox kestrel, Sand grouse, among others.
It is also home to European migrant birds that bring about migration between March and May back home.
Things to do in Sibiloi National Park
- Bird watching
- Game viewing
- Fishing
- Camping
- Archaeological Safaris
Sibiloi National Park 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.
What to Carry & Wear on this Visit
- If you are camping please carry camping equipment.
- Also picnic items, drinking water, camera, and guide book.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to avoid the scorching sun.
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. It is 800 KM from Nairobi.
You can also use Nairobi to Kalokol route via Kitale and Lodwar
The park has three gates; Karsa gate (Main gate), Alia bay and Koobi Fora
By Air-You can also use air from Nairobi to get to Lake Turkana-there are 2 airstrips
Other airstrips are found in Marsabit, Loiyangalani, Kalokol, North Horr, and Lodwar (Commercial Airstrip).
Sibiloi National Park Entrance Fees/Entry Fees
Park charges are as follows;
Citizens (KES): Adult 350, Child 200
Residents (KES): Adult 600 Child 350
Non-residents (USD): Adult 25 Child 15
Park Contacts
You can reach Kenya Wildlife Service through
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Sibiloi National Park Hotels and Lodges
Hotels and lodges near Sibiloi include;
- Sanfields Lodwar Camp
- Eliye Springs Resort
- Proland Inn Ltd
- Desert Rose Kenya
- Palm Shade Resort
- Malobo Resort
Happy Visit!
