Sibiloi National Park was established in 1973 and is named after Mount Sibiloi, which is elevated at a height of about 1700 metres above sea level. It is overseen by a UNESCO Heritage site and is situated in the north-eastern region of Lake Turkana, which is well-known for being the largest desert in the world, covering a total surface area of about 1570 square kilometres. A 1.6 million-year-old fossil of an extinct tortoise is found in Sibiloi National Park, which is also well-known for being home to an elephant fossil. Other notable features of the park include a variety of plant species, lovely flora and fauna, omophoria woodlands, sandstone out crooks, sand rivers, dry savannah grasslands, riverine forest, breathtaking lakes, and volcanic terrain.
Sibiloi National Park is regarded as the greatest place to travel to and experience the true wilderness, providing tourists with an amazing safari experience by allowing them to partake in a variety of safari activities, such as:
Game drives
Among the top safari spots in the nation for an amazing safari experience is Sibiloi National Park, which offers game drives among other things. Visitors can also participate in game drives, which provide them the opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife species, including titian crocodiles, jackals, leopards, lions, gazelles, oryxes, and larger kudus.
Bird watching
A birding safari in Kenya destination, the national park is home to approximately 350 different species of birds, including migratory, residential, aquatic, and terrestrial birds. A variety of species can be seen by observers, including Huggin’s bustard, African skimmer, pelicans, crested larks, flamingos, ducks, Somali bee-eater, Heuglin’s bustard, Somali ostrich, chestnut-bellied sand grouse, and fox kestrel.
Cultural tours
Travelling throughout the national park gives tourists the opportunity to learn about the various cultures found there, including Dassanach, Jabra, and the nomadic Turkana people, with opportunities to learn about their clothing, food habits, and language usage, among many other aspects.
Koobi Fora museum
Of all the safari attractions in the national park, the museum is the most comprehensive, offering more insight into the evolution of people than any other place on the continent. It is home to the renowned Australopithecus and homo fossils. The fossils that sight seekers have learned about are believed to be proof that two years ago, humans and/or more humans were present. In addition to the aforementioned activities, visitors can also go to Lake Turkana Island, which is home to enormous Nile crocodiles and is known for having the largest crocodile concentration on Earth. In addition, individuals can explore Lake Turkana, go on guided nature hikes where park guides accompany them, and do a lot more.
Where to Stay
While visiting the national park, visitors can choose from a range of lodging options, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options, so they can choose the option that best suits their needs. Some of these options include the Allia Bay Guesthouse, Oasis Lodge, and Lobolo Tented Camp, in addition to other lodges outside the park. For more information on Sibiloi National Park, get in touch with our reliable tour operators. East Africa Tours, for example, offers the best tour packages for your safari in Kenya.
Other places to visit in Lake Turkana
Central Island National Park
Kenya Wildlife Services is in charge of Central Island National Park, which is located in the centre of Lake Turkana. Nonetheless, it is made up of several dozen craters and cones, three of which are almost completely filled with tiny lakes. As a result, the two largest lakes partially fill craters with floors that are close to sea level and up to a kilometre in width and 80 metres deep. The dominantly highest point is located 550 metres, or roughly 190 metres above the lake’s surface. More little islands to the southeast indicate partially buried crater rims, as well as more cones and lava plugs that link beneath the lake’s surface close to the island. In addition, Central Island is home to three active volcanoes that spew sulphurous smoke and steam into crater lakes called Crocodiles Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake. These lakes serve as breeding sites for the greatest number of Nile crocodiles in the world.
The park offers a cosy tent where guests can take in the breathtaking, mysterious views of the moon rising over the scary smoking craters and the lake’s dazzling water washing up onto a black lava beach.
Attractions of Central Island National Park
Home to thousands of Crocodiles
It is home to a Kingdom of Crocodiles there are about 12,000 crocodiles in Lake Turkana that haven’t changed in 130 million years. Motivate their enormous stature and amazing look; they are essentially harmless animals that coexist peacefully in the lake’s ecosystem and dine on its many fish.
On the edges of the Island’s crater lakes, crocodiles breed in April and May. Then, in order to avoid the predatory attentions of raptors and monitor lizards, young crocodiles can be heard squeaking in their eggs, which are hidden deep beneath the sand. As they wail louder, their parents rush to dig them out and carry them to the edge of the sea, where they spend their early months.
The Climate
In particular, the months of December through March, endure both arid and hot environment. July and June are the coolest months after that. Strong winds blow morning and evening from May through September. In certain regions, there may not be any rain for years, and the area may see less than 250 mm of rainfall annually.
Things to do
Game viewing
There are many different species to explore in the park’s picturesque landscape. Despite its small size, the park offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to see a variety of animal species, including grant gazelles, crocodiles, Oryx, hippos, topis, and Gravis zebras. However, we strongly advise you to never leave the armed guide behind because of the large number of crocodiles that can be seen grazing along the island for your safety.
Birdwatching
This island, which is home to over 350 bird species—84 of which are aquatic, with the others being migratory and residential—is a fantastic spot for birdwatchers on Kenya Birding Safaris. Among the birds that can be seen are the Goliath heron, Swallow-tailed kites, Egyptian geese, big egrets, lesser egrets, sacred ibis, osprey, “African Skimmers,” and Egyptian geese.
Nature walks
The park provides amazing and thrilling guided nature excursions that can be taken on foot under the guidance of park rangers who tour the area. The walks are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding lakes and landscape. Hikers can ascend the flamingo crater to see stunning views of the boundless grasslands.
Boat rides safari
When visiting this location, visitors can take a boat trip on one of the lovely lakes nearby and enjoy a highly rewarding view of various aquatic animal and water bird species.
