Lake Turkana National Parks are constituted of Sibiloi National Park, the South Island and the Central Island National Parks, covering a total area of 161,485 hectares, located within the Lake Turkana basin, whose total surface area is seven million hectares
Lake Turkana National Parks are composed of Sibiloi National Park, the South Island, and the Central Island National Parks, covering a total area of 161,485 hectares located within the Lake Turkana basin whose total surface area is 7 million hectares. Lake Turkana is the most saline lake in East Africa and the largest desert lake in the world, surrounded by an arid, seemingly extraterrestrial landscape that is often devoid of life. The long body of Lake Turkana drops down along the Rift Valley from the Ethiopian border, extending 249 kilometers from north to south and 44 kilometers at its widest point with a depth of 30 meters. The lake is Africa’s fourth-largest lake, fondly called the Jade Sea because of its breathtaking color.
The land represents unique geo-morphological features with fossil deposits on sedimentary formations as well as one hundred identified archaeological and paleontological sites. There are numerous volcanic overflows with petrified forests. The existing ecological conditions provide habitats for maintaining diverse flora and fauna. At Koobi Fora to the north of Allia Bay, extensive paleontological finds have been made, starting in 1969, with the discovery of Paranthropus boisei. The discovery of Homo habilis thereafter is evidence of the existence of a relatively intelligent hominid two million years ago and reflects the change in climate from moist forest grassland when the now petrified forest was growing to the present hot desert. The human and pre-human fossils include the remains of five species, Australopithecus anamensis, Homo habilis/rudolfensis, Paranthropus boisei, Homo erectus, and Homo sapiens all found within one locality. These discoveries are important for understanding the evolutionary history of the human species. The island parks are the breeding habitats of the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus, and several snake species. The lake is an important flyway passage and stopover for Palaearctic migrant birds from Middle East Asia and Europe.
Lake Turkana supports more than 85 water bird species including 35 migrants, the lake is also a key stop-over for birds on passage. Lake Turkana is rich in fish, with 47 species, seven of which are endemic. The sheltered muddy bays with beds of water weeds are important for fish spawning. The fish in turn support a large population of Nile crocodile
Ruma National Park is a hidden gem for, nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a rich diversity of species and some of Kenya’s most picturesque scenery. This delightful birding hotspot boasts a sensational mix of habitats, making it one of the country’s finest birding destinations. It is the best place to spot the rare Montane Blue Swallow and the iconic Roan Antelope, alongside a wide variety of other species. Thanks to its mild climate and natural landscapes, birdwatching in Ruma is productive throughout the year. For an even more rewarding experience, a visit to Ruma can be seamlessly combined with nearby birding treasures such as Lake Victoria, Busia Grasslands, Mount Elgon, Kongelai Escarpment, and Kakamega Forest, forming part of Kenya’s western birding circuit.
