Central Island National Park & South Island National Park
Extreme wilderness destinations in Kenya’s Northern Safari Circuit
The Lake Turkana National Parks—comprising Central Island National Park and South Island National Park—represent the most remote, dramatic, and scientifically important protected areas in Kenya. Located within the world’s largest desert lake system, these two island parks are not traditional safari destinations. Instead, they are geological, ecological, and evolutionary landscapes, best suited to adventurous travelers exploring the Northern Kenya safari circuit in depth.
When combined with Samburu N. Reserve, they offer a journey from riverine savannah and endemic wildlife to volcanic islands, crater lakes, flamingos, and crocodile-dominated shorelines—a progression few safari routes in Africa can match.
1. Where Lake Turkana fits in the Northern Kenya circuit
Lake Turkana lies in Kenya’s far north, stretching toward the Ethiopian border along the Great Rift Valley. The lake is surrounded by arid deserts, lava fields, and volcanic hills, with limited road infrastructure and minimal tourism.
Circuit logic
- South / Central Kenya: Nairobi → Laikipia → Samburu
- Deep North: Samburu → Marsabit → Lake Turkana
- Final frontier: Central & South Island National Parks (boat access only)
Lake Turkana is best treated as the culmination of a northern circuit, not a standalone add-on.
2. What makes Lake Turkana National Parks globally significant
The Lake Turkana National Parks are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their outstanding natural and scientific value.
They are globally important for:
- Active and extinct volcanic processes
- Large Nile crocodile breeding populations
- Mass lesser flamingo congregations
- Fossil and archaeological significance in the wider Turkana Basin
- Extreme desert–lake ecological systems
These parks are not about “Big Five” sightings—they are about deep time, evolution, and raw geology.
3. Central Island National Park
Central Island National Park
Central Island National Park sits roughly in the middle of Lake Turkana and is one of the most visually striking protected areas in Kenya.
Landscape and geology
Central Island is a volcanic island dominated by:
- Three crater lakes (Flamingo Lake, Crocodile Lake, Tilapia Lake)
- Steep ash cones and lava ridges
- Stark contrasts between black volcanic rock and turquoise water
The island is often described as otherworldly, with near-total absence of vegetation.
Crater lakes of Central Island
- Flamingo Lake: Frequently attracts thousands of lesser flamingos
- Crocodile Lake: Important nesting and nursery site for Nile crocodiles
- Tilapia Lake: Supports fish populations adapted to extreme salinity
These crater lakes are the ecological heart of the park.
Wildlife highlights
- Nile crocodile (one of East Africa’s most important breeding sites)
- Lesser flamingo
- Pelicans, cormorants, gulls
- Desert-adapted reptiles
There are no large terrestrial mammals on the island.
Visitor experience
- Accessed only by boat
- Visits are typically short and guided
- Focus on geology, birds, and crocodile behavior
- No permanent accommodation on the island
Central Island is a scientific and photographic destination, not a game-drive park.
4. South Island National Park
South Island National Park
South Island National Park lies toward the southern end of Lake Turkana and is larger and flatter than Central Island.
Landscape character
- Low-lying volcanic terrain
- Broad shoreline lagoons
- Salt flats and seasonal wetlands
- Less dramatic craters, more open space
South Island feels vast and exposed, emphasizing scale rather than vertical drama.
Wildlife and ecology
South Island is especially important for:
- Nile crocodile nesting beaches
- Flamingo feeding grounds
- Migratory and resident waterbirds
- Fish breeding habitats along shallow shores
Like Central Island, it lacks large land mammals and is defined by reptiles and birds.
Visitor experience
- Boat-based exploration
- Shore walks where conditions allow
- Emphasis on birdlife, crocodiles, and shoreline ecology
- Extremely low visitor numbers
South Island complements Central Island by offering a broader lake-shore ecosystem, rather than crater-focused geology.
5. Comparing Central Island and South Island National Parks
| Feature | Central Island NP | South Island NP |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Volcanic cones & crater lakes | Flat volcanic island & lagoons |
| Visual drama | Very high | Subtle, expansive |
| Flamingos | Seasonal but spectacular | More consistent feeding |
| Crocodiles | Breeding lakes | Nesting beaches |
| Visitor focus | Geology & crater ecology | Shoreline & bird ecology |
| Visit duration | Short, guided stop | Longer exploratory visits |
Together, they provide a complete picture of Lake Turkana’s island ecosystems.
6. How Lake Turkana parks complement Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve offers:
- The Samburu Special Five
- Riverine savannah wildlife
- Leopard and lion sightings
- Cultural interactions with Samburu communities
Lake Turkana National Parks add:
- Volcanic islands and crater lakes
- Crocodile-dominated ecosystems
- Flamingo colonies and waterbird diversity
- Extreme remoteness and silence
The contrast is ecological, visual, and experiential.
7. Sample Samburu → Lake Turkana extension itinerary
Conceptual 7–10 day Northern Kenya expedition
Days 1–3: Samburu / Buffalo Springs
- Endemic northern species
- River-based game drives
Day 4: Travel north (road or flight) to Marsabit
- Landscape transition
Days 5–6: Lake Turkana mainland base
- Boat excursions to Central & South Islands
- Shoreline exploration
Days 7–8: Central Island & South Island visits
- Guided landings
- Bird and crocodile observation
Days 9–10: Return south or continue to Ethiopia (expedition-style)
This itinerary is suited to experienced, expedition-minded travelers.
8. Access and logistics
Access
- By air: Charter flights are the most practical option
- By road: Long-distance, challenging routes requiring experienced drivers
Transport within the lake
- Motorized boats with local pilots
- Weather and wind conditions are critical planning factors
Accommodation
- Limited lodges and camps on the mainland
- Expedition-style logistics
- Focus on location and expertise over luxury
9. Best time to visit Lake Turkana National Parks
- June–October: Drier, more reliable access, calmer lake conditions
- January–March: Hot but excellent birdlife
- April–May: Lush surroundings but access may be limited
Lake conditions, not rainfall alone, often determine feasibility.
10. Who Lake Turkana National Parks are best for
These parks are ideal for:
- Repeat Kenya safari travelers
- Naturalists, geologists, and birders
- Photographers seeking stark landscapes
- Adventurous travelers completing the Northern Kenya circuit
They are not suitable for:
- First-time safari visitors
- Short, comfort-focused itineraries
- Travelers expecting classic game drives
Final perspective
Central Island National Park and South Island National Park are not peripheral attractions—they are the intellectual and geographic climax of Kenya’s Northern safari circuit. When paired with Samburu National Reserve, they transform a safari into an expedition across ecosystems, from riverine savannah to volcanic islands at the edge of human habitation.
For travelers seeking meaning, scale, and rarity, the Lake Turkana National Parks are among the most powerful landscapes in Africa.