Central Island National Park, often called Crocodile Island, is a stunning volcanic island situated in the middle of Lake Turkana in Kenya. This lake is one of the most saline great lakes in Africa and is made up of three main lakes which are the Tilapia Lake, Crocodile Lake, and the Flamingo Lake. Covering an area of bout 5 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest national parks in Kenya, it offers visitors unforgettable experiences immersed in nature. The active volcanoes pass out Sulphur smell often times and the lakes there are endowed with Nile crocodiles. The island has the largest place for concertation of crocodiles and the island is one of the world’s pristine nature places not tempered with its nature. The park has archaeological and paleontological sites together with very beautiful sceneries of the magnificent lake and scant island vegetation.
The highest point of this basaltic island measures 355 meters above the lake’s surface and sits in the middle of Lake Turkana which is the largest permanent desert lake in the world that forms blue and green waters. The park, which is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is rich in archaeological and paleontological treasures and boasts stunning scenery that captures the beauty of the lake and the sparse island vegetation.
CLIMATE OF CENTRAL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Central Island National Park is open to visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit the park is in the months of June and July when the temperatures are cooler. Scorching hot and arid (especially December-March) June and July are the coolest months. May-September very strong winds blow both morning and evening. Rainfall is less than 250 mm pa and in some places, it may not rain for several years, therefore visitors should carry plenty of drinking water while visiting the park.
ATTRACTIONS OF CENTRAL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Crocodile Kingdom:
Central Island is renowned for its large population of crocodiles, with an estimated 12,000 of these reptiles roaming its shores. Despite their monstrous size and formidable appearance, they are generally inoffensive creatures living in perfect harmony with their environment and feeding on the lake’s prolific fish.
Three Crater Lakes:
The island is also home to three stunning crater lakes: Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake which provide breeding grounds for the world’s largest concentration of Nile crocodiles. Each lake has its own unique charm. Crocodile Lake is perfect for spotting the park’s namesake reptiles, while Flamingo Lake attracts countless birds. Tilapia Lake is ideal for fishing enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of local fish species. Exploring these lakes can be easily done by taking short hikes or enjoying boat rides between them.
The World’s Largest Crocodile Nursery:
One of the park’s unique features is its crocodile nursery, where these reptiles breed along the shores of the island’s crater lakes every April and May. The baby crocodiles can be heard squeaking in their eggs, which are buried deep beneath the sand to escape the predatory attentions of monitor lizards and raptors. Their cries bring their parents scurrying to dig them out and carry them down to the water’s edge, where they spend their first months. Visitors can hear the baby crocodiles making soft sounds as they hatch from eggs buried in the sand, safe from predators like monitor lizards and birds of prey. When the hatchlings emerge, their parents help them reach the water, where they begin their journey in the wild.
Lake Turkana:
The park lies on Lake Turkana, which is the world’s largest permanent desert lake. This unique location has resulted in a stunning landscape frequented by researchers and nature lovers alike. The lake’s vast blue waters contrast beautifully with the rugged terrain around it. Visitors can enjoy boat rides that not only provide spectacular views but also enhance appreciation for this breathtaking lake, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the colors are most vibrant.
Birdlife on the Island:
Central Island National Park is home to over 350 species of birds and these are among 84 water bird species recorded including 34 species of European migrants most spectacularly viewed as they return home between the month of March and May and 23 species of birds breed within the park. Notable bird species here include Egyptian Goose, Greater and lesser Flamingo, Mourning Collared-Dove, White-browed Coucal, Senegal Thick-knee, Northern Grosbeak-Canary, African Pied Wagtail, Osprey , Wattled Starling, Isabelline Wheatear, Brown-tailed Chat, Egyptian Vulture , African skimmer , Somali Crow , Goliath Heron , Spur-winged Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, White-winged Tern, Yellow-billed Stork, Long-tailed Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, Gray Heron, Black-headed Heron, African Spoonbill, Hadada Ibis, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Thekla’s Lark, Barn Swallow, while African open-billed stork, and Variable Sunbird among others.
Venomous Reptiles and Prehistoric Fish:
The waters of Lake Turkana are home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes, such as saw-scaled viper, night and puff adder and cobra. Lake Turkana’s waters is home to over 60 fish species which include the huge Nile perch and large tilapia. Pufferfish, a group normally found in seawater, indicate Turkana’s prehistoric connection to the Red Sea. For those interested in fishing or just observing, the lake offers myriad chances to witness these powerful and beautiful creatures. Local fishing guides can provide insight into the best spots and techniques to use, making your fishing experience memorable and educational.
Mammals
While crocodiles take center stage, Central Island National Park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including hippos, Topi antelope, Grevy’s zebra, oryx, and giraffes. Due to the high crocodile population, visitors must explore the park accompanied by an armed guide.
ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Game Viewing
Game viewing is one of the main highlights to a safari in Central Island National Park. the park is home to an abundant number of wildlife species. During your game viewing safaris, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of fascinating wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos, Topis, Grevy zebra, grant gazelles’, Oryx’s, and giraffes. tourists while on a game viewing safari in the park ae required to move along with the armed ranger guide due to the presence of a large concentration of the crocodile in the park.
Bird Watching
Central Island National Park is home to over 350 species of which 84 are water birds, 23 are residential birds and other area migratory. During your birdwatching tours, you’ll have the opportunity to spot different colorful bird species such as Greater and lesser Flamingo, Ring-necked Dove, Little Swift, Black-winged Stilt, Great Cormorant , Black Heron , Osprey , African Fish-Eagle , Northern Grosbeak-Canary , Pied Kingfisher , Lanner Falcon , Fan-tailed Raven , Crowned Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Gray-hooded Gull, Yellow-billed Stork, Long-tailed Cormorant, Western Cattle Egret, Isabelline Wheatear , Barn Swallow , Wattled Starling , African Sacred Ibis, Crested Lark, Brown-tailed Chat, African Pied Wagtail , Variable Sunbird and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting among others . The best time to enjoy this exciting activity od during the wet months of March and May when the European migrants and they are most viewed as they return back home.
Nature Walks
Guided nature walks are one of the most rewarding activities to do that allow visitors to explore the island’s rugged landscape on foot, culminating in breathtaking views from the highest point. The park has several hiking and nature walk trails, one of the most popular is the hike to the Flamingo Crater. Along the way, you will be treated to the astonishing sights of the interesting sites and the surrounding landscapes. You may also encounter different colorful butterflies, dragonflies, and insects that can be seen during the nature walk.
Boat Rides
Central Island National Park also conducts boat rides where the tourists can enjoy one of the lakes. This exciting activity Starts from Kalokol gate providing tourists with a relaxing chance to spot aquatic animals and water birds, with opportunities for picnicking along the way.
Camping
Camping in Central Island National Park offers a unique way to connect with nature, especially under the moonlight reflecting on the lakes. It’s an experience filled with stunning views and star-studded skies.
Fishing
Fishing trips are one of the recreational must-do activities while on a safari in this park. The park is home to over 60 species of fish and you can’t miss out on catching any of these species while taking your time to do the fishing. Fishing here is done with the help of an experienced fishing guide along with them on the boat while doing the fishing. Fishing trips in the park offer you the chance to catch a variety of species that dwell in the park lakes such as Nile perch large tilapia and many more.
ACCOMMODATION IN CENTRAL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
There are no formal lodges on the island itself, but visitors can stay at the Central Island campsite. For those seeking more luxurious options, lodges are available on the mainland, such as Eliya Springs Resort. Other accommodations and hotels in and near the islands include Kitich Camp, Great Rift Valley Lodge and Gold Resort, Sarara Camp, Sun Africa Hotel, Desert Rose Lodge, Apoka Safari Lodge, Muremba Retreat Kitale, and Baringo Island Camp among others.
GETTING TO CENTRAL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
By Road
To reach Central Island, you can drive from Nairobi and take routes through Marsabit or Lodwar. The journey is roughly 554 kilometers and is best done with a 4×4 vehicle, taking around 13 hours. Breaking the trip into two days is advisable for a more leisurely experience.
By Air
Flights are available to Loiyangalani and Lodwar Airports, both close to Lake Turkana. From there, boat transportation can be arranged to the island.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Central Island National Park attractions and safari activities and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on you are in the country.
