Sibiloi National Park shores the lake Turkana and covers 1570 square kilometers) of breathtaking scenery. The establishment of the park is partially credited to the National Museums of Kenya to preserve the lake shore, its archaeological sites as well as portions of the desert bush country. Lake Turkana is the only water source in the park, its enormous proportions and striking colour have led it to be called the Jade Sea. The lake is located in the far northern frontier of Kenya and is just less than 270 km long.
Sibiloi was established in 1973 to protect and preserve some of the most significant archaeological sites on the planet, as well as ecologically significant animal and plant species. The natural, cultural and historical assets of the park have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The land is beautiful in its way even though it is so very dry. It is a wilderness made up of the lake shore, savannah, volcanic terrain, riverine forest, and grassy plains supporting a distinctive number of birds, small mammals and reptiles that have adapted to the environment.
ATTRACTIONS
Wildlife
Sibiloi National Park is an incredible spot for anyone looking to embark on a thrilling safari in Kenya. The park is home to a variety of animals such as endangered northern topi, Somali ostrich, plain zebra, grant gazelle, gerenuk, spotted and stripped hyena, cheetah and lion.
Crocodile Kingdom
In the ancient waters of Lake Turkana, around 12,000 crocodiles thrive, having existed for an astonishing 130 million years. While these reptiles may look scary due to their size and tough exterior, they are surprisingly peaceful. They live in harmony with their surroundings, mainly feasting on the lake’s plentiful fish.
A Baby Crocodile Paradise
From around April to May, mother crocodiles come to the sandy shores of the island’s crater lakes to lay their eggs. These eggs are camouflaged deep beneath the sand, protecting them from hungry predators like monitor lizards and birds of prey. When the baby crocs start to hatch, their squeaks signal their parents to quickly dig them out and take them to the safety of the water. Here, they will spend their early days learning to navigate the lake.
Dangerous Reptiles and Ancient Fish
Lake Turkana is also home to some of the most venomous snakes on the planet, such as the saw-scaled viper and the puff adder. Alongside these reptiles, the lake is teeming with various fish species, including massive Nile perch and tilapia. Interestingly, the presence of puffer fish, which are usually found in oceans, hints at Turkana’s ancient link to the Red Sea.
A Haven for Birds
Sibiloi National Park is also ranked as one of the best birding destinations in the country, which has a large population of bird species that are always available in the park for bird lovers to sightsee. Sibiloi is a haven for 84 water bird species while serving as a stopover for 34 Palearctic. 23 species breed here, including Ardea goliath, and up to 50 pairs of the regionally threatened Rynchops flavirostris have bred on Central Island. Other bird species found here include, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, White-faced Whistling Duck, Northern Shoveler, Common Quail, Crested Francolin, Speckled Pigeon, Laughing Dove, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Common Swift, Arabian Bustard, Heuglin’s Bustard, White-bellied Bustard, White-bellied Go-away-bird, European White Stork, Great White Pelican, Cattle Egret, Goliath Heron, Hadada Ibis, Senegal Thick-knee, Common Ringed Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, Somali Courser, Whiskered Tern, Black-winged Kite, White-backed Vulture,
Karari Escarpment
One of the standout attractions in Sibiloi National Park is the Karari Escarpment. This unique geographical feature is a low ridge formed by natural processes, showcasing fascinating layers of sediment and flood deposits. The area is also rich in archaeological history, filled with ancient stone tools and artifacts. It offers a glimpse into the past and is a must-see for visitors interested in the history of the region.
Lake Turkana
Another highlight of the park is Lake Turkana, which was once known as Lake Rudolf. Lake Turkana is the most saline of Africa’s large lakes, the largest of the chain of Rift Valley lakes in Kenya, and the world’s largest permanent desert and alkaline lake.
This stunning lake is famous for its three volcanic islands and is often called the “Jade Sea” because of its breathtaking greenish-blue waters. The lake’s beauty and unique ecosystem attract many migratory birds, making it an essential breeding ground for various species. It’s a picturesque location that draws nature lovers and photographers alike.
ACTIVITIES TO DO AT SIBILOI NATIONAL PARK
Game drives
Game drives are one of the main highlights of a safari in Sibiloi National Park. Game drives in the park are conducted on a guided safari vehicle meandering through known trails around the park in order to have a close-up look at most of the animals. Game drives at Sibiloi will give you a chance to see some rare and endangered species such as lions, zebras, Beisa oryx, Grant gazelles, stripped hyenas, cheetahs, greater kudu, and several others. Sighting these creatures in their natural habitat graces your game drive.
Bush walks
Bush walk is an exhilarating way to connect with nature and wildlife on Sibiloi National Park. This activity is done on a guided trek/ on foot. During your guided walk, you will have the chance to trek through the petrified forest and along the Koobi Fora spit
Bird watching
Birdwatching is another exhilarating activity to do while on a Kenya safari in Sibiloi National Park. the park is home to over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for bird-watching lovers. During your bird-watching tour, you will have the chance to spot colorful birds’ species such as Common Barn Owl, Spotted Eagle Owl, Blue-naped Mousebird, Northern Ground Hornbill, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Common Hoopoe, Abyssinian Scimitar bill, Cardinal Woodpecker, Red-and-yellow Barbet, White-throated Bee-eater, Somali Bee-eater, Lilac-breasted Roller, Abyssinian Roller, African Pygmy Kingfisher, and Pied Kingfisher among others.
Birding is more prominent on the northern shores of Lake Turkana. Several European migrant bird species are often sighted at the park, especially around April and May. You will be able to take as many pictures and videos of any birds of your choice.
Cultural visits
A visit to Sibiloi National Park isn’t just about the scenery and wildlife; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet the local communities nearby. You can spend your free time interacting with the Turkana, Dassanach, and Gabbra people, learning about their vibrant traditions and lifestyles. During the dry season, you might even encounter nomadic groups like the Samburu and Rendile. Engaging with these communities allows you to discover how they live, from their traditional clothing and local dishes to the stories they share about their history. Plus, they often welcome visitors with lively dance performances that are a joy to experience.
Visit the Koobi fora museum
To the north of Alia Bay lies Koobi Fora, although all Koobi Fora’s human fossils are now housed in Nairobi’s National Museum, you can still view the fossil of a 3-million-year-old giant tortoise, an ancient species of crocodile and a 1.5-million-year-old behemoth on-site. The museum is also an important archaeological site that has been vital for researchers studying geology and human evolution. Here, you’ll find valuable insights into the history of the area and the development of early humans and animals. It’s an essential stop for those curious about our planet’s past.
Visit the petrified forest
The large areas of petrified wood lying around Sibiloi are the remains of a once-great cedar forest, which covered the lakeshores some 7 million years ago. A visit here allows you to see ancient trees that turned to stone millions of years ago
Accommodation at Sibiloi National Park
While there are a range of accommodation options available in Sibiloi National Park, the accommodation facilities in the park range from luxury, and mid-range to budget-friendly. Some of the accommodation facilities options here include Sanfields Lodwar Camp, Eliye Springs Resort, Proland Inn Ltd, Desert Rose Kenya, Palm Shade Resort, Malobo Resort, Koobi Fora Base Camp. Tourists on a safari game drive by themselves in a campervan can make significant savings by sleeping in their vehicle. These accommodations typically have all meals and drinks included in the lodge package.
GETTING TO SIBILOI NATIONAL PARK
By Air
If you’re looking to fly to Sibiloi National Park, there are options to get to Lake Turkana from Nairobi. You can take a flight to one of the two airstrips located at the lake. There are also other airstrips nearby in places like Marsabit, Loiyangalani, Kalokol, North Horr, and Lodwar, which is a commercial airstrip.
For those traveling internationally, flights usually land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), situated about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Nairobi. If you’re planning to visit Kenya, be sure to check if you need a visa to enter the country.
By Road
If you prefer to drive, you can make the journey from Nairobi to Lake Turkana in approximately three days. The most common routes lead through Marsabit and North Horr or through Maralal and South Horr. The distance is roughly 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) from Nairobi.
Another route to consider is the one from Nairobi to Kalokol, passing through Kitale and Lodwar. When you arrive at Sibiloi National Park, you’ll find three entrances: the Karsa Gate (the main entrance), Alia Bay, and Koobi Fora.
