Northern Kenya Safari; Lake Turkana
Covering a surface area of 7 million hectares, Lake Turkana is the worlds largest alkaline lake and, due to its location in the somewhat harsh northern regions, is a less frequently visited destination for a Kenya safari. Made up of the Sibiloi National Park and the South and Central Island National Parks, Lake Turkana is an experience like no other. The 'Jade Sea', so called
because of its stunning green color, is surrounded by a harsh and arid landscape that does not happily support an abundance of wildlife. The lake is still of great significance due to its paleontological and archaeological findings and is subsequently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whilst not home to the 'big five' typically sought after on a Kenya safari, Lake Turkana is an important breeding ground for hippopotamus and Nile crocodile and the volcanic mass of
Central Island National Park houses the breeding nests of many species of migratory birds.
Sibiloi National Park
On the eastern shore of the lake, not to distant for Kenya's border with neighboring Ethiopia, sits the Sibiloi National Park. Well worth a visit on a Kenya safari for the many archeological sites protected by its World Heritage status, Sibiloi also offers fantastic panoramas of breathtaking landscape, largely in contrast with the landscapes of other Kenya safari destination. Whilst the open savannahs and riverine forest are still present, the land is dry and far less hospitable than that of its fellow national parks. There are still plenty of chances to witness wildlife however, with some species more suited to the arid conditions and therefore endemic to the area such as the gerenuk. Grevy's zebra, kudu and oryx are also herbivores of a more elusive nature that can be sighted within the park, whilst the lakes shoreline is often crowed with topi. Predators do roam the plains, with both big and small cats
spotted on the odd occasion.
A Volcanic Kenya Safari
To explore a totally different landscape on a Kenya safari, visit the extinct volcano dominating the centre of Lake Turkana that is Central Island National Park. Spanning some 5 sq km, the formation consists of three crater lakes which are accessible via the regulated footpath. Flamingo crater, on the northern side of the island, is so named for its population of flamingo,
feeding on the surface algae. Whilst the volcano is extinct, volcanic activity far below the surface still makes its presence known via steam vents and the smell of sulfur in the air. Though the northern regions are not on the top of everyone's dream destination list, they do provide a stark alternative to the central and southern grasslands, providing an all round experience of this diverse country on a Kenya safari
