Safari Activities to do at Central Island National Park: Central Island National Park is famously known as Crocodile Island. The island is a volcanic island located in the middle of Lake Turkana in Kenya is the most saline great lake in Africa. the parks are comprised of three crater lakes on the central island the crocodile lake, tilapia lake, and the flamingo lake. This remarkable park covers an area of about 5 kilometers squared which is relatively small but provides an unforgettable tourist experience in Africa. More so, the active volcanoes pass out Sulphur smell often times the lakes are endowed with Nile crocodiles making the island the largest place for concertation of crocodiles, the island has got very beautiful sceneries of the magnificent lake and scant island vegetation. The park provides archaeological and paleontological sites; the island is one of the world’s pristine nature places not tempered with its nature. However, the park offers some of the most fascinating safari activities to its visitors while on a Kenya safari in the park, these activities include;
Wildlife Viewing
Despite its small size, Central Island National Park is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. During your wildlife viewing safari, you’ll have the chance to see animals like hippos, Topis, crocodiles, Grant’s gazelles, Grevy Zebra, Oryx, and giraffes among others. The park is home to a large number of crocodiles, so it’s essential to explore with an armed guide for your safety.
Nature Walks
Taking a guided nature walk is an exciting way to explore the park. As you hike toward the highest point on the island, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the lakes and surrounding scenery. The park has several hiking and nature walk tracks, one of the most famous ones is the hike to the top of the flamingo crater. During the trek, you’ll encounter fascinating sights along the way, along with breathtaking views of the entire park. You will all have the opportunity to spot other incredible creatures such as butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects as you go.
Bird Watching
The park is a paradise for bird watchers, boasting over 350 bird species. Among them, more than 84 are water birds, while others are migratory or resident birds. During your birdwatching tour, you might spot colorful bird species such as 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 and more.
Boat Rides
Visitors can also enjoy boat rides on one of the lakes or head to the Kalokol gate. This allows you to see aquatic animals and various water birds up close and can be a relaxing way to take in the beauty of the park.
Camping
Camping is one of the most incredible experiences in the park. During your camping adventure, you’ll be immersed in nature and can enjoy the spectacular views of the lakes, especially as the moon shines down on the craters at night.
Fishing
For those interested in fishing, tourists can try their luck at the lake with guidance from experienced fishing guides. The lake is home to over 60 recorded fish species, making it a fun recreational activity. Some of the fish species you may catch here include Nile perch large tilapia and many more.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The park can be visited all year round, but the ideal time to visit Central Island National Park is during the cooler months of June and July. From December to March, the weather can be extremely hot and dry, so make sure to pack plenty of drinking water and snacks.
Where to Stay
Accommodations within Central Island National Park are limited to a camping site known as Central Island Campsite. For other lodging options, you can find places to stay on the mainland, like the nearby Eliya Springs Resort. Other accommodation options here include Central Island Campsite, 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.
ENTRANCE FEES
The fees for entering Central Island National Park vary based on residency status:
Citizen: Adult – 300 KSH, Child – 125 KSH
Resident: Adult – 300 KSH, Child – 125 KSH
Non-Resident: Adult – 22 USD, Child – 13 USD
HOW TO GET THERE
Central Island National Park is accessible by both air and road.
By Air
The most common way to reach Lake Turkana is by air, with two all-weather airstrips available, including one in Loiyangalani.
By Road
For those who prefer to drive, it typically takes three days to reach the lake from Nairobi, traveling through places like Marasabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr. Alternatively, you can drive from Nairobi to Kalokol along the lake’s western shores, passing through Kitale and Lodwar. Once in Kalokol, boat hire services can take you to Central Island. The trip from Nairobi to Lake Turkana is about 540 kilometers and usually takes 7 to 8 hours in a 4×4 safari vehicle, but it’s best to split the journey over two days for a more comfortable experience.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about tourist activities to do at Central Island National Park- a hidden gem in Lake Turkana- Kenya and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while you are in the country.
