This is a list of top 10 best places to visit in Turkana County. It is the second largest county in Kenya by land area. It covers an area of 66,680 square kilometres, with an estimated population of 855,399 people. The County is headed by Governor Josphat Nanok.
In no particular order, here is a list of 10 best places to visit in Turkana County.
1. Central Island National Park
It is famous for its unique volcanic landscape and birdlife. It grows out of the water in the middle of Lake Turkana. The island owns three crater lakes, one is home for tilapia fish, another one for thousands of flamingos and the third one for crocodiles. It is protected as a national park due to its importance as a breeding place for crocodiles. The island can be explored on foot. It takes approximately one hour to climb the highest point, from where you enjoy unrivalled vistas of Lake Turkana.
2. Eliye Springs Beaches
Eliye springs is a small resort located 50 kilometres east of Lodwar. It is a great place to unwind. It features endless palm-fringed sand beaches, a massive sand dune from which you enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Turkana, a number of campsites and a luxury lodge that offers comfortable accommodation and exquisite dining.
3. South Turkana National Reserve
It is one of the least visited nature reserves in Kenya. The true adventure of South Turkana is its scenic and magnificent beauty of vast plains with anthills of record-breaking height, mountains and wildlife such as antelopes, gazelles, oryx, warthogs, leopards, elephants, lions, hyenas, buffalos and hundreds of bird species.
4. Ferguson Gulf
It lies south of Kalokol. It is a huge bay full of shallow water confined towards Lake Turkana by a sandy ridge overgrown by palm trees. It is a vast landscape with thousands of flamingos, pelicans, yellow-billed storks and local fishermen. It is an amazing place to visit for bird watching and fishing activities.
5. Lokori Standing Stones
It is an impressive archaeological site that features numerous circles of standing stones and two hills with mysterious rock art engravings. It is also believed to be a place of important rituals.
6. Nariokotome Turkana Boy Monument
It is a prehistoric site located near the shores of Lake Turkana. Remnants of the famous Turkana Boy were found at this site in 1984. A monument and a brass replica of the Turkana Boy mark the spot where the fossil was detected by Kamoya Kimeu, Dr. Richard Leakey’s researcher.
7. Kapedo Hot Waterfalls
Kapedo is a town located between the border of Baringo and Turkana county. Major attractions here are two boiling hot waterfalls that plunge over a small escarpment before merging with Suguta River. The surrounding area also features Tiati hills to the west and Silali volcano to the east.
8. Lobolo Swamp
It is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Eliye Springs. It is characterized by a unique ensemble of sand dunes, lakescape, doom palm trees and a swampy lagoon. The place is always frequented with flamingos. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
9. Kalokol Standing Stones
It is an intriguing archaeological site that consists of a small cluster of cylindrical stones. It is believed to be a spiritual power place and place of worship for the local communities in Turkana county.
10. Lake Turkana
It is the world’s largest permanent alkaline desert lake. It covers an area of 6, 405 square kilometers. It offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, boat riding and other water sporting activities.