South Island National Park
Located in Southern L. Turkana, South island National Park is a breeding ground for Nile crocodile and a range of venomous carpet snakes. It is also a UNESCO, Man and the Biosphere (MAB) reserve and Kenya’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) as defined by Birdlife International as it is a key stopover for 34 species of Palaearctic migrant water birds. Also characterized by unique geo-morphological features such as extinct volcanic ash overflows, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops islets and unidentified fossil deposits on sedimentary formations. The caldera - a rocky islet 20KM to the North of South Island is an important water fowl breeding site for the Great Cormorant, Reed Cormorant, Redheaded Gull. The park was gazetted vide GN 7867 under National Museums & Heritage Act 2006.
By Air: Access to Lake Turkana is usually by air and there are two all-weather airstrips. Also in Loiyangalani
By road: The Lake is a three day drive from Nairobi via Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr. Alternatively travel by road from Nairobi to Kalokol on the lake’s western shores, via Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalokol boat hire services are available to Central Island.
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SOUTH ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
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EAST AFRICAN CITIZEN (KSH) |
RESIDENT (KSH) |
NON-RESIDENT (USD) |
AFRICAN CITIZEN (USD) |
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Adult |
Child |
Adult |
Child |
Adult |
Child |
Adult |
Child |
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500 |
250 |
675 |
350 |
40 |
15 |
20 |
10 |
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MODE OF PAYMENT: Through eCitizen (https://kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke) via MPesa, Visa Card
Special Services/Activities:
Security/Guided tour per guide:
• Ksh. 2,000 - up to 4 hours
• Ksh. 4,000 - Over 4 hours
Lake boating per person per hour:
· EAST AFRICAN CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS Ksh. 1,500
· AFRICAN CITIZENS AND NON-RESIDENTS USD. 15
Vehicle charges per day:
No. of Seats KSH.
• Less than 6 seats KSH. 600
• 6 - 12 seats KSH. 1,500
• 13 - 24 seats KSH. 3,000
• 25 - 44 seats KSH. 4,500
• 45 seats and above KSH. 5,000
South Island is a haven for water bird species and serves as a stopover for 6 rare migrants viewed between March-May. At least 23 bird species breed locally and include Goliath heron, African skimmer, white open African billed stork, duck and congregatory birds such as lesser flamingo. The lake is a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodile most prevalent in the numerous surrounding sandy beaches, a variety of reptile species including endemic lizards, 19 species of fish of which 12 are endemic.
The park is surrounded by the Turkana, Samburu and the El molo communities of rich traditional cultures. The Loiyangalani desert museum located 2KM from South Island on top of a hill bears a backdrop of the picturesque Lake Turkana with a display of rich cultural splendor of the eight communities living around Lake Turkana.
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is also a great attraction. This is an annual festival held to celebrate the diverse and rich cultural splendor of the communities living in the area. These include; El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dasanach, Gabra, Borana, Waata and Burji.
Visitors can enjoy game viewing, camping, walking safaris, picnicking and boat safaris.
South Island is a haven for water bird species and serves as a stopover for 6 rare migrants viewed between March-May. At least 23 bird species breed locally and include Goliath heron, African skimmer, white open African billed stork, duck and congregatory birds such as lesser flamingo. The lake is a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodile most prevalent in the numerous surrounding sandy beaches, a variety of reptile species including endemic lizards, 19 species of fish of which 12 are endemic. The park is surrounded by the Turkana, Samburu and the El molo communities of rich traditional cultures. The Loiyangalani desert museum located 2KM from South Island on top of a hill bears a backdrop of the picturesque Lake Turkana with a display of rich cultural splendor of the eight communities living around Lake Turkana.
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is also a great attraction. This is an annual festival held to celebrate the diverse and rich cultural splendor of the communities living in the area. These include; El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dasanach, Gabra, Borana, Waata and Burji. Visitors can enjoy game viewing, camping, walking safaris, picnicking and boat safaris.
The Park has no self-catering accommodation options but visitors looking to experience an overnight stay have the option of camping.
Special Campsite
For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor has to reserve the special campsite well in advance for exclusive use. Visitors have to bring with them a source of fire and kitchen utensils.
*Reservation of special campsites is done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites including other park charges.
There are other private accommodation options in Loiyangalani town.
Postal Address:
The warden,
P. O. Box 219,
Lodwar.
Tel: (Lodwar) +254 (54) 21223
Toll Free: 0800 597 000
WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610509
Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke
Warden South Island National Park: jaskipkilely@kws.go.ke
