Sibiloi National Park

The Cradle of Mankind

Located on the wild and rugged shores of Lake Turkana – the cradle of mankind – Sibiloi is home to important archaeological sites including Koobi Fora where the fossil remains have contributed more to the understanding of human evolution than any other site in the continent. The area is characterized by semi-desert habitat and open plains flanked by volcanic formations including Mount Sibiloi, where the remains of a petrified forest can be seen.

Rather undiscovered, the gems that are KWS Parks in northern Kenya await discovery and exploration. Set on the wild and rugged shores of Lake Turkana, Visitors can see the fossil of a three million year old giant tortoise, an ancient species of crocodile and a behemoth dating back to millions of years.

Sibiloi serves as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and is a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodile. Terrestrial wildlife includes zebras, Grant gazelles, lions, leopards, stripped hyenas, Beisa Oryx, greater kudu, cheetahs and northern topi among others. A total of over 350 species of aquatic and terrestrial bird have been recorded in Lake Turkana. Sibiloi is surrounded by the Turkana, the Gabra and the Dassanach who are communities with very rich and unpolluted traditional cultures.

This is as breeding sites for the largest Nile crocodile colonies globally, 47 fish species of which 7 are endemic, Important Bird Area (IBA) hosting thousands of globally threatened, Palearctic migrants and congregatory birds.

This is as breeding sites for the largest Nile crocodile colonies globally, 47 fish species of which 7 are endemic, Important Bird Area (IBA) hosting thousands of globally threatened, Palearctic migrants and congregatory birds.

Attractions & Activities

The park is characterized by a desert habitat and open plains flanked by volcanic formations including Mount Sibiloi, where the remains of the petrified forest can be seen, casts of elephants, giant tortoise, Koobi fora museum, TBI museum.

Lake Turkana which 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. 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.

Non-aquatic species include endangered northern topi, Somali ostrich, plain zebra, grant gazelle, gerenuk, spotted and stripped hyena, cheetah and lion. The park is surrounded by the Dassanach, Turkana and Gabra communities with very rich and unpolluted traditional cultures which is a great puller of visitors looking to experience the cultural aspect of the people at the destination.

Visitors can enjoy game viewing, camping, walking safaris, picnicking and boat safaris.