South Island National Park

The Isle of Mystery

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.

Attractions & Activities

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.