Sibiloi National Park : Sibiloi National Park Kenya sounds among the list of Kenyan National Park which are under protection of Kenya Wildlife Services and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997as a part of Lake Turkana National Parks. The park is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya and was established in 1973 by the government of Kenya for the protection of wildlife and paleontologist sites.
More so, Sibiloi covers an area of about 1,570 square kilometers. It is home to an elephant fossil dating 1.7 million years back and is one of the most astonishing archeological findings. It is a 1.6million year old fossil of an extinct tortoise.
Despite the fact that, Sibiloi is sound as ‘the Cradle of Mankind’ home blended of birds, South Island a haven for water bird species and serves as a stopping area for rare migrants. The locally breeding birds includes; Goliath heron, white open African billed stork, duch and congregatory bird like lesser flamingo. This Island is also named on the list of a UNSECO, Man and the Biosphere ‘’MAB’’ reserve and Kenya’s Important Bird Area ‘’IBA’’ referred to as Birdlife International, as it is a key stopover for 34 species of Palearctic migrant water birds. The lake is a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodiles in the various surrounding sandy beaches. Reptile species including endemic lizards and including fish.
There is Loiyangalani desert museum lied 2 kilometer from South Island on top of a hill bears backdrop of the beautiful Lake Turkana with a display of rich cultural splendor of the eight communities living around Lake Turkana. Well, Lake Turkan is one of the most exciting attractions.
The annual festival held to celebrate the diverse and rich cultural splendor of the communities living in the area includes; El Molo, Turkana, Rendille, Samburu, Dasanach, Borana, Gabbra, Waata and Burji.
The Island found in the park offers rewarding view of some of the giant crocodiles in history and age-old traditional lifestyles. Tourists can enjoy game viewing, camping, walking safaris, picnicking and boat safaris.
Climate;
Sibiloi National Park experiences hot and arid, especially December – March. June and July are the coolest months.
Then May – September usually experiences strong winds blow both morning and evening.
Rainfall received less than 250mm and in some places it may not rain for several years.
Attractions in Sibiloi National Park;
The major spotted attraction here include; Lake Turkana which is the most saline of the African’s large lakes.
Lake Turkan is known as the world’s largest permanent desert lake and world largest alkaline lake.
The soda lake owes its lovely nickname to algae particles which shift with changes of wind and light. Thus, causing Lake Turkana’s color to change from blue to grey to jade.
The park’s area is characterized by semi-desert habitat and open plains flanked by volcanic formation including Mount Sibiloi and petrified forest in existence of 7 million years ago.
Turkana also acts as a researching laboratory for the study of plant and animal communities.
The park serves as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and major breeding site for the Nile crocodiles, hippopotamus and numerous species of venomous snakes. Sibiloi is also home to terrestrial wildlife like Zebras, Grant Gazelles, leopards, lions, stripped hyenas, Beisa oryx, Greater Kudu, cheetahs and Northern Topi many more. There are over 350 species of aquatic and terrestrial birds recorded in Lake Turkana.
There are human fossils including the remains of Australopithecus robustus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. More so, it also hosts over 100 archaeological sites.
Community; The site is surrounded by communities with very unique and unpolluted traditional cultures, that is the Turkana, the Gabra and the Dassanach. Cultural visit is best enjoyed during the dry season; through visiting the Samburu and Rendile who are found in the surrounding areas.
Activities in Sibiloi National Park
They include; Bird watching, Archeological safaris, Game viewing, Camping, Fishing among others.
Accommodations In Sibiloi National Park
Sibiloi National Park has got perfect accommodation facilities designed with good amenities such as Alia Bay Guest House, Turkana Campsite, Sunset strip camp, Lobolo Tented Camp, Oasis Lodge among others.
What to pack with you;
We advise you to pack useful items like drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment’s if you wish to stay overnight.
Other items to carry; binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks among others.
Getting there;
Distance;
From Nairobi is 733 kilometers North of Nairobi.
By Air;
There are two weather airstrips in the airport where you can land for your kenya safari activities. Commercial flights operate on the Lodwar airstrip. Other airstrips also found in Marsabit ,Loiyangalani ,Kalokol, North Horr and Lodwar.
By Road;
From Nairobi via Marsabit takes 3 hours drive and your recommended to use 4WD safari vehicle.
