| Lake Turkana Lodge is quaint and charming, situated at Kalokol, on the western shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya. Ideal for fishing for Nile Perch and tiger fish in the lake, and visits to Central Island. Situated on a spit at the mouth of Ferguson's Gulf, the Lake Turkana Lodge is surrounded by water on three sides and access is by boat across the Gulf to its sandy beach. Visitors encountering this remote lake, regardless of the number of previous visits, continue to sense that awe-inspiring atmosphere which has become synonymous with its romantic name, the Jade Sea Lodge. Accommodation comprises of sixteen individual rustic timber cabins, each of which is self contained with a bathroom and a large verandah affording a magnificent view of the lake; one twin family cabins unit; and one, two-bed roomed VIP unit. Water supplied to the rooms and common facilities is alkaline and untreated -pumped directly from the lake. Expansive lake view gives an impression of an oceanfront location.
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While a 4wd is not necessary, it recommended, or alternatively a vehicle with a good clearance. A police escort is also required from Kapenguria to Lodwar - provided twice a day at 1100hrs and 1300hrs (keep a very open mind and patience). From Lodwar to the shores of Lake Turkana via Kalokol - 75Kms the road condition is good and there is no need for security escort. Upon arrival at the lakeshore, you may negotiate a boat transfer with the fishermen or alternatively request a transfer at the time of reserving the accommodation by providing an estimated time of arrival at the Lake. However all clients should be aware that the Sese Canoe Captain will only wait for a maximum of 60 minutes from the expected time of arrival after which time he has instructions to return to the lodge; any transfer amount prepaid will be forfeited. Fuel is available in Kitale and Lodwar.
Pertified Forest, Alia Bay - On the north-eastern shores, opposite the Lake Turkana Lodge, a few miles inland from the shores of Alia Bay lie the fossilized remnants of a vast forest which stood here in wetter times and which today presents a staggering exercise for the imagination. "Picture a barren, hot and windswept desert landscape supporting a forest of which the grandeur and luxuriance are evidenced by the great girth of the shattered tree trunks that have lain here for several million years"
Koobi Fora - Known as the Cradle of mankind, this area is located on the northeastern shores of Lake Turkana. Archaeological discoveries made by Dr. Richard Leakey are believed to form the link in man's evolutionary chain. Previous findings date early man almost two million years ago and sediments laid down in the Plio-Pleistocene around Koobi For are exposed in several large areas. Of the many discoveries of tools and fossils, probably the most important find to date (in 1972) has been the skull of "of 1470" man Homo Habilis dating back between 2 and 3 million years ago. A major section of the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi contains a display of this discovery. There is also a field museum to record these findings and a tour of the excavation site may be undertaken by advance arrangement. This is the second World Heritage Site on Lake Turkana.
Sibiloi National Park - An air or boat excursion to Koobi For a may be combined with a visit to one of the most beautiful and remote parks of Kenya. Animal's range from gazelles to Leopards and it is not uncommon to observe other northern wildlife along the lake's corridor - Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Oryx, Nile crocodile and Hippo. A few miles inland from the shore of Alia Bay lies the fossilized remnants of a vast forest ~ a great girth of shattered tree trunks which have lain here for several million years and provide an astonishing vantage of the geological activities of the region and formation of the Great Rift Valley.
Turkana Village - A traditional Turkana village is situated a short walk from the Lodge and may be visited upon request to share a glimpse of their lifestyles. Not only can the Turkana's mastery of catching and drying fish by witnessed, but also the array of beaded jewelry and Turkana basket crafts that the women ride themselves on. Turkana dance performances are arranged at the Lodge by prior request.
Lake Turkana Culture - A large number of Kenyan as well as cross border tribes have made Lake Turkana's shores their homes. These include the Turkana, the Boran, the Gabbra, the Samburu, the Shangilla and the Rendilli, as well as the Luo and Somali.
Lake Turkana Sand Dunes - Undertake a four-wheel drive adventure to an oasis surrounded by palm trees and a region of constantly changing sand dunes. The dunes measure at heights of over 40 feet and provide a wonderful playground for children and adults alike.
Lake Turkana Sports Fishing - Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy trolling in the Turkana waters for the renowned Nile Perch some of which weigh over 200 lbs and there are reports of catches of over 400 lbs! The fishing excursions can include boat crew in a motorized 26-foot Sese Fiberglass Canoe with rudimentary and antiquated fishing gear/lures. Alternatively cast from the lakeshore opposite the lodge or form the sand bars at the mouth of the Ferguson's Gulf to the main lake. Light tackle (bring your own if possible) can be used for Tilapia and Tiger Fish. By some estimates, there are some 50 species of fish in Lake Turkana.
Lake Turkana Scenery - There surely can't be many destinations on the face of this earth that can rival the incredible peace and beauty of Lake Turkana. Sitting on the Lake Turkana Lodge verandah, drinking an cold drink (when the solar system is in working order), visitors can watch the local Turkana fishermen pulling in the day's catch, the women socializing and children having fun. For early risers catching the sunrise, you may be greeted with strong wind gusts that originate further south-east from the direction of Mount Kulal (not visible from the lodge); or at nights, due to the location near the equator and no smog causing industries for hundreds of miles in all directions, the cloudless nights offer unparalled and unimpeded view of the star-studded canopy.
Lake Turkana Ornithology - Lake Turkana is an ornithologist's paradise. During the northern hemisphere winter months, thousands of immigrant waders and waterfowl flock to the shallows; and in the summer months, the shores or the Central Island can demonstrate an impressive gathering of flamingo, pelicans, ibis, spoonbills, fish eagles and many other water birds.
All excursions are subject to availability of boats, vehicles and staff. There remains a possibility that even if excursions have been booked and confirmed prior to the clients' arrival at the Lodge, services may not be available upon arrival. This is not a frequent occurrence but does happen. In such event, the Lake Turkana Lodge, its Reservations Agents, Associates, Management, Staff, Owners, Travel Organizers, etc will be responsible only for refunding the particular local Turkana excursion that was not available or provided after all economically feasible efforts will have been made to make alternate arrangements for similar local Turkana excursions with alternate service providers charging a similar price.
Recommendation: All visitors to Turkana should travel with an open mind and willingness to make adjustments to the travel plans. A sense of humor is a necessity. If you are inflexible, expect services/facilities of a modern hotel or lodge, and/or are unwilling to experience the unexpected - like a scorpion on your path or a fish bone thrust into your foot if you decide to walk barefoot or the outboard motor breaking down in the middle of the lake during an excursion to the Island, etc - you may want to want to seriously reconsider visiting Turkana.
Lake Turkana Oasis Lodge - Oasis Lodge lies on the southern tip of Lake Turkana and is a welcome sight in its austere desert surroundings. It is set near a genuine oasis where fresh water gushes from the hot rocks and doum palms provide shade from the scorching sun. The lodge features a dining room which serves meals based on the fresh lake fish, and two fresh water swimming pools which are fed by the crystal water of the springs. Accommodation is offered in 24 cottages which nestle in bush and verdant foliage fed by the springs.
Lake Turkana Koobi Fora Bandas - Koobi Fora bandas are located close to the Koobi Fora Museum. The 3 bandas are located 3 km south of the museum, on a bluff overlooking the lake offering scenic views. Each banda can accommodate 3 people and an outhouse toilet is provided. While at Koobi Fora, one could visit the prehistoric site, Central Island and Southern Island in Lake Turkana or just take a walk along Lake Turkana that is a few meters from the house.
Lake Turkana Desert Rose
Desert Rose is hosted by Emma Chen who gladly shares the thrills and pleasures of this wild and very remote part of Northern Kenya with you. The lodge is set at about 2000m on a cool side of Mt. Nyiru close to Lake Turkana. The mountain peak is about 3000m and the area supports an incredible range of flora and fauna with climatic change in altitude. Guests can enjoy fascinating hikes on Mt. Nyiru and possibly encounter wild boar, hunting dog, Greater kudu, baboon and at night leopard, serval cat and aardvark.
Accommodation is offered in five individually houses which are carved out of locally acquired rocks and timber and have flush toilets and open-air en-suite bathrooms, offering amazing views of the surrounding country side. The main dining room and library have been hand-crafted in locally quarried slate and finely finished in cedar and olive woods. Both overlook and subtly convey the peace and stillness of their surroundings.
Lake Turkana Alia Bay Guest House - Alia Bay Guest House consists of a master bedroom that has a double bed and its own bathroom and two other bed rooms with single beds as well as a cosy central living room with a fire place. Guests can view the sunset late in the evening while relaxing at the lounge or taking a walk along Lake Turkana that is a few meters from the house.
Lake Turkana Lobolo Camp is a private camp with 6 tents under thatched roofs. The individually designed tents all have private en-suite facilities and are positioned to overlook the lake. Lobolo is owned and run by Halewijn and Joyce Sheuerman who have an in-depth knowledge of the lake and its environs. Activities at Lobolo can include bird watching, visiting a local Turkana village, lakeshore and boat fishing and day trips to Central Island national park |
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