Central island national park is also known as Crocodile Island, is a volcanic island located in the middle of Lake Turkana in Kenya, the most saline great lake in Africa the three main lakes on the central island are the crocodile lake, tilapia lake and the flamingo lake. Central island national park covers an area of about 5 square kilometers, which is relatively small but provides an unforgettable tourist experience in Africa.
The active volcanoes pass out sulfur smells; oftentimes the lakes are endowed with Nile crocodiles, making the island the largest place for concentrations of crocodiles, the island has very beautiful sceneries of the magnificent lake and scant island vegetation. The park provides archaeological and paleontological sites; the island is one of the world’s pristine nature places not tempered with its nature.
Attractions of Central Island national park.
Crocodile Kingdom.
Survivors of an epoch long before mankind, Lake Turkana’s estimated 12,000 crocodiles have not changed in 130 million years. Despite their monstrous size and formidable appearance, they are generally inoffensive creatures living in perfect harmony with their environment and feeding on the lake’s prolific fish.
The world’s largest crocodile nursery.
Crocodiles breed on the shores of the island’s crater lakes between April and May. The baby crocodiles can be heard squeaking in their eggs, which are buried deep beneath the sand to escape the predatory attentions of monitor lizards and raptors. Their cries bring their parents scurrying to dig them out and carry them down to the water’s edge, where they spend their first months.
Venomous reptiles and prehistoric fish.
Turkana is a home to some of the world’s most venomous reptiles, including the saw-scaled viper, night and puff adder and cobra. There are also many species of fish, including huge Nile perch and large tilapia. Puffer fish, a group normally found in seawater, indicate Turkana’s prehistoric connection to the Red Sea.
Abundant Birdlife.
The islands are home to a profusion of birdlife (over 84 water bird species), including 34 species of European migrants, most spectacularly viewed as they return home between March and May; at least 23 species breed here, including Goliath heron and African skimmer, while African open-billed stork, Duck and Gulls feed on the shores and the volcanic island lakes attract lesser flamingos, birds of prey are also abundant, especially swallow-tailed kites.
Wildlife.
Central island national park offers the abundant of animal species apart from crocodiles, during your visit in the park, you can be able to view hippos, topis, Grevy Zebra, Oryx’s, tough the giraffesthe crocodile population in the park.
Activities done in Central island national park.
Game viewing.
Despite being a small central island, the national park offers visitors opportunities to view wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos, topis, Grevy zebra, grant gazelles’, Oryx’s, giraffes the crocodile population is very high in that you must move with an armed guide.
Birdwatching.
The park offers over 350 species of birds, including more than 84 water bird species; some are migratory, while others are residential, such as the grey heron, Goliath heron, African skimmers, Egyptian geese, great egrets, lesser egrets, sacred ibis, osprey, and others.
Nature walks.
The nature guided walks are thrilling while you hike to the island highest elevation and have striking views of the magnificent lakes and scenery, tourists hiking to the top of the flamingo crater will come across many interesting sites on the way and, most importantly, breathtaking views of the whole park, and in the case of the butterflies, dragonflies and insects, they are also to be expected.
Boat rides.
Here also the tourists can enjoy boat rides from one of the lakes or start for Kalokol gate this offers a reward of viewing aquatic animals and water birds. Launch can also be packed.
Camping.
This is the most stunning and amazing activity done in the park, where you are exposed to the nature in the park and also have incredible views of the lakes as the moon shines on steaming craters.
Fishing.
Tourists can engage in this recreational activity with the help of an experienced fishing guide; the lake has over 60 species of fish recorded.
Best time to visit central island national park.
The best time to visit the park is in the months of June and July when the temperatures are moderately cooler; from December to March it is scorching hot and extremely arid, and visitors are advised to carry plenty of drinking water and snacks.
Where to stay in central island national park.
In Central Island national park there is only one camp, which is called Central Island campsite, the other accommodation sector is on the mainland, another nearby accommodation unit is Eliya Springs resort.
Entrance Park fees for Central Island National Park.
| Category | Citizen (KSH) | Resident (KSH) | Non-Resident (USD) |
| Adult | 300 | 300 | 22 |
| Child | 125 | 125 | 13 |
How to get to Central Island National Park.
Central Island national park can be accessed by both air and road means of transport.
By Air Transport.
You can first access Lake Turkana, usually by air and there are two all-weather airstrips, also in Loiyangalani.
By Road transport.
The Lake is a three-day drive from Nairobi through Marasabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr. Alternatively, travel by road from Nairobi to Kalokol on the lake’s western shores, through Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalokol, boat hire services are available to the central island. The 540 km road from Nairobi to Lake Turkana, which is accessible by 4×4 safari vehicle, can take 7 to 8 hours but it’s advisable to take this trip in two days.
