Tourist Attractions found in Central Island National Park: Central Island National Park is also called the crocodile island. This is a breathtaking volcanic island located within the Lake Turkana in Kenya. This island is noted as being one of the saltiest and largest lakes in Africa and is comprised of three main sections: the tilapia lake, the crocodile lake, and the flamingo lake. Although the park covers an area of about 5 kilometers squared which is relatively small but provides an unforgettable tourist experience in Africa. The active volcanoes pass out Sulphur smell oftentimes times the lakes are endowed with Nile crocodiles making the island the largest place for concertation of crocodiles, the island has got very beautiful scenery 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. The island has the largest place for concertation of crocodiles and the island is one of the world’s pristine nature places not tempered with its nature. The park has archaeological and paleontological sites together with very beautiful sceneries of the magnificent lake and scant island vegetation. The national park is safe for visitors and is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and is under a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The park offers a variety of exciting activities to its visitors such as Game viewing, Bird watching, Boat rides, Nature walks, and Camping. Central Island National Park is open to visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit the park is in the months of June and July when the temperatures are cooler. From December to March, it is hot and extremely arid, and therefore visitors should carry plenty of drinking water while visiting the park.
The world’s largest crocodile nursery
One of the park’s main highlights is its impressive crocodile population, boasting over 12,000 individuals, making it home to the largest crocodile nursery in the world. Between April and May, visitors can witness the breeding rituals of these reptiles on the shores of the island’s crater lakes. 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. During your visit, you will have the chance to see young crocodiles lounging in the sun while larger ones glide quietly into the water. To reach the island, you’ll need to hop on a boat across Lake Turkana, offering a scenic introduction to your adventure.
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.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Central Island also serves as a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting more than 350 species of birds, including large groups of flamingos that grace its shores. Among the 84 water bird species are 34 varieties of migratory European birds that can be spectacularly seen from March to May as they return to their breeding grounds. Additionally, 23 bird species choose to breed here. Some of the bird species you will encounter here includes Greater and lesser Flamingo, Goliath heron, African skimmer, African open-billed stork, Duck, Gulls, Egyptian geese, great white egrets , Ring-necked Dove, Little Swift, Black-winged Stilt, Great Cormorant, Black Heron, Osprey , African Fish-Eagle , Northern Grosbeak-Canary , Pied Kingfisher , Lanner Falcon , Fan-tailed Raven , Crowned Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Gray-hooded Gull, Yellow-billed Stork, Long-tailed Cormorant, Western Cattle Egret, Isabelline Wheatear , Barn Swallow , Wattled Starling , African Sacred Ibis, Crested Lark, Brown-tailed Chat, African Pied Wagtail , Variable Sunbird and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting
Lake Turkana
Situated on Lake Turkana, which holds the title of the world’s largest permanent desert lake and the largest alkaline lake, the park offers a dramatic landscape that attracts researchers and nature lovers alike. The lake’s expansive blue waters create a striking contrast against the rugged land, providing a perfect backdrop for unforgettable boat rides. These trips are especially magical during sunrise or sunset when vibrant colors light up the sky.
Beautiful Crater Lakes
Central Island is home to three spectacular crater lakes: Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake, each possessing its own unique allure. Crocodile Lake is the perfect spot for spotting the park’s namesake reptiles, while Flamingo Lake draws countless birds, creating a feast for the eyes. For fishing enthusiasts, Tilapia Lake offers the chance to catch a variety of local fish species. Visitors can easily navigate between the lakes through short hikes or charming boat rides.
Prehistoric Fish
Lake Turkana is known for its various fish species. The lake is home to over 60 different fishing species including the impressive Nile perch and notable tilapia. Pufferfish, a group normally found in seawater, indicate Turkana’s prehistoric connection to the Red Sea. Local fishing guides can share knowledge about the best spots and methods, promising a rewarding and enlightening experience.
Venomous reptiles
The is home to some of the world’s most venomous reptiles, including saw-scaled viper, night and puff adder, and cobra. Although encounters are uncommon, they serve as a reminder of the wildness of nature. Learning about these reptiles through guided walks can enhance your understanding of the environment while ensuring your safety as you venture through the park.
Animals
Central Island National Park offers other animal species apart from crocodiles and during your visit to the park, you can be able to view hippos, Topis, Grevy Zebra, Oryx, and giraffes. The population of crocodiles in the park is huge and you must move with an armed guide.
Vegetation
The vegetation is scant and one of the Tourist Attractions found in Central Island National Park, but some of the sheltered areas are overgrown with thick grass and bushes for a short period each year
