Turkana is a northern town in Kenya that boasts of many attractions such as Lake Turkana and Eliye Springs. Before it became the go-to playground for thrill seekers, it was an isolated town; no one could imagine it would be the tourist destination it is today. Turkana has seen a boost in tourism over the past decade thanks to infrastructure development that have opened up the town to travellers from all over the world. It’s one of the best road trips in the country as the scenery along the way makes the trip enjoyable. Nonetheless, it’s a long trip so be prepared for a full day of travel.
Here are some fun things to do when you’re in Turkana.
Visit The Central Island National Park
The Central Island National Park is a must-visit when you’re in Turkana. This majestic location is known for its unique volcanic landscape, and crater lakes which are home to thousands of flamingos, crocodiles and fish. It takes approximately one hour to climb the highest point where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Turkana.
Experience Kapedo Hot Waterfalls
We’ve heard of hot springs, but hot waterfalls are a new thing for many of us. However, Turkana has unique natural resources such as a hot waterfall. The Kapedo Waterfalls are located in Kapedo which is a town between the border of Baringo and Turkana. You can enjoy the stunning views of the place as you take a nature stroll or take a dip in the warm water which contains minerals believed to cure many skin ailments.
Explore the Eliye Springs Beaches
Eliye Springs Beach is probably the best place to enjoy and relax in Turkana. You can enjoy fresh fish once you work up an appetite and watch the sunrise, sunset or stars at night. Since the place is so remote, the night sky is a sight to behold and a must-see. You can see millions of stars very clearly.
See the Christ The Redeemer Statue
Towering conspicuously on top of one of the many hills that overlook Lodwar town, Kenya’s Christ The Redeemer is a mirror image of the iconic Christ The Redeemer statue in Brazil. It was built to prevent the spread of Islam from neighbouring Sudan which is predominantly Muslim. Regardless, it has become a tourist attraction today.
See the Lokori Standing Stones
From afar, Lokori looks like a vast empty land. However, this area holds significant importance. This is home to an archaeological site which features numerous circles of standing stones and two hills with mysterious rock art engravings. It is believed to be a place where ancient civilization held their rituals. The local Turkana people believe that the rocks are people who were turned to stone. You’re not allowed to touch the stones and you shouldn’t litter around this area.
Visit the Turkana Boy Monument
Turkana is believed to be the birthplace of the first human civilization. There have been a lot of archaeological discoveries that support this theory. However, the most significant one was the discovery of the world-famous Turkana Boy. In 1984, fossil digger and researcher, Kamoya Kimeu, detected the nearly complete skeleton of an approximately 1.6 million-year-old Homo erectus. After the discovery, a monumental pillar and a brass replica of the Turkana Boy were erected to mark the spot where he was found.
Attend the Lake Turkana Festival
The Lake Turkana Festival is a great event to witness the rich culture of the local tribes that inhabit this region. Initiated in 2008 by the German embassy and coordinated by the National Museums of Kenya, the locals gather in their thousands, in their finest traditional wear, to dance and sing. It takes place in May or June and is free to attend.
Go on a desert drive in the Chalbi Desert
Who needs to go to Dubai to enjoy desert drives when we have our own beautiful deserts in the country? The Chalbi Desert is located on the east side of Lake Turkana and offers a vast playground for thrill seekers. It’s the perfect place for desert safaris, camel derbies, photography and filming. You can spot some greenery consisting of doum palms and acacia trees but most of the landscape consists of sand dunes.
Enjoy water sporting in Lake Turkana
If you’re craving a rush, you can indulge in a variety of watersports in Lake Turkana such as kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing and kite surfing. Known as the “Jade Sea” for its striking blue-green hue, Lake Turkana offers an unforgettable experience. The lake is a major recreational area for young people who enjoy watersports and the outdoors.
Stay at Eliye Springs Resort
Situated on the shores of Lake Turkana, Eliye Springs Resort offers luxurious accommodation options including bomas, self-contained rooms and a campsite with manyattas and star tents. It also offers guests a variety of activities to do while at the resort such as adventure walks, motorbike tours, water sports, fishing, boat riding, birdwatching and beach volleyball. Standard charges for accommodation start from KES 2,100.