TURKANA LAND: DISCOVER
Turkana Land is where you can relax kabissa! ‘Kabissa’ means ‘completely’ in Swahili language. It boasts miles upon miles of palm fringed, unspoiled sandy beaches on the shores of Lake Turkana, the world‘s biggest permanent desert lake. Swimming in its slightly alkaline waters cures many skin ailments, making it a giant natural spa.
For those who are fascinated by the fundamental questions of who we are and where we come from, there is no better place to follow the traces of our ancestors. Some of the most significant archeological findings of pre- and early manhood have been made here, and Turkana Land righteously claims the title Cradle of Mankind. This is the place where all humans stem from – so: Welcome back home!
In many ways you can regard Turkana Land as largely unexplored which offers you an opportunity to make your own discoveries and experience true adventures like nowhere else. Enjoy the open spaces and breathe freely, something which is getting hard to find in other regions of Kenya and the world.
Highlighted below are some of the amazing attractions that Turkana has to offer which can easily be explored in three circuits.
A unique cultural wealth
There are view places remaining in Africa of today where you can witness a traditional culture of such beauty and integrity. The Turkana culture is vivified by a unique wealth of dresses, hairstyles, jewellery, sayings, tales, songs, craftsmanship and knowledge. A visit to Turkana Land offers you the chance to experience the fascinating pastoralist way of life.
Rewarding hiking and rock climbing
There are many mountains, such as Silali Volcano, Loima Hills, Mogila Range or the Lokichar Hills that invite you for rewarding rock climbing and hiking tours. As camels are abundant in Turkana Land, you might also decide to use them as a support for carrying your equipment. Just be prepared to act as your own trail blazer and you will have the trip of your life time. These are truly virgin grounds which are waiting to be conquered by YOU!
Water games
Lake Turkana, the infamous Jade Sea offers a huge potential for water sporting, whether you love swimming, boat riding or fishing trips. You could also do a sailing cruise with fishing dhows or try balancing on a traditional raft. Winds are favourable for both, wind surfing and kite surfing, though for the time being you will have to bring your own equipment along.
Come, play in the wild!
The vast lands of Turkana are a no-limits playground for cross bike riders, 4WD fanatics and GPS freaks, plus anybody else who loves to be out in the bunduz. Make the campfire your kitchen, starry skies your ceiling and the freedom to move in any direction at any time a normality.
Experience real wilderness
Turkana Land is a wide and a wild country, where to the south, especially within the South Turkana National Reserve, elephant, leopard, oryx antelope, gazelle, warthog as well as an exceptionally high number of Kori bustard roam. Along the border with South Sudan in the extreme northwest, the massive savannah grassland of the Lotikipi Plains forms another haven for wildlife which is currently undergoing gazetting as National Reserve and definitely is worth visiting.
An island out of this world
A wilderness with an out-of-this-world flair is Central Island National Park, the home of thousands of birds and crocodiles in the middle of Lake Turkana. Three crater lakes talk of the volcanic origin of Central Island, one offering a home to flamingos, another to tilapia fish and the third to crocodiles. Ferguson Gulf near Kalokol with an abundance in pelicans, flamingos and other waterfowl is a bird watcher’s paradise and so are many other spots of Turkana, making it a prime destination for ‘birdies’.
Shopping of traditional handicrafts
If you want to treat yourself and shop something beautiful to take home with you, you will find plenty of artful traditional jewelry, like the colorful necklaces of Turkana women or the carved wooden elders’ stools on sale almost everywhere. Equally typical is the skilful basketry woven by Turkana women from dried doom palm leaves. The basketry market in the centre of Lodwar probably offers the best choice.