Lake Turkana - The Jade Sea
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea, is Kenya’s largest lake and the world’s largest permanent desert lake. It was originally named Lake Rudolf by Count Samuel Teleki and Lieutenant Ludwig von Höhnel during their 1888 expedition. In 1975, the lake was officially renamed Lake Turkana after the local Turkana people.
The lake is famous for its striking greenish-blue waters, which inspired the nickname “Jade Sea.” Strong desert winds are common throughout the year, making boat travel challenging and sometimes dangerous.
History and Wildlife
The Lake Turkana region is considered one of the most important sites in the study of human evolution. During the 1960s, the Leakey family discovered ancient hominin fossils that are approximately 2.5 million years old. These discoveries helped scientists learn more about early human ancestors.
Visitors to Sibiloi National Park, located on the eastern shore of the lake, can explore important archaeological sites and fossil excavation areas. The park is also home to crocodiles, hippos, birds, and many other wildlife species, making it an excellent destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Climate and Archaeological Importance
Lake Turkana lies at an elevation of about 300 metres above sea level. It is one of the hottest places in Kenya, and temperatures can reach 50°C during the hottest periods of the year.
The region is considered one of the world’s most important archaeological areas. During the 1960s, the Leakey family discovered ancient hominin fossils that are estimated to be around 2.5 million years old. These discoveries played a major role in understanding early human evolution.
Visitors to Sibiloi National Park, located on the eastern shore of the lake, can explore fossil excavation sites and learn about the area’s prehistoric history. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it a rewarding destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Geography and Climate
Lake Turkana stretches for about 300 kilometres from north to south and is approximately 50 kilometres wide. It is the world’s largest alkaline lake. Although Lake Victoria is much larger overall, it is shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, while Lake Turkana lies almost entirely within Kenya.
The lake sits at an elevation of around 300 metres above sea level. It is one of the hottest regions in Kenya, with daytime temperatures often reaching 50°C during the hottest months.
How to Reach Lake Turkana
There are several ways to reach Lake Turkana. The most popular route starts in Nairobi and travels north through Isiolo, Marsabit, and Kalacha before crossing the Chalbi Desert to Loiyangalani on the southeastern shore of the lake.
Another option is the western route. This journey passes through Kitale, Kapenguria, and Lodwar before reaching Eliye Springs. Both routes offer spectacular desert scenery and provide access to one of Kenya’s most remote and fascinating destinations.
An Adventurous Route to Lake Turkana
For adventurous travellers, there is another route to Lake Turkana. It starts at Lake Baringo and passes through Kito Pass, Kerio Valley, and Tot. From Tot, the track continues through the Cherangani Hills before reaching the lake.
This route is rugged and challenging. After heavy rain, some sections may become difficult or even impossible to drive. Travellers should check road conditions before setting out and use a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Road Trip or Flight?
If you prefer a faster and more comfortable journey, you can fly to Lake Turkana. Flying saves time and avoids the long drive over some of Kenya’s roughest roads.
However, many travellers believe the road trip is part of the adventure. Driving through this remote region offers spectacular scenery and a true sense of the area’s isolation. It is also an excellent way to experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes.
Meeting Local Communities
Travelling by road also gives you the opportunity to meet some of the region’s colourful tribal communities. Along the way, you may see local people walking long distances or travelling with their livestock.
Water is one of the most valuable resources in this dry environment. Carrying extra drinking water in your vehicle can be helpful during your journey. If appropriate and welcomed, sharing water with people in need can be a thoughtful gesture while travelling through remote areas.
The jade color of the lake is particularly visible in this capture in which cormorants in front of Lake Turkana and its barren vulcanic surrounding landscape come into life
There are three islands in Lake Turkana – South Island, Central Island and North Island and it is possible to visit them by boat from various take off points along the shore.
Central Island is breeding ground of the worlds biggest population of Nile Crocodiles with an estimated number of 12,000 animals living in the lake. It is believed that at that time the lake was much larger than it is today, supporting a richer and more varied plant and animal life.
Yet today there are about 400 species of birds and the lake boasts 200-300 kg Nile Perch, making it a heaven for sport fishing.
In many places along the shore of the lake there is a prolific bird life, particularly in March and April when thousands of European migratory birds make a stop here on their way back North. Also there are populations of hippo in the lake and in some places there is bilharzia (a microscopic parasite that can cause severe illness), so you should be cautious about swimming in the lake.