Outdoor Activities In Turkana With Best Things To Do

Turkana, located in northern Kenya, is renowned for attractions such as Lake Turkana and Eliye Springs. Once an isolated town, it has transformed into a popular destination for adventure seekers, a change that few could have predicted. Over the past ten years, enhanced infrastructure has significantly boosted tourism, making it accessible to travelers worldwide. The journey to Turkana is one of the most scenic road trips in Kenya, but travelers should be prepared for a lengthy travel day.
Here are some enjoyable activities to consider while visiting Turkana:

1. Visit Central Island National Park.
Central Island National Park is an essential stop in Turkana. This impressive site features a distinctive volcanic landscape and crater lakes that attract thousands of flamingos, crocodiles, and fish. Climbing to the highest point takes about an hour and rewards you with stunning views of Lake Turkana.

2. Experience Kapedo Hot Waterfalls.
While many are familiar with hot springs, hot waterfalls might be a novel concept. Turkana offers a remarkable natural phenomenon known as Kapedo Waterfalls, located in a town near the border of Baringo and Turkana. You can marvel at the beautiful scenery while taking a nature walk or enjoy a soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters believed to help with various skin conditions.

3. Explore Eliye Springs Beaches.
Eliye Springs Beach is the ideal spot for relaxation in Turkana. After engaging in activities, you can savor fresh fish and enjoy breathtaking views of sunrises, sunsets, and the starry night sky. Due to its remote location, the visibility of countless stars is spectacular and definitely worth experiencing.

4. Visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue.
Standing prominently atop one of the hills overlooking Lodwar town, Kenya’s Christ the Redeemer is modeled after the famous statue in Brazil. It was constructed to counter the spread of Islam from nearby Sudan, which is mainly Muslim. Nevertheless, it has evolved into a popular tourist destination.

5. Explore the Lokori Standing Stones
From a distance, Lokori may seem like an expansive, barren landscape. However, this area is of great significance as it contains an archaeological site featuring several circles of standing stones and two hills adorned with enigmatic rock art engravings. It is thought to be a site where ancient civilizations conducted their rituals. The local Turkana community believes the stones are individuals who were transformed into stone. Visitors are prohibited from touching the stones or littering in this area.

6. Check out the Turkana Boy Monument
Turkana is considered the cradle of the first human civilization, backed by numerous archaeological findings. The most noteworthy discovery was that of the renowned Turkana Boy. In 1984, fossil hunter Kamoya Kimeu unearthed the nearly intact skeleton of a Homo erectus estimated to be about 1.6 million years old. Following this discovery, a significant monument and a brass replica of the Turkana Boy were installed to commemorate the location where he was found.

7. Participate in the Lake Turkana Festival
The Lake Turkana Festival is an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of the local tribes in the area. Launched in 2008 by the German embassy and organized by the National Museums of Kenya, this event attracts thousands of locals who come dressed in their finest traditional attire to dance and sing. It occurs in May or June and is free for attendees.

8. Explore the Chalbi Desert
Why travel to Dubai for desert drives when our country boasts stunning deserts of its own? The Chalbi Desert, located to the east of Lake Turkana, serves as a vast playground for adventurers. It’s ideal for desert safaris, camel races, photography, and film opportunities. While the landscape primarily consists of sand dunes, you may also encounter some greenery, including doum palms and acacia trees.

9. Experience Water Sports at Lake Turkana
If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, Lake Turkana offers a range of water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, and kite surfing. Often referred to as the “Jade Sea” due to its beautiful blue-green color, Lake Turkana promises an unforgettable experience. It is a popular recreational spot for young people who enjoy outdoor activities and water sports.

10. Stay at Eliye Springs Resort
Eliye Springs Resort, located on the banks of Lake Turkana, provides luxurious accommodation options, including bomas, self-contained rooms, and campsites featuring manyattas and star tents. Guests can partake in various activities during their stay, such as adventure walks, motorbike tours, water sports, fishing, boat rides, birdwatching, and beach volleyball. Accommodation rates begin at KES 2,100.