Central Island National Park

Explore Central Island

Located in the heart of Lake Turkana, Central Island National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and unique wildlife. The island’s crater lakes Crocodile, Flamingo, and Tilapia host large Nile crocodile populations and provide vital breeding grounds for fish and birds.

Central Island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The park’s volcanic terrain, rich biodiversity, and striking scenery attract visitors seeking offbeat eco-adventures. Migratory birds, reptiles, and endemic fish make it a true gem of Kenya’s northern frontier, offering both scientific significance and stunning natural beauty.

How To Get There

Central Island National Park is accessible by boat from the eastern or western shores of Lake Turkana, departing from Kalokol or Loiyangalani. Visitors can also reach nearby towns by road or charter flight from Nairobi. Boat transfers are arranged with local operators or Kenya Wildlife Service guides.

Why Travel to Central Island

Traveling to Central Island National Park offers a rare opportunity to explore Kenya’s most remote volcanic landscape surrounded by the turquoise waters of Lake Turkana. The park’s crater lakes, teeming with crocodiles and migratory birds, create a unique ecological habitat that blends geology, wildlife, and natural wonder in one destination.

Visitors are drawn by the island’s isolation, tranquility, and scientific importance. Its rugged terrain, ancient lava flows, and rich birdlife make it ideal for photography, nature walks, and eco-research. Whether camping by the lake or boating around the island, every moment reveals the wild, untouched beauty of northern Kenya.

What to See

Central Island National Park, located in Lake Turkana, is famed for its dramatic volcanic landscape and three active crater lakes—Crocodile, Flamingo, and Tilapia Lakes. Visitors can witness large populations of Nile crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans. The island also offers striking lava formations, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for photography, boating, and exploring the park’s unique volcanic geology amidst Africa’s largest desert lake.

Top Experiences at Central Island

Visitors can enjoy boating, birdwatching, and nature walks, explore crater lakes, and experience sport fishing while camping amid Lake Turkana’s volcanic island landscape.

Birdwatching

Boating on Crater Lakes

Nature Walks

Sightseeing

Beyond Destinations, Into Experiences

At Elida Tours & Safaris, we go beyond sightseeing. Each journey is carefully crafted to immerse travelers in authentic wildlife encounters, cultural connections, and unforgettable adventures, creating meaningful experiences that last far beyond the trip itself.

Best Prices

Elida Tours & Safaris offers excellent value, ensuring competitive pricing without compromising quality, comfort, or unforgettable safari experiences across East Africa.

Top Stays

We select only the finest hotels, lodges, and camps, reflecting our quality standards and enhancing the spirit and experience of every itinerary.

Safari Transport

On safari, each client enjoys a guaranteed window seat in fully equipped 4×4 vehicles, including radio, binoculars, first-aid kit, cool box, and reference materials.

Conservation Support

Elida Tours & Safaris actively supports recognized conservation initiatives, helping protect Africa’s fragile wildlife ecosystems.

Related Kenya Destinations

Kenya offers breathtaking safaris, diverse wildlife, stunning savannahs, vibrant culture, and coastal beauty—perfect for unforgettable African adventures.

Nairobi National Park

Masai Mara Game Reserve

Amboseli National Park

Craft your dream safari, your way.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor 5.0 64 reviews

Third time we have used Elida Tours. David is great, met us at airport, arrange safari, hotels and all transportation in Kenya.

We have used Elida Tours and David for several years. He is really helpful with hotel bookings, transport, game drives (safaris).

I have been using Elida for some time for transportation around Nairobi! The team is friendly, reliable and extremely helpful!

We travel through Nairobi annually and rely on David and his team to provide our transportation. His vehicles are comfortable and well maintained.

We had such a good experience with David and Moses on our Kilimanjaro trip that we came back and sought their assistance for a self drive we did across Kenya and Uganda.