A volcanic island in the south of Lake Turkana, South Island National Park covers 39 km² of tuff cones, lava flows and crater lakes in an arid region of northern Kenya. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, the site is home to one of the highest concentrations of Nile crocodiles in East Africa, as well as exceptional birdlife. Access is by boat from Loiyangalani, on the south-eastern shore of the lake.

Why visit South Island

• A 39 km² volcanic island, the largest of the three islands on Lake Turkana.
• A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.
• Approximately 12,000 Nile crocodiles and over 84 bird species recorded.
• Luminous vents visible in the evening, the source of many local legends.
• A mineral-rich and remote setting, away from the main circuits in southern Kenya.

History and geology

South Island is the largest of the three islands on Lake Turkana, covering 39 km² of surface area. It corresponds to the emerged part of a 10 km long volcanic horst, the majority of which remains beneath the lake's surface. The highest point reaches 320 m above the water level. The landscape is dominated by tuff cones, and the eastern coast is marked by basaltic lava flows of recent appearance.

In the evening, volcanic ash produces luminous vents in certain places, a phenomenon that has fed local communities' accounts of spirits associated with the island. The site gained the status of a public nature reserve in 1983, before being integrated into UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1997 alongside the other Lake Turkana parks (Sibiloi and Central Island).

What to see and do on South Island

The crocodiles of Lake Turkana

Nile crocodiles have been present in the Turkana basin for over 130 million years. The island's population is estimated at around 12,000 individuals, making it one of the largest concentrations in East Africa. The breeding season takes place in April-May: females bury their eggs on the shores of crater lakes to protect them from monitor lizards and raptors. Once the hatchlings emerge from the sand, adults carry them in their jaws to the water's edge, where the young remain grouped during their first months.

Reptiles and aquatic wildlife

The island is home to several species of venomous snakes, including the cobra, night viper and saw-scaled viper. Caution is advisable on the trails, and walking is always done with a guide. The lake's waters are rich in tilapia and large Nile perch. Biologists have also reported the presence of pufferfish, some species of which live in fresh water; its presence in Turkana is linked to an ancient connection between the lake and the Nile hydrographic system.

Birdwatching

Over 84 bird species frequent South Island. Around thirty are migrants from Europe that return to the northern hemisphere between March and May. At least 23 species are permanent residents, including the African skimmer, the Goliath heron, the open-billed stork, the gull, the swallow-tailed kite and the little flamingo. The shoreline and interior crater lakes are the best observation points.

Activities on site

Visits are organised from camps on the shore around Loiyangalani. The main options are boat trips around the island to observe aquatic wildlife and birds, guided walks on land, sport fishing (tilapia, Nile perch) and, for the more curious, archaeological excursions led by a local guide.

When to visit

The best period runs from October to January, during the dry season, when the tracks are passable and boat crossings are less exposed to the violent winds that regularly sweep across the lake. Between March and May, watching migratory birds is particularly interesting, but weather conditions are more unstable.

How to get there

Two routes allow you to reach South Island from Nairobi.

• By air: domestic flights connect Wilson Airport in Nairobi to landing strips near Loiyangalani, on the south-eastern shore of Lake Turkana. This is the fastest option.
• By road: allow approximately three days from Nairobi, via Kitale, Lodwar then Kalokol, on the western shore. A 4x4 vehicle is essential.

From Kalokol or from camps in Loiyangalani, the crossing to the island is by boat and takes about 30 minutes in calm weather. The lake is known for its sudden weather changes: trips are suspended in strong winds.

Practical information

• Status: national park managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Fees: entry fees according to the current KWS schedule, with reduced rates for residents and children.
• Duration of visit: day excursion from Loiyangalani, or half-day for a boat tour.
• Equipment: closed-toe shoes, plenty of water, sun protection, binoculars for birdwatching.
• Safety: visit accompanied by a guide due to snakes and crocodiles; strict compliance with instructions near the shoreline.

Nearby

South Island fits into a circuit in northern Kenya. Other Kenyan sites allow you to extend or enhance your visit:

• Hell's Gate National Park, another park dominated by volcanic features in southern Kenya.
• Crescent Island Sanctuary, on Lake Naivasha, accessible on foot among wildlife.
• Kakamega Forest National Reserve, on the route between Nairobi and Lodwar.
• Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, a useful stopover before heading north.

Frequently asked questions

Including South Island in a trip

South Island is a remote site that fits into a long itinerary in northern Kenya, often combined with Sibiloi and Lake Turkana communities. To plan your stay, consult our suggestions for travel to Kenya.