SOUTH ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

SOUTH ISLAND NATIONAL PARK. Covered end to end in volcanic ash, the nightly glow of its South Island’s luminous vents has inspired numerous tales of ghosts and evil spirits. The island is home to a profusion of birdlife including 34 species of European migrants most spectacularly viewed as they return home between March and May. At least 23 species breed here, including Goliath heron, and African skimmer, while African open-billed stork, Duck and Gulls feed on the shores and the volcanic island lakes attract lesser flamingos. Birds of prey are also abundant, especially swallow-tailed kites. This park is ideal for game watching and has one of the world’s largest concentrations of crocodiles.

South Island National Park Kenya (The Isle of Mystery) described as The Isle of Mystery is a mysterious Kenya safari destination and one of the three national parks that are The Central National Park, Sibiloi National Park, South Island National Park and North Island. And the beds of 2 (two) graben in the northern side of the Kenyan Great rift valley straddle within Lake Turkana area.

 Lake Turkana described as the jade sea because of its magical color is listed among the 4^th largest lakes in Africa, the lake drops down along the rift valley from north to south and its delta extends to Ethiopia with a depth of30 meters and 249 kilometers by 48 kilometers of width.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its remarkable iridescent vents that glow at night, these glowing luminous vents are described by the locals as the area of ill omen.

South Island national park is one of the famous Kenya safari destinations located in the northern safari circuit offering some of the unique tour and travel experiences in Kenya. The park was established in 1983 stretching over an area of 6400 square kilometers.

South Island National park is a legally protected Kenya national park by the Kenya Wildlife Act cap 376 and Antiquities and Monument Act cap 215 under Kenya legislation. Because of the rare wildlife species, vegetation, birdlife, marine life, the park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kenya.

Key features

Climate

Scorching hot and arid (especially December-March) June and July are the coolest months. May-September very strong winds blow both morning and evening. Rainfall less than 250 mm pa and in some places it may not rain for several years.

Vegetation 

The vegetation is scant, but some of the sheltered areas are overgrown with think grass and bushes for a short period each year.

Wildlife

The islands are home to hippo, bats and the world’s largest Nile crocodile population.

Birds 

More than 350 recorded species including large flocks of flamingos.

How to get there

• By Air: Access to Lake Turkana is usually by air and there are two all-weather airstrips. Also in Loiyangalani
• By road: The Lake is a three day drive from Nairobi via Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr. Alternatively travel by road from Nairobi to Kalokol on the lake’s western shores, via Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalokol boat hire services are available to Central Island.

Campsites

South Island Campsite

Privately Owned Campsites & Lodges

Oasis Lodge

Malabo Resort

Lobolo Tented Camp

National Museums of Kenya, Koobi Fora

Sunset Strip Camp

Palm Shade Camp

Game Trackers Campsite

Park Entry Fee

* Kindly refer to the KWS Conservation Fees  document below for other services and charges

Postal Address:

The warden,

P. O. Box 219,

Lodwar.

Tel: (Lodwar) +254 (54) 21223

Email address: sibiloi@kws.go.ke

Warden south Island national park: jaskipkilely@kws.go.ke