“The Isle of Mystery” 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.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors some stunning scenery and excellent bird-watching opportunities. Its aviary attractions include flamingos, pelicans, and many water birds. Besides this, the island is an important stopover for migrant waterfowl and also home to large breeding colonies of hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Size of South island national park Kenya

It covers an area of 39 square kilometers. It can be reached both by air and road.

Location of south island national park Kenya

South Island National Park is located in the southern part of Lake Turkana, about 20 kilometers southwest of Loiyangalani and

How to get to South Island National Park Kenya

South Island National Park is located in the southern part of Lake Turkana, about 20 kilometers southwest of Loyengalini and it covers an area of 39 square kilometers. It can be reached both by air and road. By road, Lake Turkana is a 3 days drive off Nairobi through Marsabit and North Horror Maralal, and South Horr. The other option is from Nairobi to Kalokol along the Lake’s western shoreline through Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalokol boat hire services are present to Central Island.

By air, Lake Turkana can be reached through the nearby airstrips and Loiyangalani, the south-eastern coast of Lake Turkana.

Things to do in South Island national park Kenya

If you are looking for the most pristine safari destinations then South Island National Park should be a must to include in your bucket list. About 12000 crocodiles thrive within the park and they are said to have not changed for the last 130 million years and they can be spotted while they are relaxing along the Lake’s shoreline. They breed mostly on the shoreline of the Island’s Crater Lakes between April and May. Other species for you to spot out include the saw-scaled viper, cobra, night, and puff adders. The fish species include the massive Nile perch and tilapia. Pufferfish, a group that is usually sighted around the seawater, showcases the Turkana’s prehistoric linkage to the Red Sea. About 84 waterbird species exist at this park, 34 of which are European migrant species mostly sighted as they return home around March and May. Over 23 species breed around this place especially the Goliath heron, African skimmer whereas African open billed stork, gulls, and duck depend on the Lakeshores and the volcanic island Lakes attracts numerous lesser flamingos. The prey birds include the swallow tailed kite, pelicans, and others. Lake Turkana is incredibly the most ideal breeding ground for a large number of hippos. Its diverse wildlife attractions support most wildlife viewing experiences.

When to Visit South island national park Kenya

South Island National Park experiences hot and arid climatic conditions from December to March; between June and July-the coolest months while the months of May to September come with strong winds. The park receives rainfall amount of 250mm each year while other areas take a longer period of time to realize rainfall.

Where to stay in South Island National Park Kenya

The prominent accommodation facilities for visitor stay at this park include the South Island campsite, Malabo resort, Lobolo tented camp, Oasis Lodge, National Museum of Kenya, Kobi Fora, Game trackers campsite, Palm shade camp, and Sunset strip camp, and others.