Turkana

Lake Turkana, the Jade Sea, is the world’s largest desert lake. Located in Kenya’s remote, northern, arid lands, it is the most saline of Africa’s great lakes, and its vast aquatic resources contribute to the livelihoods of over 300,000 people, including pastoralists and fishermen. Its ecology supports a host of local and migratory bird and wildlife populations. Away from the lake there is virtually no water and very little grazing which often leads to tribal conflict during times of drought. A visit here is not for everyone but for people who enjoy deserts and very remote areas it is a unique destination.

The lake is also home to many fossil and archaeological discoveries. In 1973, Sibiloi National Park was created on the north-eastern lakeshore to conserve these remarkable discoveries that have contributed so much to our understanding of human evolution. And in 1983 and 1985, the lake’s South and Central Islands were designated national parks because of their outstanding wildlife breeding habitats, notably for the Nile crocodile.

Lake Turkana has notorious, strong, desert winds which can make sailing on the lake a hazardous affair. This persistent wind is now being utilised by the single largest investment in Kenya’s history, the Lake Turkana Wind Farm covers 40,000 acres (162 km²) and is located in Loiyangalani District.

The journey north to Turkana passes through some very remote areas. Dry, sparsely populated and rarely visited by outsiders, a journey here is always an adventure and is very different from more normal safaris to Kenya's busier and better known lakes and game parks. We stay at Oasis Lodge for a couple of nights, allowing a day to have a bit of exploration of the area, visiting the lakeshore and meeting members of some of Kenya's smallest tribes who have learnt how to subsist in this hostile environment.