Sibiloi National Park

Sibiloi National Park known as ‘’The cradle of humankind’’ due to its presence of unique archaeological sites, where tourists can explore the remaining admirable fossil which has contributed more to the understanding of humankind/evolution than any other historical site incontinent. Furthermore, the park is characterized by semi-desert habitat areas and open plains filled by volcanic formations like Mount Sibiloi, where on visit you can be able to explore the remains of a petrified forest. Sibiloi serves as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and is a main breeding ground for the Nile crocodile. The terrestrial wildlife which can be adventured here include Grant gazelles, lions, leopards, zebras, stripped hynes, Beisa Oryx, Great kudu, Northern topis and cheetahs and other animals. Since the park sits at the edge of lake Turkana a home to over 350 aquatic species and terrestrial birds recorded which can be spotted by a traveler’s visit at Sibiloi national park. The national park is surrounded by several amazing features such as the largest desert lake in the world ‘’Lake Turkana’’, the Grabra and the Dassanach which are nearby communities rich in unpolluted traditional cultures.

Sibiloi national park is positioned on the northeastern shores of lake Turkana in Northern Kenya, lake Turkana sounds as the largest desert lake in the world. The park is also internationally known for its fossils and was established by the government of Kenya for the protection of wildlife and paleontologists sites in 1973 and listed as a World Heritage site in 1997 as a part of lake Turkana National Park. The park covers over 1,570 square kilometers and managed by Kenya Wildlife Service.

Climate – Sibiloi National Park

The park offers a remote area of both hot and semi-arid which happens from December to March. June to July are the coolest months. Then May to September very strong winds blow both morning and evening. The area receives less than 250 millimeters, although in some places it might take years to rain.

The park has got several entry gates such as the main gate ‘’Karsa gate’’, Alia bay, and Koobi for a gate.

Major Attractions in Sibiloi National Park

There are many fabulous attractions in this park since it acts as an archaeological site, on your visit you can be able to adventure unique historical features found in Koobi fora museum and such winsome attraction experiences include;

The highlight attractions include Lake Turkana which is the most saline largest desert lake in Africa and in the world. Famously known as world’s largest permanent desert lake and world’s largest alkaline lake. The soda lake owes its amazing nickname to algae particles which shift with changes of wind and light that affects Lake Turkana’s color to change from blue to grey to jade.

The area is also composed by semi-desert habitat and open plains flanked by volcanic formation like Mount Sibiloi, the site of the remains of a petrified forest which have been existing for over millions of years.

Turkana is an important laboratory for the study of plant and animal’s communities. The national park acts as stopover for migrant waterfowl and is major breeding grounds for hippopotamus, Nile crocodile and many venomous snakes. The park is also a home to other terrestrial wildlife such as Grant Gazelles, zebras, Leopards, Greater kudu, cheetahs, Beisa Oryx, Lions and Northern Topi and many more. Haven for bird species with over 350 aquatic species and terrestrial birds have been recorded in Turkana Lake such as flamingos, heron, pelicans, ducks, skimmers and lots more.

The human fossils which include, the remains of Homo habilis, Australopithecus robustus, Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. Other findings are the largest diversity of ancestors of modern animal’s species. It is remarkable for over 100 archaeological sites.

At Koobi Fora, extensive paleontogical sites have been made, such as the evidence of the existence of a relatively intelligent hominid over million years ago.

Community; The park’s sites are surrounded by communities with very rich and unique unpolluted traditional cultures. That is the Turkana, the Gabra and the Dassanach. During dry seasons nomads people like Samburu and Rendile are seen within the surrounding areas.

Activities done in Sibiloi National Park Kenya

There are quite number of activities tourists can engage in such as Archeological safaris, Bird watching, Camping, Fishing, camel rides, desert exploration, culture visits, bush walk and Game viewing.

Game viewing: Game viewing in Sibiloi national park is quite amazing experience where one can be able to adventure a wide range of wildlife on semi-arid areas such animals include gravy’s zebra, beisa Oryx, gerenuk, greater kudu, lion, spotted hyenas, jackals, caracals, leopards among others. During your game drive viewing tourists can as well see the fossils within the national park.

Bush-walks: This is part of an activity where tourists can engage in trekking through the petrified forest as well as along the Koobi Fora spit. Bush walk experience allows travelers to get close observation to park’s attractions. Along this activity you will be guided by professional guides who will explain aspects about the different fossils and archaeological findings.

Culture visit: On your visit to Sibiloi national park, go visit unpolluted and rich traditional culture in the surrounding communities such as the Turkana, Gabbra and Dassanach. Get interacted with them and also learn about their amazing lifestyle and the clothing style.

Best Time to Visit

The national park is all year visited since it is a hot and dry location.

Accommodation Facilities in Sibiloi National Park

Sibiloi national park offers classified accommodation ranging from Luxury to budget accommodations. Some of the accommodations facilities include;

Luxury accommodation; Desert Rose lodge, Lobolo tented camp and Oasis lodge.

Midrange accommodation; Jirime resort and Resort.

Budget accommodation; Nomads trail hotel, Imperial dale hotel Mars bit.

Camping sites are also available for travelers who wish to experience the African night in location such Turkana Campsite, Sunset strip, LoboloTented Camp.

Getting there

By Road: The roads connecting the national park with major town offers both tarmac and murram sections. It’s a long-distance driving journey but are however rough road. Highly recommended to travel in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

From Nairobi capital city is 800kilometers North of Nairobi.

From Nairobi passing via Marsabit and North Horr or Maralal and South Horr is a three-day drive to access the main destination.

Another opinion, you can travel by road from Nairobi to Kalokol on the lake’s western shores passing through citable and Lodwar. From Kalokol hire a boat to take you across the lake to Alia bay.

By Air: The park has got two airstrips and other airstrip can be found in Marsait, Kalokol, Loiyangani, North Horr and Lodwar. Commercial flights only operate on the Lodwar airstrip.

Come experience the best African adventurous safaris with preserving fossils and pre-historic articles at koobi folap pristine wildness and remarkable landscape of flora, fauna, archaeological sites and small amazing villages that contributes on unspoiled, authentic in Sibiloi National Park. ’Kenya adventurous safaris destination’’.