Nestled in Kenya’s remote northern frontier, Lake Turkana is a mesmerizing destination of stark beauty, ancient cultures, and untamed wilderness. Known as the “Jade Sea” for its striking blue-green waters, this vast alkaline lake is the largest desert lake in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or breathtaking landscapes, our Best Lake Turkana Safari Packages and Affordable Lake Turkana Tours offer the perfect way to explore this hidden gem.

Also see: Aberdare National Park Kenyan Safari

Why Lake Turkana Should Be Your Next Adventure

Lake Turkana is unlike any other destination in Kenya; raw, remote, and rich in history. Here’s why this extraordinary lake deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

1. A Landscape Like No Other

Lake Turkana’s dramatic scenery is a surreal mix of volcanic rocks, desert sands, and shimmering waters. The lake’s shores are dotted with otherworldly formations, such as Central Island’s volcanic craters and the petrified forests of Sibiloi National Park.

Looking at a Lake Turkana map, you’ll see its elongated shape stretching 290 km long and 32 km wide, making it the world’s largest permanent desert lake. How deep is Lake Turkana? Its maximum depth reaches 109 meters (358 feet), though much of it averages around 30 meters—deep enough to support thriving aquatic life while maintaining its stunning jade hue.

2. Fascinating Lake Turkana Facts

• It’s the world’s largest alkaline lake and fourth-largest saltwater lake by volume.
• Despite the arid surroundings, the lake never dries up, fed by the Omo River from Ethiopia.
• Its strong winds and waves make it feel more like an inland sea than a lake.
• The lake is home to the world’s largest population of Nile crocodiles.
• Central Island has three active volcanic craters, each with its own saline lake.

3. A Cradle of Mankind

Lake Turkana is often called the “Cradle of Humankind” due to its wealth of archaeological discoveries. Koobi Fora, a paleontological site on the eastern shore, has yielded some of the earliest human fossils, including the famous “Turkana Boy” skeleton.

Visiting this region feels like stepping back in time, with ancient lava flows, fossil beds, and prehistoric sites that tell the story of human evolution.

4. Unique Wildlife & Birdlife

Though harsh, the lake’s ecosystem supports surprising biodiversity. The waters are home to Nile crocodiles, hippos, and over 50 fish species, including the unique Turkana tilapia.

Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and African fish eagles that thrive here. Meanwhile, the surrounding deserts host ostriches, oryx, and desert-adapted wildlife.

5. The Fascinating Cultures of the North

The Turkana people, Kenya’s most iconic pastoralist community, dominate this region. Known for their colorful beadwork, intricate hairstyles, and resilient nomadic lifestyle, they offer a cultural experience unlike any other in Kenya.

Nearby, the El Molo, one of Africa’s smallest tribes, live on the lake’s shores, surviving on fishing and maintaining ancient traditions. Visiting their villages provides a rare glimpse into a vanishing way of life.