Loiyangalani Desert Museum

Desert Museum is located on top of a hill, with a backdrop of the picturesque Lake Turkana also known as the “Jade Sea”.  The Desert Museum in Loiyangalani was opened in June 2008.

Loiyangalani is a small town located on the south eastern coast of the Lake Turkana. The name Loiyangalani, means “a place of many trees” in the native Samburu Language and is also home to the El Molos, an almost extinct community.

Loiyangalani town was formed from a freshwater spring and can be termed as an Oasis in the desert. It is fast becoming a tourist attraction due to the unique desert environment coupled with the rich cultural lifestyle of the peoples of Lake Turkana.

The eight communities living in this area include the; El Molo, Turkana, Pokot, Rendile, Samburu, Gabbra, Watta and Dassanach.

Activities and attractions surrounding the Desert Museum include:

1. Rock Art
2. El Molo Village Tours
3. El Molo Shrines
4. Lake Turkana
5. Beach
6. Local Market
7. Camping

In a bid to promote both local and international tourism and following its mandate to preserve and promote Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage, the National museums of Kenya in collaboration with other partners, organize the Lake Turkana Festival.  It is a cultural festival held annually in Loiyangalani  to celebrate the unique cultures in this region from the eight communities.

Loiyangalani Desert Museum is under the management of The National museums of Kenya.