Sibiloi National Park

Sibiloi National Park which is located on the wild and rugged shores of Lake Turkana – the cradle of mankind – is in Northern Kenya.  The park was established primarily to ensure the long-term protection of the many important fossil sites in the area and also to conserve the rare fauna and flora endemic to area.  It was declared a National Park by the government of Kenya in 1973.

Sibiloi is home to important archaeological sites including Koobi Fora where the fossil remains have contributed more to the understanding of human evolution than any other site in the continent.

The area is characterized by arid semi-desert habitat, commiphora woodland and open plains flanked by volcanic formations including Mount Sibiloi, where the remains of a petrified forest can be seen.  Vegatation includes euphorbia and stunning pink flowers of the desert rose stand out amongst the dark sandstone outcrops. Dry sand rivers lined with shady thorn trees intersect the landscape.

In terms of wildlife, Sibiloi serves as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and is a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodile. Additional wildlife includes grevy zebras, generuk, Grant gazelles, lions, leopards, stripped hyenas, Beisa Oryx, greater kudu, cheetahs and northern topi among others. A total of over 350 species of aquatic and terrestrial bird have been recorded in Lake Turkana.

Lake Turkana is undoubtedly the most striking feature of this region; algae-inspired shades of green give the lake its name €œThe Jade Sea€. Lake Turkana is one the largest alkaline lake in the world.

Activities here include; bird watching, game viewing, camping and fishing

Communities living in this area include;the Turkana, the Gabra and the Dassanach who are communities with very rich and unpolluted traditional cultures.

Sibiloi National Park is under the management Kenya Wildlife Service Parks.

Ref: KWS