Central Island National Park

The Gem of Lake Turkana

Rising dramatically from the turquoise waters of Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake, Central Island is a striking volcanic wonder. Made up of three active volcanoes that emit sulphurous smoke and steam, the island is often called the “Isle of Mystery” for its haunting beauty and primal energy.

Within its craters lie three remarkable lakes — Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake — each forming a unique ecosystem. These crater lakes provide ideal breeding grounds for the world’s largest concentration of Nile crocodiles and are home to thousands of fish, including several endemic species.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park covers about 5 square kilometers and offers unforgettable sights: luminous turquoise waters lapping against black lava beaches, the moonlight glinting over volcanic craters, and the eerie hiss of steam rising into the night sky.

Attractions & Activities

Central Island is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 23 migrant species and numerous residents such as the Egyptian goose. Migratory birds from Europe rest here between March and May, making it an important stopover and a designated Important Bird Area (IBA).

Known locally as Chooro (Crocodile Island), the park also teems with wildlife — from Nile crocodiles, hippos, and venomous reptiles like puff adders and cobras, to Nile perch, large tilapia, and puffer fish, evidence of Turkana’s prehistoric link to the Red Sea.

Visitors can enjoy boating, camping, sport fishing, game viewing, nature walks, and sightseeing. Boats are available for hire through the local community on both the eastern and western shores of the lake.

Explore this otherworldly landscape — where fire meets water, and life thrives amid ancient lava and timeless legend.