LAKE TURKANA LODGE

There is a lake of insuperable beauty, an inland sea surrounded by volcanic boulders and purple hills blanketed by brilliant sunshine and star-bright nights. Set in the semi-arid region of Northern Kenya lies180miles stretch of sparkling jade waters called Lake Turkana. Lake Turkana offers itself as the ideal destination for the intrepid traveler seeking to experience bio-diversity at its best: ornithology, anthropology, archaeology, culture, fishing, game viewing, astronomy, photography and adventure.

Historic Background:
Lake Turkana became known after Count Teleki's expedition struggled over incredibly barren and inhospitable terrain and come upon its shore on 6th March 1888. Teleki, after marching across the greater part of East Africa with a team of Swahili and Somali personnel/guides, guards and over 200 porters, named his discovery Lake Rudolf to honor the Crown Prince of Austria. In 1975 the Kenya Government changed the name to Lake Turkana.

During the late 1930's two rest camps were situated on the shores of Lake Turkana: one built by the Government and a second built by Kitale farmers at the site of the current lodge at Ferguson's Gulf. In 1968 the original lodge buildings were constructed and over subsequent years additional cabins and buildings were added and the name changed from Lake Rudolf Angling Club, Lake Turkana Fishing Lodge and now operating under the name Lake Turkana Lodge.

Lake Turkana is perhaps the largest desert lake in the world, measuring about 7000sq kms and fed by three rivers: the Omo of Ethiopia, the Turkwel and the Kerio. Between four and eight thousands of years ago, the Lake stretched for more than 250 miles from the Omo Valley almost as far as Baringo. During this period, the Lake had an outlet, a river flowing northwestwards to join the Nile. Eastwards, in what is now the Chalbi Desert lay a second extensive lake and nowadays after unusually heavy rain, the Chalbi's salt flats are transformed into a shimmering lake. Links to the Nile are also obvious from the fish species and the Nile Crocodiles of which the lake has the largest concentration.

Currently the lodge management is only offering accommodation at a basic services level provided by a skeleton staff (mainly room stewards). However, simple but delicious meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be available and can be paid for directly at the lodge. There will also be a reasonable well stocked bar with beer, sodas and mineral water and limited wines (no spirits). Limited lighting will be provided by a solar system and it is unlikely that the swimming pool will be operational by December. Therefore clients can carry their own food and drinks if they wish so and lighting of course (open flames in the wooden Bandas is prohibited). It is also possible to camp at designated points on the lodge site. Mosquitoes/insects can be a bother during periods of the day when there is no wind, especially since it quickly gets very warm.

Road Information:
From Nairobi to Kitale - 380Kms the road is tarmac. From Kitale to Lodwar via Kapenguria - 320Kms. Once upon a time a fantastic desert road constructed by the Norwegian Government, the road condition is presently not too good. While a 4wd is not necessary, it recommended, or alternatively a vehicle with a good clearance. A police escort is also required from Kapenguria to Lodwar - provided twice a day at 1100hrs and 1300hrs (keep a very open mind and patience). From Lodwar to the shores of Lake Turkana via Kalokol - 75Kms the road condition is good and there is no need for security escort. Upon arrival at the lakeshore, you may negotiate a boat transfer with the fishermen or alternatively request a transfer at the time of reserving the accommodation by providing an estimated time of arrival at the Lake. However all clients should be aware that the Sese Canoe Captain will only wait for a maximum of 60 minutes from the expected time of arrival after which time he has instructions to return to the lodge; any transfer amount prepaid will be forfeited.
Fuel is available in Kitale and Lodwar.

Base for Excursions and Activities:

Central Island:
Formed as a result of volcanic activity, the Island is an old volcano with three immense crater lakes that lie in the basins of a series of volcanic vents. A university research team suspects that there is still a tiny active volcano situated on the tip of the island. The crater lakes are also connected through sub-terrain ducts with the main lake, and are renowned for the differing shades of jade, green and blue at various times of the day. The island is a favorite haunt for breeding crocodiles as well as migratory and resident birds. This island was designated as a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO in 1997 and is approximately a 45-minute boat ride from Lake Turkana Lodge.

Koobi Fora:
Known as the Cradle of mankind, this area is located on the northeastern shores of Lake Turkana. Archaeological discoveries made by Dr. Richard Leakey are believed to form the link in man's evolutionary chain. Previous findings date early man almost two million years ago and sediments laid down in the Plio-Pleistocene around Koobi For are exposed in several large areas. Of the many discoveries of tools and fossils, probably the most important find to date (in 1972) has been the skull of "of 1470" man Homo Habilis dating back between 2 and 3 million years ago. A major section of the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi contains a display of this discovery. There is also a field museum to record these findings and a tour of the excavation site may be undertaken by advance arrangement. This is the second World Heritage Site on Lake Turkana.

Pertified Forest, Alia Bay:
On the north-eastern shores, opposite the Lake Turkana Lodge, a few miles inland from the shores of Alia Bay lie the fossilized remnants of a vast forest which stood here in wetter times and which today presents a staggering exercise for the imagination. "Picture a barren, hot and windswept desert landscape supporting a forest of which the grandeur and luxuriance are evidenced by the great girth of the shattered tree trunks that have lain here for several million years".

Sibiloi National Park:
An air or boat excursion to Koobi For a may be combined with a visit to one of the most beautiful and remote parks of Kenya. Animal's range from gazelles to Leopards and it is not uncommon to observe other northern wildlife along the lake's corridor - Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Oryx, Nile Crocodile and Hippo. A few miles inland from the shore of Alia Bay lies the fossilized remnants of a vast forest ~ a great girth of shattered tree trunks which have lain here for several million years and provide an astonishing vantage of the geological activities of the region and formation of the Great Rift Valley.

Culture:
A large number of Kenyan as well as cross border tribes have made Lake Turkana's shores their homes. These include the Turkana, the Boran, the Gabbra, the Samburu, the Shangilla and the Rendilli, as well as the Luo and Somali.

Turkana Village:
A traditional Turkana village is situated a short walk from the Lodge and may be visited upon request to share a glimpse of their lifestyles. Not only can the Turkana's mastery of catching and drying fish by witnessed, but also the array of beaded jewelry and Turkana basket crafts that the women ride themselves on. Turkana dance performances are arranged at the Lodge by prior request.

Sand Dunes:
Undertake a four-wheel drive adventure to an oasis surrounded by palm trees and a region of constantly changing sand dunes. The dunes measure at heights of over 40 feet and provide a wonderful playground for children and adults alike.

Ornithology:
Lake Turkana is an ornithologist's paradise. During the northern hemisphere winter months, thousands of immigrant waders and waterfowl flock to the shallows; and in the summer months, the shores or the Central Island can demonstrate an impressive gathering of flamingo, pelicans, ibis, spoonbills, fish eagles and many other water birds.

Sports Fishing:
Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy trolling in the Turkana waters for the renowned Nile Perch some of which weigh over 200 lbs and there are reports of catches of over 400 lbs! The fishing excursions can include boat crew in a motorized 26-foot Sese Fiberglass Canoe with rudimentary and antiquated fishing gear/lures. Alternatively cast from the lakeshore opposite the lodge or form the sand bars at the mouth of the Ferguson's Gulf to the main lake. Light tackle (bring your own if possible) can be used for Tilapia and Tiger Fish. By some estimates, there are some 50 species of fish in Lake Turkana.

Scenery:
There surely can't be many destinations on the face of this earth that can rival the incredible peace and beauty of Lake Turkana. Sitting on the Lake Turkana Lodge verandah, drinking an cold drink (when the solar system is in working order), visitors can watch the local Turkana fishermen pulling in the day's catch, the women socializing and children having fun. For early risers catching the sunrise, you may be greeted with strong wind gusts that originate further south-east from the direction of Mount Kulal (not visible from the lodge); or at nights, due to the location near the equator and no smog causing industries for hundreds of miles in all directions, the cloudless nights offer unparalled and unimpeded view of the star-studded canopy.

Sunrise, Sunsets and Night Skies:
"Incredible" is the most common word uttered - has to be experienced to believe the beauty.

Important Note:
All excursions are subject to availability of boats, vehicles and staff. There remains a possibility that even if excursions have been booked and confirmed prior to the clients' arrival at the Lodge, services may not be available upon arrival. This is not a frequent occurrence but does happen. In such event, the Lake Turkana Lodge, its Reservations Agents, Associates, Management, Staff, Owners, Travel Organizers, etc will be responsible only for refunding the particular local Turkana excursion that was not available or provided after all economically feasible efforts will have been made to make alternate arrangements for similar local Turkana excursions with alternate service providers charging a similar price.

Recommendation: All visitors to Turkana should travel with an open mind and willingness to make adjustments to the travel plans. A sense of humor is a necessity. If you are inflexible, expect services/facilities of a modern hotel or lodge, and/or are unwilling to experience the unexpected - like a scorpion on your path or a fish bone thrust into your foot if you decide to walk barefoot or the outboard motor breaking down in the middle of the lake during an excursion to the Island, etc - you may want to want to seriously reconsider visiting Turkana.