Discover the world’s largest desert lake, volcanic islands full of crocodiles, ancient fossil sites and the proud culture of the Turkana people.
Lake Turkana safaris take you to Kenya’s wild north, where the jade-green water of the world’s largest permanent desert lake meets volcanic hills and endless sand. Known as the Jade Sea and the Cradle of Humankind, the lake and its islands are protected as the Lake Turkana National Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its shores have revealed some of the world’s most important early human fossils.
With Bamm Safaris Adventures, you can take a boat to Central Island to see its crater lakes and Nile crocodiles, relax under the palms at Eliye Springs, visit the fishing village at Ferguson’s Gulf, explore fossil sites like Nariokotome, and meet Turkana families known for their beadwork, baskets and songs. Time your trip for the Tobong’u Lore cultural festival in Lodwar for an unforgettable celebration of northern Kenya.
Lake Turkana is remote, so planning matters. We handle flights, 4×4 transfers, boats, guides, stays and park fees for you. Call or WhatsApp us on +254 754 004 003 to plan your Turkana safari.
The top Lake Turkana safaris and tours, from island boat trips to cultural festivals and desert adventures.
Cross the lake by boat to Central Island National Park to see its volcanic crater lakes, flamingos and one of Africa’s largest Nile crocodile colonies.
Relax at a palm-fringed oasis on the lake shore, swim in the warm water, eat fresh tilapia and watch the stars over the desert.
Visit Turkana villages, learn about beadwork and basket weaving, and join the colourful Tobong’u Lore festival when it’s on.
Food in Turkana is simple, fresh and hearty, with lake fish on almost every menu. Choice is limited outside Lodwar, so most of our trips include meals. Here’s what to expect, plus our favourite spots.
Location: Eliye Springs, west shore of Lake Turkana
Menu: Fresh tilapia and Nile perch, rice, chapati and salads.
Why Visit: Eat under the palm trees with the lake right in front of you.
Location: Lodwar
Menu: Grills, local dishes and international plates.
Why Visit: A comfortable spot for dinner in Lodwar after a long day on the road.
Location: Around Lodwar town centre
Menu: Goat stew, ugali, chapati, beans and fried fish.
Why Visit: Authentic, affordable food, the way locals eat. Ask your guide for their favourite.
Location: Kalokol and Ferguson’s Gulf
Menu: Fish straight from the fishing boats, fried or grilled.
Why Visit: The freshest catch on the lake, with a look at daily life in a Turkana fishing village.
Period: June to September
What to Expect: Slightly cooler days, clear skies and firm roads, the most comfortable time for boat trips, fossil sites and camping. Strong winds can blow across the lake in the afternoons, so boat trips usually go in the morning.
Period: October to May, with short rains around April to May
What to Expect: Very hot days, especially from January to March. Brief showers can cause flash floods on dirt roads, so allow extra time. Start early, rest in the afternoon and drink plenty of water.
Lodwar, the main town in Turkana County, is about 700 km from Nairobi. The quickest way is a scheduled flight from Nairobi to Lodwar Airport, then a road transfer to the lake. You can also drive or take a bus via Kitale. Eliye Springs and Kalokol on the lake shore are about 1 to 1.5 hours from Lodwar.
Lake Turkana safaris come with simple but memorable stays, from tented camps in Lodwar to lakeside bandas and campsites under the stars. Accommodation here is basic compared with the rest of Kenya, and that’s part of the adventure.
Our team will match you with the right stay for your budget and plans, and we always confirm what’s open before you travel. See our camping safaris if you’d like to sleep under the desert sky.
Details: A tented camp in Lodwar with en-suite tents, a restaurant and gardens.
Price: On request, varies by season.
Why Stay: A comfortable base in Lodwar before and after your trips to the lake.
Details: Simple bandas under palm trees on the west shore of Lake Turkana.
Price: On request, varies by season.
Why Stay: Wake up right on the lake shore, ideal for swimming, sunsets and stargazing.
Details: A campsite near Eliye Springs with space to pitch tents close to the lake.
Price: On request, varies by season.
Why Stay: Affordable and wild, perfect for campers and adventurous groups.
Turkana is vast and the roads to the lake are rough, so a 4×4 and a local driver make all the difference. Here’s how to move around: pick what matches your plans, budget and sense of adventure.
Hire a 4×4 with an experienced driver from Bamm Tours.
Why Use: Your driver knows the sandy tracks to Eliye Springs, Kalokol and the fossil sites, and when roads are safe after rain.
Good For: Everyone, especially first-time visitors, families and groups.
Tip: Book through Bamm Tours for reliability and a seamless experience.
Local boats take visitors from Ferguson’s Gulf and Eliye Springs to Central Island and along the shore.
Why Use: The only way to reach the islands.
Good For: Day trips and photography.
Tip: Go in the morning before the wind picks up, and always wear a life jacket.
Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are easy to find in Lodwar town.
Why Use: Cheap and quick for short trips around town.
Good For: Solo travellers and short errands.
Tip: Agree on the price before you set off, and always wear a helmet on a boda boda.
Rent a 4×4 to drive yourself from Bamm Tours.
Why Use: Freedom to explore at your own pace.
Good For: Experienced off-road drivers only.
Tip: Travel with a second vehicle if possible, carry extra fuel and water, and avoid driving at night. You’ll need a valid driving licence.
Park fees: Central Island, South Island and Sibiloi national parks charge entry per person per day. Fees are included in our packages, or we’ll tell you the current rates before you travel.
Rising from the middle of Lake Turkana, Central Island is a volcanic island with three crater lakes, part of the Lake Turkana National Parks. It’s home to one of Africa’s largest breeding colonies of Nile crocodiles, along with flamingos and other water birds. Boats leave from Ferguson’s Gulf near Kalokol, and the crossing is best made early in the morning when the lake is calm.
Jade water, volcanic islands, colourful beadwork and huge desert skies make Turkana one of Kenya’s most striking places to photograph.
Quiet lakeside days, warm water and starry nights make Turkana a place to switch off far from city life.
Remote landscapes, fossil sites and cultural encounters give solo travellers a real sense of adventure, with expert guides by your side.
Sunsets over the Jade Sea and nights under the stars make Turkana a unique escape for adventurous couples.
Older children love the boat trips, fossils and culture. It’s best suited to families who are comfortable with heat and long drives.
A trip to Turkana makes a memorable team adventure and a chance to support community projects in northern Kenya.
Road trips, camping, festivals and boat rides make Turkana an unforgettable expedition with friends.
Every detail was perfectly arranged, and it made our travel stress-free and truly enjoyable. Your expertise and dedication made a huge experience.I’m so grateful!” Looking forward for such a vibe again.
A massive shoutout to Bamm Safaris Adventures Limited, who were behind the flawless organisation of our jet skiing tour at Utopia Gardens, Ruiru. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences truly shone through. From seamless booking to the actual adventure, everything was handled with such care and excellence. You can tell they really know how to craft the perfect escape!
I had an amazing experience with Bamm Safaris Adventure Kenya
From start to finish, everything was seamless and well-organised. The customer service team was responsive and helped me plan the perfect itinerary tailored to my preferences. The tour guides were knowledgeable and friendly, providing interesting insights and ensuring we made the most of every stop. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire trip. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned explorer, I highly recommend a baecation adventure for an unforgettable travel experience!
Bamm Safaris Adventures Kenya planned the perfect romantic getaway for us! From start to finish, their team was professional, friendly, and highly attentive to our needs. The destinations were breathtaking, the accommodations were luxurious, and every detail was thoughtfully curated to create an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re looking for a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or just a romantic escape, Bamm Safaris Adventures Kenya is the best choice! We highly recommend them and can’t wait to book again.
From Hiking, archery, zip lining, cycling, swimming, to wildlife safaris, Bamm Safaris Adventures is your plug!
I recommend them 100% anytime of the day.
Our Kilimanjaro trek with Bamm Safaris Adventures was nothing short of incredible! From start to finish, the team ensured we had an unforgettable and well-organised journey.
Our guides—Ronald, Heaven, Happygod, and Msafiri—were outstanding in every way. Their expertise, encouragement, and positive energy made the climb not only manageable but truly enjoyable.
I was looking for an affordable tour package for my small family when I thought of calling Francis. After a few minutes of discussion, I liked his suggestion of going to Nakuru for 2 days and 1 day in Naivasha. My family and I enjoyed our stay at Buraha Zenoni. My kids did want me to check out.
For anybody looking for a holiday filled with adventures and sports activities such as swimming, cycling, and hiking, please book it through Bamm Safaris Adventures! I recommend them 100% Keep up the good work, Francis.
For us, It wasn’t just your typical wildlife safari, it was a perfect blend of adventure, nature and fun activities. We cycled through Hell’s Gate National Park, which offered breathtaking views and a completely unique perspective of the park.
The rock climbing was another highlight—not something you’d expect to do on a safari, but it was a fantastic challenge. We even had the chance to try horseback riding, which was an enjoyable activity.
The services offered by Bamm Safaris Adventures tour and safaris are total amazing…they are excellent in good tour management,time keepers,good guidelines and much honest…with Bamm Safaris Adventures,you have what you wanted..choosing Bamm Safaris Adventures is choosing knowledge..
Bamm Tours proudly clinched the prestigious Travel Choice Award three years in a row, 2024, 2025 & 2026, solidifying our position as Kenya’s leading car hire, tours, and travel company.
Lake Turkana is in northern Kenya, about 700 km from Nairobi. The west shore is in Turkana County, with Lodwar as the main town, and the east shore is in Marsabit County.
The lake’s water turns a striking jade green when algae rise to the surface. It is the world’s largest permanent desert lake and Africa’s largest alkaline lake.
Some of the world’s most important early human fossils have been found around the lake, including the Turkana Boy skeleton at Nariokotome and many finds at Koobi Fora in Sibiloi National Park.
The quickest way is a scheduled flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Lodwar, which takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, then a 1 to 1.5 hour drive to the lake. By road, the trip takes 12 to 14 hours via Kitale.
June to September is the most comfortable, with slightly cooler days. Turkana is hot all year, so we plan activities for the early morning and late afternoon.
Plan at least 3 to 4 days if you fly in, and 5 to 7 days if you travel by road. This gives you time for Central Island, Eliye Springs and a cultural visit.
Central Island is a volcanic island with three crater lakes, home to one of Africa’s largest Nile crocodile colonies, flamingos and other birds. It is part of the Lake Turkana National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since October 2025, KWS fees for Central Island, South Island and Sibiloi are KES 500 for East African citizens, KES 675 for residents, USD 20 for African citizens and USD 40 for non-residents, per adult per day. Fees can change, so we confirm them when you book.
Yes, at Eliye Springs many visitors swim in the warm water near the shore. Crocodiles live in the lake, so only swim where your guide says it is safe.
The Tobong’u Lore cultural festival is held in Lodwar, usually once a year. Dates change, so contact us and we’ll confirm the next one and plan your trip around it.
You can stay at tented camps and hotels in Lodwar, or at lakeside bandas and campsites at Eliye Springs. We’ll match you with the right option for your budget.
Yes, the main tourist areas around Lodwar, Eliye Springs and Kalokol are visited regularly. We check local conditions before every trip, travel with experienced drivers and guides, and avoid driving at night.
Bring light, loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a scarf for dust, plenty of water and a power bank.
Yes. Turkana pairs well with Samburu and with the Maasai Mara for the Big Five. We can plan the full route for you.
Choose a package above, fill in the form below, or call or WhatsApp us on +254 754 004 003 and our team will plan your trip, including flights, transfers, boats, stays and park fees.
For enquiries or bookings, write to [email protected]. We’ll revert within 20 minutes during business hours.
