Where to stay in Central Island National Park
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Overview
Central Island National Park is a small volcanic island of about 5 km² in the middle of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya. It became a national park in 1983 and is part of the Lake Turkana National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island has three crater lakes, known as Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake and Tilapia Lake. The volcano is still considered active.
Visitors reach the island by boat, usually from the western shore near Ferguson’s Gulf or Eliye Springs, for walks around the craters.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Crocodiles
The island is one of the most important breeding grounds for Nile crocodiles in the world.
Birds
Flamingos and many other waterbirds gather on the crater lakes.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October and January to March, during the dry seasons.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Dry season | Hot and dry. Good for travel. |
| Apr – May | Long rains | Some roads become impassable. |
| Jun – Oct | Dry season | Windy and dry. The best time to travel. |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains | Storms can cut off roads. |
Lake Turkana is often very windy. Cross by boat in the morning, when the water is calmer.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi | Scheduled bush flights | Charter flights to Lodwar or Eliye Springs. |
By road
From Lodwar, drive to Eliye Springs or Ferguson’s Gulf, then take a boat to the island.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. Central Island is in the special interest category.
| Visitor | Adult | Child / student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$40 | US$20 |
| African citizen | US$20 | US$10 |
| Kenyan resident | KSh 675 | KSh 350 |
| East African citizen | KSh 500 | KSh 250 |
Boat hire is extra. Confirm the current rates on the KWS website before you go.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).
