Where to stay in South Island National Park
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Overview
South Island National Park covers about 39 km² in the south of Lake Turkana, in northern Kenya. It was gazetted in 1983, and its boundary extends 1 km into the lake.
The island is volcanic, with ash slopes, craters and lava flows. It’s uninhabited.
South Island is part of the Lake Turkana National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visits are by boat from Loiyangalani, and the lake can be very windy.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Wildlife
Nile crocodiles live along the shores, and the island is used by many birds.
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. |
Only cross with a reliable boat. Winds on the lake can rise quickly.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi | Scheduled bush flights | Charter flights to Loiyangalani. |
By road
Loiyangalani is a long drive from Nairobi via Maralal or Marsabit. Boats leave from there.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. South 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).