Aberdare National Park
National Park
Northern Kenya Special Interest Park
Central Island National Park
The Gem of Lake Turkana
A remote volcanic island in Lake Turkana with crater lakes, important birdlife and major Nile crocodile breeding habitat.
Overview
About Central Island National Park
Central Island sits near the heart of Lake Turkana and combines stark volcanic scenery with internationally important wildlife habitat. Three crater lakes—commonly known as Crocodile, Flamingo and Tilapia—create a remarkable landscape, while the island is especially important for Nile crocodiles, migratory birds and the wider UNESCO-listed Lake Turkana ecosystem.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Volcanic island landscape
Crocodile, Flamingo and Tilapia crater lakes
Major Nile crocodile breeding grounds
Important Bird Area
Lake Turkana scenery
Dark skies suited to astro-tourism
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Boat excursions
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Scenic exploration
- Sport fishing where permitted
- Camping
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Nile crocodile
- Migratory waterbirds
- Lake Turkana fish species
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Public campsites
- Chooro Public Campsite
Private lodges & camps
- Eliye Springs Resort
- Lobolo Camp
- Cradle Tented Camp
- Desert Rose Lodge
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
KWS records the protected island at about 5 km² and notes its later inclusion in the UNESCO-listed Lake Turkana World Heritage Site.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
Travel to the Lake Turkana shore via Kalokol, Lodwar, Marsabit/North Horr or Maralal/South Horr, then connect by boat where available.
By air
All-weather airstrips are available at Lodwar and Kalokol.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 40 | USD 20 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Central Island National Park FAQs
What is Central Island National Park best known for?
Central Island National Park is especially known for Volcanic island landscape, Crocodile, Flamingo and Tilapia crater lakes, Major Nile crocodile breeding grounds, Important Bird Area. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Central Island National Park?
Road: Travel to the Lake Turkana shore via Kalokol, Lodwar, Marsabit/North Horr or Maralal/South Horr, then connect by boat where available. Air: All-weather airstrips are available at Lodwar and Kalokol. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Central Island National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 40 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Central Island National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
Keep exploring
View all parks Other parks & protected areas
Build a stronger safari route by combining complementary landscapes.