National Park Northern Kenya Special Interest Park

Sibiloi National Park

The Cradle of Mankind

A remote Lake Turkana park combining desert wildlife, Koobi Fora archaeology, fossils, petrified forest and extraordinary human-origins heritage.

LocationNorth Horr
Established1973
Best time / planningYear-round depending on weather, roads, wildlife movement and activity. Confirm current KWS access and local conditions before travel.
Overview

About Sibiloi National Park

Sibiloi is one of Kenya’s most distinctive heritage landscapes, where desert terrain meets Lake Turkana and globally important fossil sites. Koobi Fora and other archaeological localities have transformed understanding of human evolution, while the park also protects crocodiles, endemic fish, migratory birds and desert-adapted wildlife.

Attractions

What makes this protected area special

Koobi Fora and human-origins archaeology

Petrified forest

Lake Turkana

Important Bird Area

Prehistoric fossil sites

UNESCO World Heritage status

Experience

Activities & wildlife

Things to do

  • Archaeology and museum visits
  • Game viewing
  • Birdwatching
  • Photography
  • Camping
  • Stargazing

Wildlife & biodiversity

  • Nile crocodile
  • Grevy’s zebra
  • Somali ostrich
  • Migratory birds
  • Lake Turkana fish
Stay nearby

Accommodation

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

Gazetted in 1973 and inscribed in 1997 as part of the Lake Turkana National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Plan your journey

How to get there

By road

A remote 4WD journey from Nairobi via Marsabit/North Horr or via the western Lake Turkana approach; KWS recommends high-clearance vehicles and convoy travel.

By air

All-weather airstrips exist in the wider Lake Turkana region, including within the park.

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. 1

    Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.

  2. 2

    Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.

  3. 3

    Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.

  4. 4

    Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.

  5. 5

    Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.

  6. 6

    Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.

  7. 7

    Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.

  8. 8

    Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.

  9. 9

    Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.

  10. 10

    Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.

  11. 11

    Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.

  12. 12

    Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.

  13. 13

    When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.

  14. 14

    Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.

Conservation fees

Park entry rates

Visitor categoryAdultChild
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 source
Useful answers

Sibiloi National Park FAQs

What is Sibiloi National Park best known for?

Sibiloi National Park is especially known for Koobi Fora and human-origins archaeology, Petrified forest, Lake Turkana, Important Bird Area. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.

How do I get to Sibiloi National Park?

Road: A remote 4WD journey from Nairobi via Marsabit/North Horr or via the western Lake Turkana approach; KWS recommends high-clearance vehicles and convoy travel. Air: All-weather airstrips exist in the wider Lake Turkana region, including within the park. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.

What are the current entry fees for Sibiloi 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 Sibiloi 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.

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