The South Turkana National Reserve is a protected area located in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya, in East Africa. It covers an area of approximately 1500 square kilometers and is situated near Lake Turkana, which is the largest desert lake in the world. The reserve is part of the larger Turkana ecosystem, which also includes the Central Island National Park and the Sibiloi National Park.
The South Turkana National Reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, which includes a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Some of the animal species found in the reserve include elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, and various species of antelopes.
The reserve is also home to a number of communities, including the Turkana people, who have lived in the region for centuries. The Turkana are known for their pastoralist way of life, and they rely on their livestock for their livelihoods.
Visitors to the South Turkana National Reserve can enjoy a range of activities, such as game drives, bird watching, and cultural tours to learn about the local communities and their way of life. The reserve is also popular for its scenic beauty, with stunning landscapes that include rocky outcrops, river valleys, and acacia woodlands.
Some of the attractions of the South Turkana National Reserve include:
Scenic landscapes:
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The landscape of the reserve is characterized by vast stretches of arid and semi-arid savannah grasslands, rocky hills, and volcanic formations.
The reserve is situated in the Rift Valley, a geologically active area that is home to several volcanic mountains, including Mount Kulal, which rises to an elevation of 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level. The mountain is covered in dense forest, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding dry grasslands.
The reserve is also home to several rivers, including the Turkwel River and the Kerio River, which flow through the arid landscape and provide a vital source of water for wildlife and local communities.
The reserve is located in a region of rugged and picturesque terrain, with volcanic hills, rocky outcrops, and scenic gorges. The reserve also has a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. Here are some of the scenic landscapes you can expect to see when visiting the reserve:
The Central Island: This volcanic island is located in the middle of Lake Turkana, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos. The island is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 350 species of birds recorded here.
The Desert Landscape: The reserve is located in a semi-arid region, and the landscape is characterized by rocky hills, dry riverbeds, and sand dunes. The terrain is harsh, but beautiful, with stunning views of the surrounding plains.
The Crater Lake: Located near the eastern border of the reserve, the crater lake is a stunning blue-green body of water surrounded by rocky cliffs. The lake is home to a variety of fish, and is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.
The Hot Springs: The reserve is home to several hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. The springs are surrounded by lush vegetation, and are a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
South Turkana National Reserve is a stunning destination, with a variety of scenic landscapes to explore. Whether you’re interested in wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or just soaking up the natural beauty of the region, there’s something for everyone here.
Wildlife
The South Turkana National Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including African elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and buffaloes. The reserve is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, such as Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes.
Here are some of the wildlife species you can find in the South Turkana National Reserve:
African elephant: South Turkana National Reserve is home to a significant population of African elephants. These majestic animals can be seen roaming around the reserve, often in herds.
Greater kudu: The greater kudu is a large antelope species that is known for its striking horns. They are often seen in small groups, browsing on leaves and shrubs.
Giraffe: The Masai giraffe is one of the most iconic animals found in the South Turkana National Reserve. These long-necked herbivores are a sight to behold as they gracefully move through the savannah.
Cheetah: The South Turkana National Reserve is home to a small but significant population of cheetahs. These big cats are known for their incredible speed and agility, making them formidable predators.
Grevy’s zebra: The Grevy’s zebra is a unique species of zebra that is found only in northern Kenya and Ethiopia. They are larger and have thinner stripes than other species of zebra.
Ostrich: The ostrich is the largest bird in the world, and South Turkana National Reserve is a great place to see them. These flightless birds can often be seen running across the savannah.
Crocodile: The Turkana region is known for its large crocodile populations, and the South Turkana National Reserve is no exception. Crocodiles can be seen basking in the sun along the riverbanks.
Other wildlife species found in the South Turkana National Reserve include the oryx, warthog, baboon, hyena, and various bird species. It is a unique and biodiverse ecosystem that is worth exploring for any nature enthusiast
Bird watching
The reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 350 bird species recorded. The reserve is home to both migratory and resident birds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and eagles. Some of the bird species you can expect to see in South Turkana National Reserve include the Kori Bustard, the Somali Ostrich, the Secretary Bird, the African Fish Eagle, the Martial Eagle, the Yellow-billed Hornbill, the Vulturine Guineafowl, and the African Grey Hornbill. You may also spot raptors like the Bateleur Eagle, the Tawny Eagle, and the African Hawk Eagle.
If you are interested in birdwatching in South Turkana National Reserve, it is advisable to hire an experienced guide who is familiar with the reserve and its birdlife. A guide will help you identify the different bird species, their habitats, and their behaviours. Additionally, they will provide you with valuable insights into the reserve’s flora and fauna.
It is important to note that South Turkana National Reserve can be hot and dusty, so it is recommended that you bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. It is also important to respect the wildlife and their habitat by not littering, staying on designated paths, and keeping a safe distance from the animals.
Cultural tourism
The reserve is home to several ethnic communities, including the Turkana, Samburu, Pokot, and El Molo. Cultural tourism in South Turkana National Reserve offers visitors a chance to learn about these communities and their way of life.
One of the most popular cultural tourism activities in South Turkana National Reserve is visiting the traditional villages of the Turkana people. These villages provide a unique opportunity to experience the Turkana way of life, including their traditional dances, songs, and storytelling. Visitors can also participate in cultural activities such as beadwork, spear throwing, and livestock herding.
Another cultural attraction in South Turkana National Reserve is the Lake Turkana Festival. This annual event brings together various ethnic communities from the region to showcase their cultures through traditional dances, music, and dress. The festival is a great opportunity for visitors to experience the diversity of Kenyan culture.
Visitors to South Turkana National Reserve can also learn about the region’s prehistoric heritage at the Koobi Fora Museum. The museum displays fossils and artefacts from the prehistoric era, including the remains of early humans and extinct animals.
Cultural tourism in South Turkana National Reserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the cultural and natural heritage of the region. It is an excellent destination for travellers interested in learning about Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and exploring its natural beauty.
Archaeological sites
The region around South Turkana National Reserve is rich in archaeological sites, including fossil finds that have shed light on the evolution of early humans. Here are some of the notable archaeological sites
Koobi Fora: This is perhaps the most famous archaeological site. It is known for its rich fossil deposits that have contributed significantly to our understanding of human evolution. The site has yielded important discoveries such as the Homo erectus skull, a variety of stone tools, and the remains of extinct animals.
Natodomeri: This site is located to the north of Koobi Fora and contains fossilized remains of ancient hominins dating back to between 4.1 and 5.8 million years ago. Some of the hominins found here include Ardipithecus ramidus and Australopithecus anamensis.
Nadung’a: This site is located in the southern part of the reserve and has yielded important discoveries such as stone tools and fossilized animal bones. The site is believed to date back to the Middle Stone Age, around 250,000 years ago.
Lothagam North and South: These sites are located to the west of the reserve and are known for their well-preserved fossils of ancient animals such as hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. The sites have also yielded important discoveries such as stone tools and human remains.
Kalokol: This site is located to the south of the reserve and contains a number of stone tools and fossilized animal bones dating back to the Middle Stone Age.
It is an important area for archaeological research, and ongoing excavations continue to yield new discoveries that shed light on our human origins and the evolution of early human societies.
