About Central Island National Park

Central Island National Park lies almost at the heart of Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remote volcanic island offers one of Kenya’s most dramatic landscapes. The Island is globally renowned as the breeding ground for the world’s largest concentration of Nile crocodiles, earning it the local name Chooro (Crocodile Island). Formed by three active volcanoes, Central Island creates a raw and breathtaking scenery ideal for visual storytelling and filmmaking. Over time, several volcanic craters have merged to form three striking crater lakes—Crocodile, Flamingo and Tilapia—each supporting unique ecological systems. Its extreme remoteness, vast open skies and minimal light pollution make Central Island an exceptional location for astro tourism and night wildlife safaris, where volcanic silhouettes, star-filled skies and nocturnal sounds create an unforgettable wilderness experience. Deeply connected to the culture and heritage of surrounding communities, the Park stands as a powerful symbol of nature, geology and human history intertwined in one extraordinary landscape.

Important Information
Explore the unique attractions and highlights of this park that make every visit truly special.

  • Breeding grounds for Nile crocodiles and Birdlife
  • A birdwatcher’s paradise and designated Important Bird Area (IBA)
  • Seasonal stopover for migratory birds from Europe (March–May)
  • Sport Fishing
  • Indigenous plant species
  • Scenic lake and island landscapes ideal for sightseeing and nature exploration
Your safari is more than a vacation, it's a contribution to wildlife conservation. Discover a range of accommodation options that will suit you. Unwind, recharge, and create unforgettable memories in Kenya Parks!

Chooro public campsite

Privately Owned Lodges:

Discover the park's history, from its beginnings to ongoing conservation efforts and the communities and wildlife that continue to shape its story.

Gazetted as a National Park to protect its exceptional volcanic and ecological features, Central Island National Park conserves a 5 km² volcanic island located in the middle of Lake Turkana. The island later gained international recognition as part of the UNESCO-listed Lake Turkana World Heritage Site due to its outstanding geological, ecological, and cultural value.

Plan your journey with ease. Find directions, transport options, and helpful tips to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.

By road: The park is a two-day  travel by road from Nairobi to Kalokol on the lake’s western shores, via Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalokol, boat hire services are available to Central Island.

Alternatively, the Lake is a three day drive from Nairobi via Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr.

By Air: Access to western side of Lake Turkana is ordinarily by air and there are all-weather airstrips in Lodwar and Kalokol

Make the most of your visit with practical advice on what to bring, when to come, and how to enjoy the park responsibly.

  • Personal effects,
  • Drinking water
  • Food
  • Camping gear
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • First aid kit
  • Sunglasses
  • Appropriate hiking gear

 

Any boat entering the park should dock at officially designated sites

Your safety matters. Please review our essential guidelines to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for you and for the wildlife.

  1. You are in the wildlife’s home. Please respect their privacy and right of way.

  2. National parks are plastic-free. Single-use plastic is prohibited.

  3. General road rules apply. Car hooting or driving under the influence of alcohol are strictly prohibited.

  4. Adhere to park entry and exit times. Gates open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, unless you are spending overnight.

  5. Move slowly and quietly. Animals can react dangerously if startled.

  6. Noise distracts wildlife. Use mobile phones and sound devices sparingly and only in designated areas.

  7. Remain in your vehicle unless in designated areas. Keep doors closed at all times.

  8. Observe the maximum speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph). Speeding attracts penalties.

  9. Stay on established roads and trails. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.

  10. View wildlife from a minimum distance of 20 meters.

  11. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, as it disrupts their diet and leads to human dependency.

  12. Carry out all trash to help keep the park clean.

  13. Do not leave campfires unattended while camping.

  14. Visitors enter the park at their own risk and Terms and conditions apply.

Hotline:0113067779

Toll Free: 0800 597 000

Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke

WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610509

Central Island National Park Rates
East Africa Citizen Adult

KES. 500

East Africa Citizen Child

KES. 250

Kenya
Resident Adult

KES. 675

Kenya
Resident Child

KES. 350

Non
Resident Adult

USD 40

Non
Resident Child

USD 20

Africa
Citizen Adult

USD 20

Africa
Citizen Child

USD 10

Central Island National Park Gallery

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