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.

  • 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

Chooro public campsite

Privately Owned Lodges:

  • The Jade Sea tented journeys camp at Lobolo,
  • Napak and Christine’s tented camps at Eliye Springs,
  • Eliye Springs Resort,
  • Tortoise camp,
  • Bahamas resort camp,
  • St. Teresa catholic tented camp at Eliye
  • Fimbo campsite at Kalokol Impreza Beach.
  • 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

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.

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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