This vast lake in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, supports all life that lives in the Kenyan and Ethiopian deserts that surround it, which numbers a very dangerous bunch, scorpions, Nile crocodiles and carpet vipers among them. Plankton and fish thrive here as well, and become part of the thriving circle of life. On its northern edges are dunes and flats while on its southern shores volcanic rocks. In a very hot part of the world, the lake’s temperature changes much slower than the desert around it creating dramatic winds which whip across it.
Turkana is also known for the discoveries of ancient human remains found there, a two million year old skull in 1972 and more recently a three and a half million year old skull, quite rightly earning the lake the title of ‘The Cradle of Mankind’.
For fact fans, Lake Turkana is also the world’s largest desert encircled lake and the most alkaline.
Written by
World Reviewer Staff.
'The most saline of Africa's large lakes, Turkana is an outstanding laboratory for the study of plant and animal communities. The three National Parks serve as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and are major breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile, hippo… Read more...
Written by press. UNESCO
There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?
View the best the Rift Valley has to offer on the comprehensive tour including Engaruka, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. 8 days from $1535.
A superb trip across Kenya and Tanazania with 4WD game drives in the Masai Mara and Ngorogoro Crater plus relaxation on Lamu Island.
Premium overland travel and photographic opportunities in Eastern and Southern Africa for the discerning traveller.
Tauck’s Africa travel adventures are compelling and intriguing, from the Great Pyramids to the savannahs of the Serengeti.
Inspiring small group or tailor made adventures in the world's wild places. From trekking in Peru, mountain biking in Bhutan to ski touring in France.

Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe - with a backdrop of mountains on the one side and vines on the other, …

Lake Louise is the jewel of the Canadian Rockies. You can dine in style at the fancy lakeside chateau, hike the many alpine tra…

This basin high in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru is the highest altitude shipping lake in the world as well as th…

A flying helicopter safari that stays away from the crowds. The trip includes fishing for gigantic Nile Perch, viewing some of …