- Location: Central Island, Rift Valley, Kenya
- Mountain system: East African rift valley
- Form: Volcanic Island
- Area: 5 square meters. km
- Height of the summit: 550 m
In Kenya , within the African Rift Valley, there is a rather unusual, but from that no less interesting lake Turkana . In terms of its size, it occupies the fourth position among salt lakes, giving way to the Caspian and Aral seas, as well as to the Issyk-Kul lake.
Local residents from the surrounding villages with great pleasure for a small fee are ready to organize a tour, with the help of which you can look closer and get acquainted with all the features of this place. And of course, no guide will ignore such an entertaining phenomenon of nature as the three volcanic islands that wash the waters of Turkana. The largest of them is Crocodile Island.
More about the island of Crocodile Island
Already from the name itself, we can conclude that we are talking about crocodiles. Yes, Crocodile Island got its name precisely because of the huge number of these predatory animals that live near its shores. In addition, the island is called the Central, and along with the North and South it is one of the most famous islands on the lake, which here, among the waters of the Turkana, there are many.
Crocodile Island is a volcanic island. Moreover, it is an active volcano, and its slopes are composed of basalt and phonolith. At times fumarolic activity is manifested, and exactly above the crater you can observe clouds of sulfur, which do not carry a particular danger. The structure of the island is such that in its territory there are three small lakes with different salt concentration: Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake and Tilapia Lake.
By its area Crocodile Island is very small - only 5 square meters. km. However, despite such modest size, here is the Central Park National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the protected area of Lake Turkana. The animal world here is unique and rich in exoticism. Among the birds, flamingos and pelicans are sure to meet, and in places near the shore one can find large concentrations of Nile crocodiles. The very structure of the park consists of a dozen craters and cones. In addition, the island has lava formations, which scientists refer to the Holocene period, and the lakes are rich in various phyto- and zooplankton species.
Crocodile Island itself is considered uninhabited, but for exotics fans there are three settlement options: Oasis Lodge, Allia Bay Guesthouse and Camp Lobolo Tented Camp. However, do not expect these hotels to offer high-quality services and a wide range of services.
How to get there?
The most convenient way to plan a route to the city of Lodwar in Kenya . There is a small airport here, so getting there by plane is not difficult. To cross the waters of Turkana, it is necessary to rent a boat. In addition, from Nairobi fly charter flights to the Central Park National Park.
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