Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles42 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1

smwelu
Nairobi, Kenya134 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2012 • Business
Nothing prepares you for the long journey to Northern Kenya. This is the most spectacular trip in terms of scenery, culture, natural beauty and to top it all, in the harsh semi-desert habitat, there is still life. The remoteness of the place makes you feel like you're far removed from life as we know it in the city- hussle, bussle, business...what a retreat!!!

My trip included going all the way to Koobi Fora where great scientific discoveries have been made unmatched anywhere in the world relating to human evolution.

This is definitely one of those trips you say you want to do "once in your life time" but the allure of the lake keeps calling me back everytime, I can never tire of going back time and again. Definitely worth the long road trip, you've got to experience it for yourself, words aren't enough to describe what you will feel.
Written June 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Flying Dutchman
Sydney, Australia53 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2013 • Solo
About 4 months ago, I paid this Kenyan tour company US$1410 for a trip to Lake Turkana. They later cancelled the trip, before the departure, and still haven't given me a refund.

Here is the background:

On 13 December 2013 I paid Express Vacation Tours US$1410 for a 10 day trip to Lake Turkana, to depart Nairobi on 15 January 2014.

However, on 31 December 2013, their managing director Fred Migott informed me that the trip might have to be cancelled due to security concerns. On 10 January 2014 he cancelled the trip, saying that the US$1410 I already paid would be refunded. Although this threw my plans in disarray, I had good hope that at least my money would be refunded.

It is now 11 May 2014 and I am still waiting for the refund, 4 months after the trip was cancelled. During this period, I inquired about the refund many times - several times in January, on 24 February and on 26 March, and was told each time that I'd receive the refund in a week or so, along with various excuses for the delays. Once I was even given a definite date for the refund - 12 February. However, I never received anything.

Fred Migott told me about at least 2 business trips he had made to Europe recently, causing me to think this is a substantial company, so I do not believe that the delay is caused by cash flow problems.

Again, I haven't received a single dollar back of the US$1410 I paid, in spite of the fact that the trip was cancelled by the company about 4 months ago and in spite of numerous inquiries on my part.
Written May 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SurajShah
Nairobi154 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2011 • Friends
I have always wanted to go to Lake Turkana, living in Kenya, but have also questioned myself whether a 7 day excursion is worth it. Nothing prepares you for the first glimpse of the lake from high up in the hills! Having travelled for 2 days in arid, dusty, searing Chalbi desert, the first sight of the lake is so pacifying as well as so exhilarating! And the feeling just gets better the closer you get to it.

Much as you would want to dive straight into the cool, clear water the minute you get to it, DON'T! Lake Turkana is infested with crocodiles, massive ones, and they are silent killers who creep up on you undetected. So beware!

A boatride on the lake is definitely recommended, but visiting the El Molo village is so artificial. I also recommend you find a guide that will take you for a day's excursion to Mount Kulal - it involves climbing the mountain (8000 ft above sea level).

AND THE STAR FILLED SKY AT NIGHT IS SECOND TO NONE!
Written September 2, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MsKosgey
Nairobi, Kenya42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Long long drive from Nairobi. We decided to do the drive over two days. So we slept in Maralal - Samburu on the first night. That drive was 6 hours long from Nairobi using the Gilgil - Nyahururu - Rumuruti route.

Next day we started off from Maralal early in the morning because it is about 9 hours to the lake. Rough terrain but very beautiful and adventurous. No settlements found along the way for the most part.
Carry lots of water, be equipped with all the food and utilities you may need. Make sure your car has spares and be ready to experience Northern Kenya. It is absolutely worth the trouble and exhaustion.

The Lake is breathtakingly beautiful and unending. Community living around so friendly but be careful of taking photos of them without their consent. They don't quite like it. You will occasionally meet herders along the way (mostly children) who will ask for drinking water. They also would request for plastic bottles for their day to day use. Instead of disposing your bottles, you may want to keep some because they could be useful.

The terrain is quite stony. And extremely hot (temperatures of up to 40℃). Stay hydrated. And take a lot of pictures.

I would do it again. Highly recommended to all fun loving road trippers.
Written October 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Malidzo C
Nairobi, Kenya14 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2016
The Cradle of mankind, that is what Turkana is known for. Well it has much to offer from the hospitable communities to the beautiful scenery. As a Geologist i got to traverse to most places in Turkana if not all the places. The place is quite hot for first time travelers, the roads are not that well maintained and a well services 4WD drive would do one good. There is an airstrip in Lodwar, which is the Turkana County headquarters and flights are frequently made from Nairobi to Lodwar via Eldoret.
But before you decide to take a trip to this place, i would recommend one to gear up with a few items such as;
- Sun screen
- A hat
- Light clothing
- A bottle of water (always)
- A portable first aid kit
While in Lodwar, there are a few places one can spend a night or two in such as St. Teresa's Pastoral Community Centre and CEAMO which are quite hospitable and comfortable.
Such places are for the adventurers. Gear up and lets walk in the vastness of the cradle of mankind.
Written April 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Saimanjai
Cambridge, UK187 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2014 • Friends
Its not an easy place to get to as there are no tarmac roads around but well worth it when you cross the desert and through the barren rocky lanscape to suddenly set your eyes on the jade sea and the huge island in the middle.

We visited the East Coast and loyangalani and camped by the lake. It was lovely to swim in the sea after the long hot journey to get there.
But we did get pestered by midges in the evening (not the biting type but they got everywhere) and then the winds got up in the night...so its a place for the adventurous but an amazing experience. Would loved to have spent more time there
Written September 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kuku V
Tamworth, Australia189 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2010 • Friends
We loved the remoteness, amazing colour of the lake, very rocky landscape. I had read it was like a 'moon scape' and would agree. It was like no place I have ever experienced.
The way the El Molo have reed houses which are
beautifully constructed.
We had drinks at the local pub and were made to feel very welcome.
El Molo village tour was really interesting.
Written November 11, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wangechigitahitravel
Nairobi, Kenya45 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2014 • Solo
Lake Turkana is the worlds largest permanent desert lake and the worlds largest alkaline lake.I saw it from Loiyangalani and it is an amazing place.Here,you will get to interact with several communities that have held on to their culture.These include the Turkana,Samburu,Rendille,Oromo among others.The lake scenery will amaze you,in the middle of nowhere,in the middle of a desert,water,water,water everywhere.Please,take some time to take a dip or even better a swim.And to top it off,please enjoy watching sunrise and sunset at this lake,it will take your breath away.Must Visit though be prepared,it is a challenge to get here but is well worth it.Though the terrain is tough,I chose to backpack and for tips you can read http://wangechigitahi.wordpress.com/2014/09/16/loiyangalani/
Written October 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ramadhan K
Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania9 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2012 • Friends
I just liked the swim and the breeze. I disliked the heat from the hot yellow sand dunes
Written March 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mara85
amsterdam92 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Hidden place near Lodwar.
Just look at the pictures they seak for themselves!!
Written April 28, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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