Lake Turkana — the Jade Sea

Lake Turkana (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is Kenya's most remote and adventurous destination — a vast alkaline lake in the semi-desert of the north, called the "Jade Sea" due to its incredible turquoise-jade green color. It is the largest desert lake in the world and the largest alkaline lake overall (6,405 km²).

Why the Arduous Journey is Worth It

• Cradle of Humankind: Some of the world's oldest hominid fossils have been found on the eastern shore of the lake — including the Turkana Boy (1.5 million years), one of the most complete early human skeletons. Koobi Fora is the most famous excavation site
• Central Island: An active volcano in the middle of the lake with three crater lakes — one of the largest Nile crocodile breeding sites worldwide
• South Island: Mystical volcanic island avoided by local El-Molo fishermen — UNESCO World Heritage Site
• El-Molo People: Kenya's smallest ethnic group (fewer than 1,000 people) lives on the southeast shore and has fished in the lake for centuries
• Sibiloi National Park: On the eastern shore, home to the Koobi Fora excavations and surprisingly diverse wildlife (zebras, oryx, gerenuks)

Getting There

Lake Turkana is not for short-term travelers: The journey by 4x4 from Nairobi takes 2–3 days over sometimes extreme tracks. Alternatively, fly to Loyangalani (charter flight). The route via the Suguta Valley and South Horr is breathtakingly scenic but strenuous.

On the shore, there are simple camps and the legendary Oasis Lodge in Loyangalani — an oasis of civilization at the edge of the desert.