Rising from the shimmering waters of Lake Turkana, Central Island National Park is a hauntingly beautiful volcanic world like no other in Kenya. Isolated, dramatic, and almost surreal, this tiny island of fire and ash offers one of the most unique safari experiences in Africa.
Also known as the Island of the Devils, Central Island is part of the greater Lake Turkana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects the world’s largest permanent desert lake and the life it supports.
Central Island was born of fire. Three active volcanic cones dominate the landscape, each housing a crater lake. The island’s black lava flows, jagged ridges and steaming vents tell of a turbulent past still very much alive beneath the surface.
The most iconic features of the island are its crater lakes—Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake. These lakes glow green or turquoise, surrounded by ash slopes and craters that create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Every step on this island reminds visitors that they are walking on the remnants of powerful eruptions.
Despite its size and remoteness, Central Island National Park hosts a surprising variety of wildlife. Most famous are the thousands of Nile crocodiles that breed in Crocodile Lake—one of the world’s largest crocodile nesting sites.
Birdwatching on Central Island is also rewarding. Visitors often spot flamingos, African skimmers, herons, cormorants, and ospreys circling the sky or resting along the crater lakes.
In the rocky and bushy patches, you may glimpse monitor lizards, tilapia fish in clear pools, and even small antelope.
The real thrill is the setting—volcanic slopes, boiling earth, and raw beauty everywhere you look.
While most Kenya safaris focus on savannahs, Central Island offers something rare: a safari into Earth’s primordial heart. It’s remote. It’s wild. And it feels untouched.
Adding Central Island National Park to a northern Kenya adventure safari offers a deeper connection to geology, silence, and space. There are no crowds, no lodges, and no traffic. Just wind, waves, and volcanic echoes.
Combine it with visits to Sibiloi National Park, Koobi Fora, or the Chalbi Desert for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
This park is small, but there’s plenty to do for the curious explorer. Here are the top things to do in Central Island:
This is not a typical safari. It’s elemental, raw, and unforgettable.
Reaching Central Island takes effort—and that’s what makes it special. Most visitors travel from Lodwar or Kalokol, both located on the western shores of Lake Turkana. The journey is best planned in advance with help from experienced tour operators.
From Kalokol or Eliye Springs, Central Island by boat takes about 1–1.5 hours, depending on weather and lake conditions. A boat safari across the Jade Sea is a highlight on its own, with endless turquoise water and views of distant ridgelines.
There are no roads on the island. You explore it by foot, led by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers.
The best time to visit Central Island is during the dry seasons—January to March and June to October. These months offer calm waters for boating, cooler temperatures, and clearer skies for photography.
Avoid the rainy season when access roads in northern Kenya become nearly impassable. The lake may also experience strong winds that make boat crossings dangerous.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography and cooler hiking conditions.
There are no permanent lodges inside Central Island National Park. However, visitors can camp on the island at a designated KWS site. The camping experience here is raw, wild, and quiet.
Facilities are basic—pit latrines and no fresh water. Visitors must bring their own camping gear, drinking water, food, and cooking supplies.
For those not camping, nearby accommodation can be found at:
If you’re seeking true adventure, Central Island Camping delivers.
Here are the current Central Island National Park park fees, as managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS):
| Category | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident | $20 | $10 |
| East African Resident | KES 350 | KES 250 |
| Kenyan Citizen | KES 200 | KES 125 |
In addition to entry fees, boat charges apply and are negotiated separately. Guided tours by KWS rangers are included in the park fees.
Visiting Central Island National Park is not about luxury. It’s about raw beauty, isolation, and discovery.
For those seeking the road less traveled, this Island offers volcanic drama, desert silence, and prehistoric mystery. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers, geology buffs, and explorers hungry for something different.
Whether you’re hiking volcanic cones, photographing flamingos, or watching the sun set over the Jade Sea, this park leaves a lasting impression. Central Island National Park isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience carved in lava, shaped by wind, and blessed with solitude.
Add it to your Kenyan itinerary—and see a side of Africa few ever do.
