Accommodation Options at Central Island National Park: Central Island National Park famously known as Crocodile Island, is a volcanic island located in the middle of Lake Turkana in Kenya. The park is one of the most saline great lakes in Africa the three main lakes on the central island are the crocodile lake, tilapia lake, and the flamingo lake. The island park covers an area of about 5 kilometres squared which is relatively small but provides an unforgettable tourist experience in Africa. The active volcanoes pass out Sulphur smell often times the lakes are endowed with Nile crocodiles making the island the largest place for the concertation of crocodiles.
Central Island National Park doesn’t have accommodation services available. Currently, the park doesn’t offer self-catering accommodation but available are the Chooro public campsite and Central Island Campsite. Visitors interested in camping for the night are advised to carry with them tents and appropriate camping gear. For this category, standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/ bathroom, and kitchen area. However, they are some of the Privately run tented camps on the western shores of Lake Turkana. These include;
Lobolo Camp, Lake Turkana
Lobolo Camp luxury accommodation is situated on the western edge of Lake Turkana in Kenya. With 8 luxurious en-suite tents, each designed for comfort, the camp can host up to 16 guests, offering a peaceful retreat in a truly stunning natural setting. This area is the most northwestern part of Kenya, formerly part of the Rift Valley province, and is home to the Turkana people, who are known for their traditional lifestyle and artisanal crafts.
Lobolo Camp is surrounded by a vast, lush forest of 100 acres and features fresh springs that enhance its beauty. The tents are designed for comfort, each equipped with a modern bathroom featuring a running sink, a warm shower, and a toilet. Guests will find king-size beds elevated to give excellent views while allowing natural breezes to flow through. The design cleverly keeps insects at bay without the need for mosquito nets.
Electricity is provided in the tents and the communal dining area, so charging devices is convenient. Meals are served daily in an open-air dining tent, and there’s a Sky Bar where guests can relax under the stars, with the Milky Way often brightly visible.
Lobolo Camp offers various activities, including fishing for Nile perch, Tilapia, and Tiger fish in Lake Turkana. Excursions to nearby Central Island, including visits to the flamingo breeding grounds and crocodile craters, are available, and guests can learn about the local culture with visits to the Turkana community.
For travel, scheduled flights connect to Lodwar, with road transfers taking about two hours. Private charters can land directly at Eliye Airstrip, just a short drive away, and a helicopter can land on the beach near the camp. The name “Lobolo” means “a place of abundant water” in the Turkana language.
Eliye Springs Resort, Turkana
Also known as The Jewel on Lake Turkana, Eliye Springs Resort is a beachside getaway on the lake’s western shores, located about 65 kilometers from Lodwar town—an 8-hour drive from Nairobi. Schedule flights from major cities land at Lodwar, while charter flights can reach Eliye Airstrip directly.
The resort features a variety of accommodations, including Luxury Bomas that provide a plush experience with spacious bathrooms and a classic Turkana design, self-contained rooms ideal for families, and a camping area with traditional Manyattas and unique Star-tents.
Luxury Bomas offer comfort and a stunning view of the lake, while self-contained rooms are basic yet spacious, perfect for family stays. The campsite includes Manyattas with shared facilities and the option for tents, encouraging guests to connect with nature and enjoy the night sky.
On-site dining presents a mix of local and international cuisine, complemented by a fully stocked bar. Guests can unwind with a massage in the open-air massage area, and there’s a natural spa that uses thermal waters from local springs.
Activities at Eliye Springs Resort include boat rides, wildlife watching, cultural visits to Samburu villages, beach volleyball, and even trips to explore prehistoric sites. There are plenty of options for relaxation and adventure.
Cradle Tented Camp, Lodwar
Cradle Tented Camp is set on a beautifully landscaped 16-acre property in Lodwar Town, just a short drive from Lodwar Airport and several local attractions, including Lake Turkana’s islands and national parks. The camp features 30 luxury rooms, with a mix of tented suites and traditional block chic rooms, equipped with modern amenities like satellite TV, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms.
The restaurant serves a variety of delicious local and international dishes, and guests can enjoy meals indoors or outdoors. The camp also has a well-stocked bar and several conference facilities for events, accommodating up to 600 guests.
With a stunning lawn ideal for weddings and an inviting swimming pool, Cradle Tented Camp provides a great place to unwind. Guests can engage in cultural visits, explore landmarks like the Turkana Boy monument, hike, and rock climb, or enjoy water games and fishing at Central Island National Park.
Overall, Central Island National Park accommodations offer diverse experiences, combining luxury and nature while providing plenty of activities to enjoy the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Turkana region.
Additionally, there are also suitable, beautiful, and peaceful hotels that are located near Central Island Park. They include Eliye Spring Resort, Lodwar Acacia Residences, Stegra Hotel, Solmar Gracious Hotel Lodwar, Malabo Resort Loiyangalani, Oasis Lodge Loiyangalani, Tortoise Camp, Bahamas Resort Camp, Jade Sea Tented Camp, St. Teresa catholic tented camp at Eliye, and the Fimbo campsite at Kalokol Impreza Beach among others.
