Sibiloi National park
Sibiloi National park-“The Cradle of Mankind“ is located in Kenya. It is located 800kilo-meters North of Nairobi, in the eastern province of Kenya.
Sibiloi National park is located on the shores of Lake Turkana and it is the only water source in Sibiloi National park. The UNESCO declared it a World’s Heritage Site since it has unique and diverse number of attractions, cultural and historical sites for tourists to see. The area is a Semi- desert with open plains.
Sibiloi National park is surrounded by the Turkana people, the Gabra, and the Dassanach people. All these people in their communities, the traditional cultures are unpolluted and they are rich communities. Sibiloi National park has Karsa gate as the main gate, Alia gate and Koobi fora.
Attractions at Sibiloi National park
Koobi Fora;
Koobi Fora is known for having paleontological discoveries. In particular, the fossils remains of the early hominids that include; Homo erectus, Paranthropus boisei and Homo habilis have been found here which contributed to the understanding of the human evolution.
These and more have been discovered by the Excavations. The Koobi Fora site exhibits fossil specimens, it showcases the work of the palaeontologists as well as educating visitors about the human evolution and the Koobi Fora site.
When you visit Koobi Fora, you will explore the cradle of humanity, witness ongoing scientific research and this will give you a better understanding of our evolutionary past.
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana is the largest desert in the whole world. It is also known as Jade Sea. Lake Turkana is located in Great Rift Valley in Northern Kenya. The blue-green colour of the water is as a result of algae and minerals which are present in the water. The lake is rich of variety of fish species including; Nile Tilapia, Nile perch and many more. The lake also has hippopotamuses and crocodiles.
Lake Turkana is a home to a number of bird species including Flamingos, pelicans, and many migratory bird species. The lake is surrounded by various ethnic communities including the El Molo, the Turkana and Rendille people. All the people around Lake Turkana depend on fishing, livestock grazing. When you visit, you will get involved in boat safaris, fishing trips and cultural tours. Lake Turkana is good for photography too.
Wildlife
Sibiloi National park is a home to a variety of wild life. When you visit the park you will be able to see terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.
The different kinds of wild life to see both in Sibiloi National park and Lake Turkana shores include; African elephants, Grey’s zebras(they have narrow stripes which are unique and striking to see). Zebras (you will see the Rothschild’s giraffes and the reticulated ones moving around.
Cheetahs will be spotted in the grassy plains. Hyenas, you will be able to see spotted hyenas. You will be able to spot olive baboons that are found around the lake shores. You will be able lions and many animals.
Birds
Sibiloi National park is a habitant for over 350 bird species and it is a home to both resident and migratory species. These birdspecies include; flamingos( Greater and lesser flamingos) found on the water shores.
Fish Eagles are seen soaring above the lake hunting for fish. Pelicans( white and pink- backed pelican ) you will be able to see Herons and Egrets, Ostriches and many more.
Reptiles
You will be able to see different kinds of reptiles on Lake Turkana and the surrounding areas. These reptiles include; Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, tortoises of different kinds such as the pancake tortoises.
Cultural Heritage
Sibiloi National park is surrounded by a huge number of ethnic groups. These include; the Turkana people who are famous for being resilient and adaptive because of living in acid environment.
They are nomadic pastoralists who depend on cattle, goats, and camels. All this makes them a rich community and you will be able to see it for yourself when you come to visit their community.
The El Molo people; these people have been known for being fishermen and have massive fishing skills. They constructed the Bari boats. They have unique cultural heritage, crafts and folklore.
The Rendille people; they live in the northern part of Sibiloi national park. They move a lot in search for water and pasture for their livestock. They wear colourful attire and distinct hair style. All these people have attracting and eye catching traditional practices such as the dances, traditional ceremonies, the rituals and beliefs. You will have fun visiting plenty of them.
Things to Do When you Visit Sibiloi National park
When you visit Sibiloi national park, you will have plenty of activities to do and they include; Bird watching, where you be able to see different bird species. You will be able to see different birds around Lake Turkana since they live there.
Game viewing
Game viewing in Sibiloi national park is one of the most memorable activities since you will see a lot of animals because the park has a variety of wildlife such as; grey’s zebras, greater kudu, lions, spotted hyenas, caracals, leopards, Beisa, oryx, jackals and many more.
Guided Bush Walks
You can do guided bush walks through the forest. While on a guided bush walk, you get a chance to get close to the attractions in Sibiloi national park.
Cultural Visits
When you are done with the game drive, you can go visit the cultural communities and spend some time with them as they show you their way of living through activities like cultural dances, cultural songs, milking of their cattle among other activities.
You will be able to visit ethnic communities kike the Turkana, Gabbra and the Dassanach people.
Where to Stay in Sibiloi National park
When you want to go to Sibiloi national park for some activities, you will have to book for your accommodation or better, you can use a tour operator to book an all-inclusive package.
There are luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation facilities available around and they include; Allia Bay Guesthouse, Sarara camp, Joy’s camp, Kitich camp, Desert Rose Lodge
Best Time to go Sibiloi National park
Sibiloi National park can be visited all year round. However, the most preferable time to visit the park is during March since it is when crocodiles are bleeding and the birds are migrating from different parts of the world.