Discover Central Island National Park
Central Island National Park is set in the middle of the largest permanent desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana. Made up of three active volcanoes, more than a dozen craters and cones are located across the National Park’s Island, three of which are filled by small lakes.
The destination offers stunning scenery of blue green waters, as they wash the shores of the black lava beach. Hovering over the beaches, volcanoes steam away, giving visitors a unique safari experience during their stay in Kenya.
Crocodile Island
Central Island is also known as Crocodile Island, for the volume of reptiles in the three crater lakes. Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake provide breeding grounds for the world’s largest concentration of Nile crocodiles. Filled with crocodiles living in perfect harmony, they breed on the shores of the island’s crater lakes, a unique sighting for visitors to the island.
What are the key features of Central Island National Park?
There are several reasons why you should consider visiting the Central Island National Park for your next safari getaway. If you are planning on visiting, please see some of the key points that have been put together by the Cheetah Revolution Safaris team below:
On the whole, vegetation does not come in abundance at the Central Island National Park, however, some of the park’s covered areas are overgrown with thick grass and bushes.
Central Island National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, such as hippos, bats, and the planet’s biggest Nile crocodile population. In addition to this, you can expect to see huge flocks of flamingos as well as hundreds of additional bird species.
Central Island National Park Entry Fees
Below is the Central Island National Park Entrance fee.
| CENTRAL ISLAND | EAST AFRICAN CITIZEN (KSH) | RESIDENT (KSH) | NON-RESIDENT (USD) | AFRICAN CITIZEN (USD) |
| Adult | Child | Adult | Child | Adult | Child | Adult | Child |
| 500 | 250 | 675 | 350 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 10 |
How to Pay for Central Island National Park Fees
How do you pay for Amboseli National Park Fees? To pay for Park Fees, you will have to visit the KWS E-Citizen Account, create an account, and select Amboseli National Park to pay for the park fees.
1. Download the e-Citizen mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and create an account or sign in if you already have an account.
3. Tap on the “Services” tab.
4. Scroll down and select “Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)”.
5. Select the park or sanctuary that you want to visit.
6. Enter the number of adults and children in your party.
7. Select the payment method.
You can pay using M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or a credit/debit card.
8. Review your payment details and tap on “Pay”.
You will receive a confirmation message once your payment is successful.
The transaction will be mirrored in the Kenya Wildlife Service system, facilitating the visitor’s entry to the park upon arrival at the entrance. On the day of the Visit, ensure you have the ticket, and share it with the gate wardens for entry to the park.
Best Time to Visit Central Island National Park
The Central Island National Park is scorching hot if you visit between December and March. If you would rather visit during the coolest months, you are best off visiting in June/July. If you decide to visit between May and September, you can also expect to experience some strong winds.
The best time to visit Central Island National Park is in June and July when the temperatures are moderately cooler. From December to March, it is Scorching hot and extremely arid. Tourists are advised to carry plenty of drinking water and snacks.
Concerning rainfall, this is a rarity at the Central Island National Park. Yearly rainfall averages out at less than 250mm, and in certain areas, it has not rained for several years!
Low Season
1st April to June 15th and 15th Nov to 15th Dec
If you are looking for an intimate exclusive safari but affordable Kenya Safari, this is the best time to visit.
The best places to visit include the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru among many others.
High Season
Jan 10th to 1st April and 1st Nov to 15th Dec
One of the most considered seasons to travel and visit East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Easy to spot the big five and the big cats of the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu other major parks.
Peak Season
15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan
An action-filled season to witness the great wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya is during this season.
In case you are looking for the best adventures, then this is the best fit for you
How to Get to Central Island National Park
From Nairobi, it takes around three days to drive through Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr. By Air: Access to Lake Turkana is usually by air and there are two all weather airstrips, Loiyangalani Airport and Lodwar Airport. It takes 1 hour 30 minutes or 2 hours to fly to Turkana from Nairobi.
You will take a boat to Central island National park which is almost an hour from Turkana.
Best Places to Stay at Central Island National Park
Safari Packages to Central Island National Park
Other National Parks to visit
Find other national parks related to Central Island National Park that you either combined your safari with or get inspired to book them later on in your next adventures. The destinations are some of the best that you can visit that are close to Central Island National Park.
