Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana is a magnificent and vast body of water located within the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. It holds the title of the world’s largest permanent desert lake and is a vital natural resource shared between Ethiopia and Kenya.

  1. Location and Size
  • Location: Approximately 90% of the lake lies in northern Kenya, while its northernmost tip extends into Ethiopian territory.
  • Dimensions: It stretches about 290 km in length and up to 32 km in width, covering a total surface area of approximately 6,405 square kilometers.
  • Naming: It was formerly known as Lake Rudolf but was later renamed after the Turkana people who inhabit the region.
  1. Characteristics and Water Sources
  • Water Source: The primary source of water is the Omo River, which originates in Ethiopia. The Omo River provides over 90% of the lake’s total water inflow.
  • Endorheic Basin: Lake Turkana is an endorheic lake, meaning it has no outlet river. Water levels are reduced solely through evaporation.
  • Salinity: The water has a moderate concentration of salt and soda, leading it to be classified as an alkaline lake. While the water is generally unsuitable for human consumption, it supports specific species of fish and wildlife.
  1. “The Cradle of Mankind”

Lake Turkana is world-renowned in the scientific community for studies regarding human origins:

  • Millions of years old hominid fossils have been discovered around the lake (particularly at Koobi Fora).
  • This region is considered a key site for understanding human evolution.
  1. Biodiversity
  • Crocodiles: Lake Turkana is home to the world’s largest breeding population of Nile Crocodiles.
  • Fish: It hosts over 60 fish species, serving as a primary source of livelihood and food for the local communities.
  • Birds: The lake is a vital stopover for migratory birds, including large flocks of Flamingos.
  1. Major Threats

Today, Lake Turkana faces several significant challenges:

  • Declining Water Levels: There are concerns that dams on the Omo River (such as Gibe III) and irrigation projects may reduce the water inflow.
  • Climate Change: Extreme heat and lack of rainfall are causing the lake to recede and increasing its salinity.
  • Border Conflicts: Occasional conflicts occur between neighboring communities (Turkana, Dassanech, Nyangatom) over competition for grazing land and fishing rights.
  1. UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Lake Turkana National Parks are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their global natural and paleontological importance.

Travel Itinerary (From the Ethiopian Side)

This journey typically begins in Jinka or Turmi and leads to Omorate, the gateway to the lake.

Day 1: Jinka to Turmi

  • Morning: Drive from Jinka to Turmi.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Hamer villages. If you are lucky, you may witness the “Bull Jumping” rite of passage.
  • Overnight: Turmi.

Day 2: Turmi to Omorate and Lake Turkana

  • Morning: Drive to Omorate (near the Kenyan border). Cross the Omo River using a traditional dugout canoe.
  • Day: Visit the Dassanech villages. Travel to the northern tip (the delta) to admire the vastness and natural beauty of the lake.
  • Overnight: Return to Omorate or Turmi.

Day 3: Nature and Bird Watching

  • Morning: Observe and photograph water birds along the lakeshore.
  • Afternoon: Drive to the Karo village of Kolcho. Located on a high cliff, it offers the best view of the Omo River’s winding path.
  • Overnight: Turmi.

Day 4: Return

  • Morning: Return to Jinka.
  • Afternoon: Fly from Jinka back to Addis Ababa.