South Island National Park

South Island National Park is a volcanic island in the middle of Lake Turkana, the world's largest permanent desert lake. Known as the "Isle of Mystery," the island has a reputation for being haunted by evil spirits — a belief held by the local Turkana and El Molo peoples. At night, the island reportedly glows with a mysterious phosphorescent light, adding to its eerie reputation. The island is part of the Lake Turkana National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1997.

The island is dominated by volcanic cones and craters, with a landscape of black basalt rock, sparse vegetation, and crater lakes. The surrounding waters are home to enormous Nile crocodile populations, and the island itself is a nesting site for various bird species. The island is extremely remote and difficult to access, requiring a boat from Loiyangalani on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana. Conditions on the lake can be treacherous, with strong winds and high waves making boat travel dangerous at times.

South Island is one of the least-visited national parks in Kenya, attracting only a handful of adventurous travellers each year. The island's isolation, combined with its volcanic landscape and local legends, gives it an atmosphere unlike any other park in East Africa. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June–September), when lake conditions are most favourable for boat travel. Daytime temperatures on the island regularly exceed 40°C, and the sun is relentless.

By Plane

By Train

By Car / Road

South Island is accessible only by boat from Loiyangalani on Lake Turkana's eastern shore, approximately 60 km to the east. Loiyangalani itself is accessible by 4x4 from Marsabit via the C82 and C77 roads, approximately 280 km taking 8–10 hours. Boat hire can be arranged in Loiyangalani, weather conditions and availability permitting. The crossing takes approximately 2–3 hours depending on conditions.

The island is small enough to explore on foot in a single day. There are no roads, vehicles, or formal paths on the island. Visitors typically land at a designated point and explore the volcanic landscape on foot with a guide. A boat is required to reach and leave the island.

• Volcanic craters: The island's volcanic cones and craters, including a crater lake, dominate the landscape. The black basalt rock formations are dramatic and otherworldly.

• Nesting birds: The island hosts various bird species, including pelicans and cormorants, which nest in the volcanic rock formations.

• Phosphorescent glow: At night, the island reportedly glows with a mysterious light — a phenomenon attributed to bioluminescent organisms, though local legend attributes it to spirits.

• Island exploration: Walk across the island's volcanic landscape, exploring craters, rock formations, and the shoreline. A guide is essential for navigation and safety.

• Boat trip across Lake Turkana: The journey from Loiyangalani to South Island is an adventure in itself, crossing the world's largest desert lake with its jade-green waters and dramatic volcanic backdrop.

• Bird watching: Observe nesting bird colonies on the island's volcanic cliffs and rock formations.

• Cultural interpretation: Learn about the local legends and beliefs surrounding the island from guides and local communities.

There are no dining facilities on South Island. All food and water must be brought from Loiyangalani or Marsabit. Pack sufficient supplies for the duration of your visit, including a packed lunch if making a day trip. Simple meals of chapati, beans, and grilled fish are available at Palm Shade lodge in Loiyangalani before and after your island excursion.

Bring all drinking water in sealed bottles. There is no fresh water on the island. The hot, dry climate and physical exertion of exploring the volcanic terrain make hydration critical — carry at least 4–5 litres per person.

There are no accommodation facilities on South Island. Most visitors make a day trip from Loiyangalani, departing in the morning and returning before dark. Overnight camping is possible with advance arrangement through a safari operator — bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and all supplies. The Palm Shade lodge in Loiyangalani (Ksh 3,000 for a single room, or Ksh 10,000 including three meals per day) is the nearest overnight base.

There are no shops or market facilities on South Island. All supplies, including food, water, and any souvenirs, must be brought from Loiyangalani or Marsabit before departure. Turkana beadwork and ostrich-feather headdresses can be purchased in Loiyangalani before crossing to the island. Bargaining is customary in Loiyangalani's small market.

• Loiyangalani (60 km east, 2–3 hours by boat) — the gateway to Lake Turkana with boat hire, the Palm Shade lodge, and the annual Tobong'u Lore cultural festival.
• Central Island National Park (accessible by boat from Loiyangalani) — another volcanic island with crater lakes teeming with Nile crocodiles.
• Sibiloi National Park (approximately 200 km north along the lakeshore) — the "Cradle of Mankind" with hominid fossil sites.
• Marsabit (280 km southeast, 8–10 hours by 4x4 from Loiyangalani) — the county capital with green crater lakes and Marsabit National Park.