The park lies in northern Kenya, on the northeastern shores of Lake Turkana. It covers 1570sqkms, and was established in 1973, by the Kenyan government to protect wildlife and paleontological sites there. The park was named after Mount Sibiloi which is in view after Alia Bay on the South perimeter. The park is commonly known internationally for its fossils. In I997 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of Lake Turkana National Parks. The most famous remains are the Australopithecus and early homo fossils. The park features as a cradle of mankind due to its archeological sites which include Koobi Fora that has most of the remains and have answered many questions about human evolution.
How to access the Sibiloi park
The park has three gates such as Karsa gate, Alia Bay and Koora Fora that can be used to access the park either by air and road transport.
By air transport, you can connect your flight to land in one of these airstrips close to the par, that is: Lodwar, Marsabit, and Loiyangalani.
By road transport, the park is 800km from Nairobi City and ideally you should use a 4WD which can be better for remote areas. It will take you 3 days to access the park while driving through Marsabit, and North Horr, Maralal and South Horr.
The alternative route is from Nairobi, to Kalokol down to the western shore of the lake, through Kitale and Lodwar.
What to bring for a Sibiloi park Safari
For a wonderful time in the park, please come with camping equipment, long and short sleeved shirts and trousers, sun glasses, a hat, a note book, a guide book, a camera, binoculars, comfortable shoes, sandals, and bottled drinking water, among others.
Things to do at Sibiloi safari park
The best activities that we think you should enjoy are as follows.
Game drives
Be part of these game drives that will get you an exploration of the park in the comfort of your sit and also mainly the view of wildlife in the area. You will be able to see almost all animals in the park especially if you visit in the dry season.
Bird watching
The park is a home of birds that have favorite spots where guides will lead you to and have the best views of them.
Nature walks
Guided nature walks are a lot of fun for they give you an opportunity to explore the whole area as you enjoy sites of mountains, birds, wildlife, rivers, among others.
Visit archeological sites
Take time and visit Koobi Fora Museum and see what human and animal fossils that are believed to have existed 3million years ago.
Cultural walks
Take time and visit villages close to the park. There different tribes or groups of people around that you can visit and get to know their rich culture. They are have good hospitality and you will learn a lot from them. Such as the Turkana, the Gabra, the Dassanach, the Samburu and Rendile who migrate to Lake Turkana in the dry season.
Camping
The park has camping sites spacious enough and clean for you to have a wonderful time. You will enjoy the park’s sites that will be so close to you and the sounds of animals will give you’re a feeling of being in the wilderness.
When to visit Sibiloi National Park
The par can be visited any time of the year, however the dry season has been recorded as the best time to visit the park. Has a dry and wet season.
The dry season starts from June-October and January – February.
The season id advantageous for it’s almost sunny throughout and wildlife can easily be spotted. Activities like walk safaris are also favored for the park is dry, and roads are passable.
The challenge with this period is that sometimes it gets so dusty and hot in the park.
The wet season runs from November – December and March –May
During this period there nice views of the park, clear views of the mountain, green vegetation and wildlife can be seen in the period between November and December of the short rains.
Bird watching is at its peak when migratory birds visit the park. Clear views will be got.
During this season rates are low compared to the dry season, although some places of accommodation might close down.
Since the park lies in a remote area, when it rains the park can be muddy or slippery, even roads can be impassable.
What to see at Sibiloi national park, Attractions
The park has amazing things that we catch your attention and inspire you in the positive way. Rest assured that for all you will see and get to know, you will have total satisfaction. The best attractions are as follows:
Wildlife
The park has a number of wildlife species to see. The vast land covered by the park bares homes of these creatures. Tourists will be able to see these animals in game drives, walk safaris, and while engaging in other activities. Please await to see the likes of cheetahs, grater kudu, northern topi, stripped hyena, Grevy’s zebras, Beisa Oryx, grant gazelles, lions, gerenuks, leopards, reticulated giraffes, hippos, and the large Nile crocodiles among others. You will be able to take up close pictures of these animals.
Birds
The ark is a home for the flying creatures. These are joined by migratory birds form other countries and to the benefit of the tourists, all these will be clearly seen with the help of binoculars. Most of these concentrate on the shores of Lake Turkana, and in trees. The likes of flamingoes, pelicans, Herons, African skimmers, Gulls, Heuglin’s bustard, crested Lark, sunbirds, eagles, vultures, and ducks, among others will be visible.
Lake Turkana
This is one of the biggest attractors to the park. A visit to this park will give you an access to this UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s the largest alkaline lake in the world, and the largest desert lake in the world. It has three islands that are stop overs for a number of migratory birds, and a breeding site for wildlife like hippos and crocodiles. The permanent lake is the only water source in the park. This amazing lake is worth a visit. Its waters changes colors and you will get an opportunity of exploring it to its end on a boat ride and enjoy the wonderful views.
Koobi Fora Museum and Research Base
This is a home for archeological, paleontological and geological interests. This places possesses what was discovered is believed to be an evolution of mankind. In this place fossils of human kind, animals and other specimens 300 in total are kept that date over 3 million. You will be amazed at what you will see. Fossils like, giant tortoises, 45ft long crocodile behemoth, huge elephants, human skulls, among others were found and more might still be discovered in the unexplored area. From this place you will learn a lot about mankind, animals and nature as a whole.
Mount Sibiloi
The Mountain lies at 1700m above sea level gives this park another center of attraction. The sights of this beautiful mountain are to die for. You can also enjoy a tour around the foothills of this mountain.
Karsa Waterhole
This is one of the others sources of water in the park. In this place you will catch sight of wildlife that come to have a drink during the dry season and the clear views of these animals will be satisfying.
Petrified Forest
This lies on the edge of Sibiloi Mountain and Allia Bay. The outstanding forest was discovered more than 30 years ago and within it fossils of human king and animals were found. The forest is part of the protected area for according to research, more fossils could still to be got.
Where to stay when on a tour to Sibiloi, Accommodation
There a number of good resting places in and around the park. After embarking on a long journey to the park, you will need a comfortable resting ground in one if these places below. You will be able to get one that satisfies your need and are close enough to the park.
Accommodation places include: Kitich Camp, located close to the indigenous forest, around Mathew’s Mountain Range, Joy’s Camp, located in the Shaba National Reserve, it’s built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented home.
Sarara Camp, is a luxury camp located in the southern corner of Mathew’s mountain in the heart of Namunyak wildlife conservancy, Lobolo Tented Camp, Koobi Fora Camp, Turkana Campsite, Sunset Trip Camp, Kenya Wildlife Service with self- catering Accommodation, Desert Rose Lodge, lies close to Mount Nyiru, Allia Bay Guest House, located at the shores of Lake Turkana, lies within the park,Oasis Lodge, among others.
In conclusion, what lies in the park is more than just adventure, it’s a study tour indeed. The exploration of all the park has might not be achieved in a day or two. Get ample time and with us, the best tours and travel company, we will plan for a memorable time for you in this park.
