🗓️ 3-Day Lake Turkana Itinerary – “The Jade Sea Journey”

Day 1: Into the Cradle of Mankind

Morning:
- Depart from Nairobi via morning flight to Lodwar (or road expedition via Maralal–Baragoi–Kalokol for overland adventurers)
- Airport pickup and short drive to Eliye Springs or Lodwar eco-lodge for check-in and refreshment
Midday:
- Lunch by the lakeshore under doum palms
- Optional visit to Turkana Cultural Museum in Lodwar to learn about the region’s history, tribes, and prehistory
Afternoon:
- Relax along the turquoise-green lakefront
- Optional walking tour of a local Turkana fishing village – learn about life on Kenya’s harshest frontier
Evening:
- Sunset over Lake Turkana with cocktails or coconut juice
- Traditional dance performance by Turkana youth (subject to availability)
- Dinner and overnight at Eliye Springs Camp or lakeside lodge

Early Morning:
- Breakfast and boat transfer to Central Island National Park (1.5–2 hrs depending on departure point)
- Guided hike around the island’s volcanic craters:
  - Flamingo Crater Lake, Crocodile Lake, and Tilapia Lake
  - View one of Africa’s largest crocodile nurseries
  - Spot flamingos and stunning lake-edge cliffs
Midday:
- Packed bush lunch or picnic on Central Island
- Optional swim on safe stretch of beach back on mainland (guide approved)
Afternoon:
- Drive to Koobi Fora paleoanthropological site (East side of the lake – subject to access and weather)
  - Tour the fossil discovery zones and Cradle of Mankind interpretive center
  - Learn about the hominin fossils and ancient tools discovered by the Leakeys
Evening:
- Return to camp/lodge for rest
- Dinner and open discussion by fire on “Humanity’s Journey”
Overnight:
- Stay at lodge or tented eco-camp by the lake

Option A: Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (Seasonal, December)
- Transfer to Loiyangalani
- Attend morning cultural showcases from over 10 northern tribes: Turkana, Rendille, El Molo, Dassanach, Gabra, Borana and more
- Visit El Molo village, Kenya’s smallest tribe, living off fishing and lakeside life
Option B: Chalbi Desert Extension
- Early start toward Kalacha or North Horr
- Drive through ancient dry lakebed and desert plains for camel encounters, oases, and sandscape photography
- Return midday to Lodwar or direct to Marsabit if continuing overland circuit
Midday:
- Lunch and final lakeside moment before checkout
- Return flight to Nairobi or onward adventure