Lake turkana jade sea special camping safaris or the Jade Sea Journeys takes you into worlds for you to discover, bringing you face to face with the indigenous people exposing you to unsurpassed knowledge of their culture and traditions through local guides. Jade Sea Journeys as the name implies, is a safaris on and around “The Jade Sea” better known as Lake Turkana. Lake turkana jade sea special camping safaris will take you through the Northern Frontier with views of the rare drought resistant animals in Samburu game reserve, the singing wells of the Borana people who form a long chain and sing and ululate in their mother tongue as they fetch water and water their livestock simultaneously before reaching to Marsabit National park where the largest Elephant “Ammed” was found.
Lake Turkana Jade Sea Special Camping Safaris
Lake turkana jade sea special camping safaris holiday adventure starts and ends in Nairobi. This rugged 1,900 kilometers Lake Turkana desert budget expedition is either done in a purposely-built truck or a land cruiser that takes you up into the heart of the Northern desert lands of Kenya. During your Lake turkana jade sea special camping safaris, You will traverse along some of Africa’s most adventurous and picturesque regions surrounded on all sides by a hot desert, eventually arriving in the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana). You will see a great variety of tribes and cross the Chalbi Desert. Please note that during the rains many of these areas become impassible being subject to floods. Therefore in the months of April, May and June it is not advisable to take this desert budget expedition of the Jade Sea.
You will traverse along some of Africa’s worst roads; see beautiful mountain forest surrounded on all sides by hot dusty deserts, eventually arriving at the campsite on the shores of the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana). Lake Turkana in Kenya, also known as The Jade Sea, is famous for its greenish-blue colors and notorious strong desert winds. Lake Turkana also known as the Jade Sea, was originally named Lake Rudolph in 1888 and was renamed Lake Turkana in 1975. Lake Turkana is famous for it’s greenish-blue colors, hence the nickname the Jade Sea. Lake Turkana is 300 Km long and 50 Km wide, which also makes it the largest lake in Kenya (although, Lake Victoria which is shared with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda is larger).
Lake Turkana Jade Sea Special Camping Safaris:- Lake Turkana National Parks comprise of Sibiloi National Park, the South Island and Central Island National Parks covering an area located within the Lake Turkana basin, whose total surface area is 7 million hectare. These national parks have collectively been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake is surrounded by an arid, seemingly extraterrestrial empty landscape devoid of life. There are numerous volcanic overflows with petrified forests. The island parks are breeding habitats for Nile crocodiles, hippopotamus and several snake species.
It is believed that the lake was much larger than it is today, supporting a richer and more varied flora and fauna. Yet, today there are around 400 species of birds and some 200 – 300 Kg nile perch, making it a fantastic place for sport fishing and birding. Lake Turkana in Kenya has an allure for intrepid travelers that is hard to resist. European aristocracy, British royalty, journalists and adventurers have visited the Jade Sea and marveled at its unique features.
Lake Turkana Jade Sea Special Camping Safaris
The Jade Sea is all the more astonishing because it is found in the midst of a desert. This massive body of iridescent, blue-green water is surrounded by spectacular volcanic formations and dark pink hills. An island in the lake has an active volcano and the entire region including a number of national parks is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lake Turkana is the largest of the Great Rift Valley soda lakes and the presence of algae (cyanobacteria) in the water imparts the characteristic color.
Lake Turkana stretches for miles over what appears to be a desolate area on the wild northern frontier of Kenya and the border with Ethiopia. On closer inspection visitors will find many hidden treasures, from archaeological discoveries and wildlife diversity to scenic wonders, lake activities and definitive cultural interaction. There are few places that can combine such a range of attractions in one area. Get off the usually tourist tracks on this camping expedition to remote, isolated and wild parts of northern Kenya. Journey along rough African roads to picturesque Lake Turkana and the stark Chalbi Desert then lush Marsabit National Park and the game-rich Samburu National Reserve, traveling by 4×4 Land Cruiser or overland truck.
Encounter the fascinating traditional cultures of northern Kenya meeting nomadic pastoralists of the Samburu, Gabbra, Rendille and Turkana tribes on this rugged 1800km camping adventure. Explore beautiful scenery and natural habitats, viewing rare and endemic wildlife such as long-necked gerenuk antelopes, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe. Above all else, this Northern Kenya Camping Safari offers something different for the adventurous traveler looking for unique and unusual African experiences.
Lake Turkana Jade Sea Special Camping Safaris – Highlights and Attractions
This remote lake can be windswept and moody or gloriously calm and peaceful, but in any case it is very hot and dry and the night skies are crystal clear. Traveling around the lake by boat or outings on foot and in a vehicle, should be undertaken with a knowledgeable guide at all times. Air transfers may be required to visit top attractions.
Boat Excursions and Fishing
Excursions by boat are a great way to explore and sight-see or visit various attractions. Catching giant Nile Perch is a top activity by boat or you can fish from the shore. There are about 50 fish species in the lake.
Central Island National Park
Lake Turkana has the biggest Crocodile population in the world and you can see many of them on this amazing island. Central Island has a number of volcanic features with 3 small jade colored lakes – images of it taken from the air are often displayed in connection with Lake Turkana.
Koobi Fora and Sibiloi National Park
Fossils, a Petrified Forest and wildlife are what you will find here. You can explore the origins of man and see giant fossils of pre-historic creatures amongst thousands of other animal remains. There is a museum and tours can be arranged in advance. Wildlife in the park includes Nile Crocodile, Reticulated Giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Hippo and more.
Birding
Lake Turkana is home to hundreds of local bird species (at least 350) as well as a rich variety of migrants which arrive in the summer. African Skimmers, Flamingos, Pelicans, Cormorants, Fish Eagles, Ibis and also Spoonbills are just a few of the species you can spot.
Cultural Interaction
Going to Lake Turkana is like stepping back in time – the local tribes continue with their traditional way of life despite the modern world. Visitors often feel like they have seen the true Africa as it was in the days of the great explorers. The tribes of this region are fascinating to say the least and meeting the local people in their colorful attire is a highlight for any visitor.
Home to the International Camel Derby
The Northern Frontier District. You will traverse along some of Africa’s worst roads, see beautiful mountain forest surrounded on all sides by hot dusty deserts, eventually arriving at our camp on the shores of the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana). Ours is the only camp situated right on the beach of the lake with spectacular views of the South Island. The camp comprises 12 double traditional Turkana palm leaf huts, a dinning/lounge, kitchen, showers and toilets. Our 20-seat boat is based here and is available for sunset cruises and our visit to Elmoro Bay some 12 kms to the north. You will see a great variety of tribes during the tour and cross the Chalbi Desert if dry.
Kenya Budget Camping Safaris
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