“The cradle of mankind” Sibiloi National Park is one of the world’s greatest treasures, where proof of man’s origins was found. It was originally established by the Kenya National Museum to protect unique prehistoric and archaeological sites.
Fact File
Altitude 1,000 – 2,000ft
Area Sibiloi 1,570 sq. kms
Area Central Island 39 sq. kms
Area South Island 5 sq. kms
Distance from Nairobi 800 kms
Airstrip at Turkwel Dam
Sibiloi Opened August 1973
Origins of man: Koobi Fora Museum & Research Base
Thousands of Fossils including giant torroise behemoth, 45 ft. long crocodile,
Lake Turkana & Scenery
Birdwatching: Flamingo, Pelicans, Ducks
Shoreline gameviewing: hippo, crocodile, zebra giraffe
In this remote area near Kenya’s border with Ethiopia, some of the earliest hominid traces were found. Koobi Fora finds are considered some of the most important palaeontological discoveries of the 20th Century.
In the 1960s and 1970s more than 160 fossil remains of early man including Homo Habilis and Homo Erectus were discovered, putting man’s origins back three million years. More than 4,000 fossil specimens of mammal and stone age artefacts have been discovered here.
The locations of the most important finds can be visited. Four particular treasures are: the shell of a giant tortoise dating back three million years, a set of jaws over 5ft. long from a crocodile believed to have been over 45ft. in length and the exticnt Behemoth, forbearer of the elephant with massive tusks, both dating back 1.5 million years and the hominid (early man).
Lake Turkana is 265 km. long with an average width of 30 km. There are turtles, 60 species of fish and thousands of flamingoes, pelicans and other water birds. The lake’s water is remarkable for its ‘soaplike’ softness and fascinating shifting images and reflections.
Nearby Parks
Central Island National Park
Central Island Opened Jan. 1985
The Crater lakes in the Central Island National Park offer an excellent opportunity for viewing and photography. The Central Island is an important breeding ground for crocodiles. There is prolific shoreline game including hippos, plains and Grevy’s zebra, topi, oryx, reticulated giraffe, greater kudu and Grants gazelle.
South Island National Park
South Island Opened Jan. 1983
South Island National Park is easier to reach and offers exciting views of giant crocodiles and age-old traditional lifestyles. There is an airstrip, but boat trips are available from the western shore. There are three campsites in the Alia Bay region.
Malkamari National Park
Malkamari National Park is located on the north eastern border with Ethiopia. The park opened in October 1989 and covers and area of 876sq. kms.
