Which is the second-largest lake in Kenya?

The second largest lake in Kenya is Lake Turkana. Lake Turkana is the second largest lake in the country and is among the most unusual and dramatic natural landscapes in Kenya.

Lake Turkana is located in northern Kenya, stretching across the arid Rift Valley toward the Ethiopian border. The lake has an area of about 6,405 square kilometers, which is quite large compared to other Kenyan lakes such as Naivasha, Nakuru, and Baringo.

Geographic Location and Features

Lake Turkana is situated in the Great Rift Valley, which is one of the most seismically active parts of the Earth. Contrary to most freshwater lakes, Lake Turkana is a saline (slightly salty) and alkaline lake and has a characteristic jade-green color. The environment is dry and dramatic with volcanic hills, lava fields, and desert plains.

Lake Turkana receives the supply of water from various rivers, which include the Omo River of Ethiopia, which supplies most of the water in the lake. The water levels in the lake may vary considerably as a result of high rates of evaporation attributed to the hot climate.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Although Lake Turkana has a very hostile climate, a startlingly rich ecosystem exists in the lake. It supports one of Africa's largest populations of Nile crocodiles, along with hippos and fish species adapted to alkaline conditions. The wetlands and the lake also serve as a habitat to migratory birds, so it is a significant bird habitat in northern Kenya.

The Lake Turkana National Parks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves a number of ecological areas along the lake.

Cultural and Historical Importance

The Lake Turkana area is commonly known as the Cradle of Mankind. The area has produced some of the most significant early human remains ever found, such as the remains of Homo habilis and Homo erectus. Such findings have rendered the region of the world of great importance to archaeology and anthropology.

The lake also forms the focal point of the lives of indigenous people who include the Turkana, El Molo, and Dassanech, who depend on fishing, pastoralism, and traditional livelihoods.

Things to Do in Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana offers several unique activities to adventure tourists, nature enthusiasts, and cultural tourists despite its remote and rugged location.

1. Explore Lake Turkana National Parks

Lake Turkana is enclosed by a variety of protected places such as the Central Island National Park, the South Island National Park, and the Sibiloi National Park. These parks are suitable for wildlife viewing, geological research, and studying the natural history of the area. One of the most well-known places in Central Island is the volcanic craters and breeding areas of crocodiles.

2. Wildlife and Bird Watching

The Nile crocodiles, hippos, and adapted fish species are found in Lake Turkana, the largest population of Nile crocodiles in Africa. The lake is also home to a wide variety of migratory and resident bird species, which makes it a great birdwatching destination, especially at the shores and islands.

3. Visit Archaeological and Fossil Sites

The Lake Turkana area is fondly referred to as the Cradle of Mankind due to the presence of some of the finest archaeological sites in the world. Tourists are allowed to visit the regions around Koobi Fora, where some of the ancient human fossils have been found, providing information about human evolution.

4. Cultural Encounters With Local Communities

The lake is enclosed by the native groups like the Turkana, El Molo, and Dassanech. Cultural trips enable the tourist to get to know about the traditional lifestyles, fishing techniques, beadwork, and pastoral activities that have been in existence for ages.

5. Boat Trips and Island Visits

The Lake Turkana guided boat trips provide another view of the scenery and can take one to such islands as Central Island. Such excursions will be excellent in terms of photography and studying the wildlife, as well as admiring the immense size and rare color of the lake.

6. Photography and Scenic Exploration

Lake Turkana has volcanic topography, dramatic desert landscapes, and jade colored waters, thus making it a place of heaven for photographers. Some of the most breathtaking lights can be found in the sunrise and sunset.

7. Adventure and Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

Lake Turkana is an off-the-beaten-path adventure for experienced travelers who want to explore the more remote areas. Touring the region with the 4WD vehicle, camping around the lake, and enjoying its raw and untouched environment are the best things to do among the more experienced explorers.

Which is the second-largest lake in Kenya?

Geographic Location and Features

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Cultural and Historical Importance