South Turkana National Reserve
South Turkana National Reserve is located off Kitale Lodwar highway in the rugged foot hills of Nasalot Mountain in Kenya. South Turkana National reserve covers 1,091 sq. kilometers in the foot hills of Mount Nasalot near Lake Turkana, due to the conditions of the reserve being a dry region all through the year there are very few tourists who visit the reserve. The Reserve is made up of a rugged landscape covered in seasonal river beds, patches of dry savannah grasses and thorny bushes. The distance from Kitale to the reserve gate is estimated around 98km.
South Turkana National reserve is a rugged and very beautiful expanse of land with the landscape has a great variety. Although it is low on plains game, it is worth a visit for the large expanses of mixed vegetation and the landscape. South Turkana national Reserve has a number of permanent rivers with woodland fringes and salty springs, game viewing.
Attractions in South Turkana National Reserve.
Wildlife.
The Reserve has animal species that includes the elephant, giraffe, buffalo, eland, Oryx, impala, bush back, greater kudu, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, jackal, crocodiles and many others.
Bird species.
South Turkana National Reserve has got a variety of bird species which gathers on the banks of the Kerio River in the reserve that attract the tourists to thrill while on Kenya Safaris.
Scenic landscape and Mountain vistas.
These are located in the Reserve which offers the spectacular views to the guests who visit the reserve in order to get the clear view to spot all the related features in the reserve.
Permanet Rivers.
South Turkana National reserve has permanent rivers that are having woodland fringes and salty springs which are also attracted by the tourists in the reserve.
Activities done in South Turkana National Reserve.
Game Viewing.
The reserve however boasts of several species of wild game such as elephants, buffalo, Oryx, bushbuck, greater kudu, Grant ’s gazelle, leopard, cheetah, jackal, lion, giraffe, spotted hyena, jackal, and among others. Crocodiles in the reserve can be spotted in the river bed on Keiro River with jaws wide open. The guests can be able to view those animal species during the game viewing in their wheel vehicles around the reserve with the help of the tour guides.
Bird watching.
Guests can be able to view and watch various bird species in the reserve, this gives them the good time especially the bird lovers in the reserve by observing various bird species, their physical appearances colour, and size and among other characteristics loved by the birder.
Camel Riding.
Here in the reserve the guests are taken at the back of the camels while moving around the reserve in different areas as they exploring various animal species, bird species in the reserve as well as enjoying the nature.
Mountain Biking.
In the reserve, also Mountain biking activity is done by the guests because it is enjoyable and highly participated physical activity sport in the reserve.
Fishing.
Due to the various rivers in the reserve that are permanent, the guests can be given the trials and chances of carrying out fishing with experienced fishermen, it is such a stunning and awesome activity of getting fish from the rivers.
Where to stay in South Turkana National Reserve.
In the reserve there are no accommodation facilities for the guests, but there are other options in the nearest towns where there are accommodation facilities for the guests like the Kitale, Lodwar towns there are several accommodation for the guests, and several hotels in Kenya as well are also available.
Best time to visit South Turkana National reserve.
The Reserve can be visited throughout the year, due to the condition of the reserve being dry thus favoring almost all the activities taking place in the reserve like camel riding, mountain biking, game Viewing annually. As well as fishing can be done annually which is supported by the permanent rivers in the reserve.
How to get to South Turkana National reserve.
The reserve can be accessed by both air and road transport from the Nairobi to reach the reserve.
By Road Transport.
The reserve is located off Kitale Lodwar highway in the rugged foothills of Nasolot Mountain in Kenya. The distance from Kitale to the reserve gate is estimated around 98 km. the drive from Nairobi is on the A1 road which goes through Wabuye on A104 to Lodwar and Lokchogio. The A1 road crosses the western parts of the reserve. The distance between Nairobi and the reserve if 492.2 km which takes over 9 hr. 41 minutes.
There are other two alternative routes to the South Turkana reserve; one through the Lake Baringo and other goes through Kerio valley and connects to Lokichar road. 4WD are recommended for up country travel in Kenya. There are public transport means to Kapenguria, Lodwar and West Turkana region.
By Flight means.
The reserve has be accessed from Nairobi to the reserve by the use of the scheduled flight from Nairobi.
The Reserve is such a very rocky, very stunning expanse of land which everyone should have a look and pay a visit too because of its most admiring features.
