Exploring the Wonders of Lake Turkana: A Kenyan Adventure

Island Hopping on the Jade Sea

Today was nothing short of spectacular. Lake Turkana, with its mesmerizing jade-green waters, has already cast its spell on me. Leaving the familiar comforts of Trout Tree Restaurant, Liam and I embarked on a day of exploration that took us to the heart of Central Island National Park and the enigmatic shores of Envaitenet. The stark beauty of this remote corner of Kenya is something I'll never forget, a landscape that challenges the very notion of what it means to be alive and thriving.

Our day began, as all good days should, with a hearty breakfast at Trout Tree Restaurant. I savored the fresh flavors, knowing we needed the energy for the adventures ahead. This place has become our little haven, a familiar spot amidst the wild unknown. After breakfast, we set off towards Central Island National Park. The boat ride across the lake was an experience in itself. The sheer vastness of Lake Turkana is humbling, and the wind carried with it the scent of the desert and the promise of discovery. As we approached Central Island, the landscape transformed dramatically.


Explore Central Island National Park, a stunning volcanic haven in Lake Turkana, rich in wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Emerging starkly from the blue-green waters, the island is a cluster of volcanic cones, a testament to the earth's raw power. It felt like stepping onto another planet. Central Island National Park is made up of three active volcanoes that emit sulphurous smoke and steam. Several craters have merged to form three crater lakes: Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake. These lakes provide conducive breeding grounds for the world's largest concentration of Nile crocodiles and are home to thousands of endemic fish. Liam, ever the geologist, was in his element, pointing out the various formations and explaining the island's volcanic history. I, of course, was captivated by the stark contrast of the black lava against the turquoise waters, a photographer's dream come true.

We hiked around the island, the views becoming more breathtaking with every step. The heat was intense, but the landscape was so otherworldly that it spurred us on. We saw countless birds, a testament to the island's importance as a migratory stopover. The idea that life could flourish in such an arid environment was truly inspiring.

The stark beauty of Lake Turkana challenges our perceptions and reminds us of the resilience of life in the face of adversity.

After exploring Central Island, we ventured towards Envaitenet, also known as the “Island of No Return”. The name alone sent shivers down my spine. Local legends say that anyone who goes there never comes back. Of course, Liam and I were determined to see it for ourselves, though we approached with a healthy dose of respect.


Explore Envaitenet in Layeni, Kenya: A captivating tourist attraction blending stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
As we approached Envaitenet, an eerie silence fell over the lake. The island seemed deserted, a stark contrast to the vibrant life we had witnessed on Central Island. We explored the shores, finding remnants of an abandoned village, a chilling reminder of the island's mysterious past. The stories say that people used to live on the island, fishing and trading with the mainland, but then they suddenly disappeared. Some say it was slave traders, others speak of monsters and strange creatures. Whatever the reason, the island felt haunted, a place where the veil between worlds was thin.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was time to head back. As we sailed away from Envaitenet, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were leaving something behind, a piece of ourselves perhaps. The island held a strange power, a reminder of the mysteries that still lie hidden in our world.

Back at Trout Tree, we enjoyed a well-deserved dinner. The Planet Pub For Beer/Wine & Spirits was calling our name, and we headed over for a nightcap. Sipping on a local brew, we recounted the day's adventures, the volcanic landscapes, the crocodiles, the eerie silence of Envaitenet. It was a day of contrasts, of beauty and mystery, of life and death. Lake Turkana had shown us its many faces, and we were grateful for every moment.


Experience delightful dining at Trout Tree Restaurant in Nanyuki—where fresh trout meets breathtaking riverside views.
As I sit here now, writing in my journal, I can't help but feel a sense of awe. This journey is more than just a photography trip; it's a journey into the heart of the unknown, a chance to connect with the raw beauty of our planet and the stories that shape it.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Sibiloi National Park and the Koobi Fora Museum. I'm eager to see what other wonders Lake Turkana holds, what other stories it has to tell. One thing is for sure: this adventure is far from over.

I’m also reminded that the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is coming up soon. It sounds like an incredible celebration of the region’s diverse communities. Maybe we can extend our stay and experience it!

Lake Turkana is a place that stays with you, long after you've left its shores. It's a place that challenges your perceptions and reminds you of the resilience of life in the face of adversity. I feel so grateful to be here, to witness its beauty, and to share its stories with you all.

Until tomorrow,
Mette