Did you know Sibiloi National Park in Kenya has fossils that help us understand human evolution?
Find all these in Sibiloi National Park Kenya. In this article, Naicef will give you the best of Sibiloi National Parks accommodation and Hotel including attractions of Sibiloi National Park. We will also show you all you need to know about the cradle of humankind Sibiloi National Park.
For a quick Sibiloi National Park Safari Package, contact Naicef Here, email my@naicef.com, or tap +254799922277. Naicef is the best safari company to Sibiloi National Park in Kenya.
We are also helping you explore the best Naicef packages and safari tours across all the wildlife parks in Kenya for a personalized true African safari.
This park is a gem for you to explore while the Kenya Wildlife Service protects it. If you are a lover of history, this park is a must-visit.
Therefore, if you are visiting attractions in Kenya, and exploring national parks in Kenya, consider adding Sibiloi National Park to your list of beautiful Kenyan discoveries.
Interesting Facts About The Cradle of Humankind Sibiloi National Park Kenya
Did you know that this park has the fossils of a 3-million-year-old giant tortoise? The park also has fossils of ancient species of crocodile and a behemoth dating to millions of years ago.
The most famous remains from the park are the Australopithecus and early Homo fossils! The park is a very important archaeological site that has seen the study of human evolution more than any other site on the continent! Thus, the name, ‘Cradle of Mankind’
This historic National Park is a crocodile kingdom. The park is a breeding site for the largest Nile Crocodile colonies, globally. An estimated 12,000 crocodiles, are very unproblematic and live in harmony. Moreover, don’t test these creatures!
This park is an Important Bird Area (IBA). The birds here are mainly globally threatened, by congregators and Palearctic migrants. About 84 water bird species were recorded.
The park is home to species of fish including Nile Perch and Large Tilapia. Interestingly, there is a connection between Lake Turkana to the Red Sea because of the Puffer Fish.
The park was listed in 1997 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a part of Lake Turkana National Park.
Sibiloi National Park Map & Location
Where is Sibiloi National Park located? This historic park lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya. The park was established in 1973 by the government of Kenya.
It was established to protect the wildlife and paleontological sites there.
The park covers an area of 1,570 sq. km. Sibiloi National Park Kenya is located at Marsabit District, Eastern Province. Nairobi to Sibiloi National Park covers a distance of 800km.
Accessing Sibiloi National Park Kenya
How to get to Sibiloi National Park? The park is 800km North of Nairobi. The park is accessed by air and road.
By road, the park is a three-day drive from Nairobi through Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr.
Alternatively, the park can be accessed from Nairobi to Karakol on Lake Turkana’s western shores. This is through Kitale and Lodwar. From Karakol, access a boat to cross the lake to Aliabay.
By air, the park can be accessed through 2 airstrips.
Sibiloi National Park Airstrips are, Marsabit, Kalokol, North Horr, Loiyangalani, and Lodwar. However, the Lodwar airstrip is commonly used for commercial fights.
Sibiloi National Park gates
The park has one main gate, the Karsa gate. Other gates include Koobi Foora and Alia Bay.
Sibiloi National Park Entrance Fees
The charges for accessing the inside of the park are;
Sibiloi National Park Entrance Fees for EAC Citizen
Adult- KES 300
Child- KES 250
Sibiloi National Park Entrance Fees for the Rest of Africa
Adult- USD 20
Child- USD 15
Sibiloi National Park Entrance Fees for International Visitors
Adult- USD 25
Child- USD 15
Guided security per guide charges at Sibiloi National Park include
KES 1,720- up-to 4 hours
KES 3,015- over 4 hours
Boating charges at Sibiloi National Park are charged per hour at KES 1,290
Vehicle charges per day at the park include
KES 300 for less than 6 seats
KES 1,030- 6-12 seats
KES 2,585- 13-24 seats
KES 4,050- 25-44 seats
KES 5,000- 45 seats and above
Best time to visit Sibiloi National Park Kenya
When is the park best visited? The park is best visited in March. This is because this is the breeding season for the crocodiles and birds’ migration back to Europe.
Attractions of Sibiloi National Park
1. Lake Turkana, ‘The Jade Sea’
Lake Turkana is the most saline of the African Lakes. This is also one of the largest of the chain Rift valley lakes in Kenya. In addition to that, it is the world’s largest permanent and desert lake.
The Jade Sea is a chloro-carbonate alkaline covering up to 6,400 sq. km. The name Jade Sea comes from its blue-green color.
Lake Nakuru is called the pink lake because of the flamingos hanging around.
2. Homo Habilis’ Skull 1470
In 1972, Dr. Richard Leakey, a paleontologist discovered the park. The discovery was as a result of a 2-million-year-old skull being found in the park.
Labelled 1470 by the National Museums of Kenya, this skull confirmed the existence of homo habilis and homo erectus still in the park.
3. Animals in Sibiloi National Park
Mammals in the park include the Burchell’s and Grevy’s Zebra, Topi, Kudu, Leopard, Cheetah and many more. In addition to that, the park has over 60 fish species.
The park hosts the largest crocodile kingdom in the world. 12,000 crocodiles haven’t changed in 130 million years! Seems there is generational maintenance in their DNA!
There are venomous reptiles in the park. These reptiles include Night and Puff adder, Cobra and Saw-scaled viper.
4. Birdlife
The islands are home to birdlife including pelicans and flamingoes which are attracted by the alkaline nature of Lake Turkana.
Some of the birds include the Somali Ostrich, Heglin’s bustard, and Fox Kestrel among others. 350 recorded bird species are making it an Important Bird Area (IBA).
5. Koobi Fora Museum
The Cradle of Humankind Sibiloi National Park has evidences of fossils. The fossils of a 3-million-year-old tortoise, ancient crocodile species and a 1.5-million-year-old Behemoth are seen here.
6. Mount Sibiloi
Lying around the park, there are remains of a cedar forest which covered the lakeshores about 7 million years ago. Moreover, these forests offer nature walk activities. The remains of the petrified forests were found at the volcanic mount.
Activities & Things to do in Sibiloi National Park
Things to do in Sibiloi National Park include
- Camping
- Boat safaris
- Archaeological safaris
- Bird watching
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Cultural visits
- Game viewing.
Sibiloi National Park Accommodation & Hotel
Where to stay at Sibiloi National Park? The park has camps and self-catering stays and they are;
- Alia Bay Guest House
- Oasis Lodge
- Lobolo Tented Camp
- National Museums of Kenya, Koobi Fora
- Sunset Strip Camp
- Turkana Campsite
- Crocodile Campsite
Contact Naicef for the best accommodation deals!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sibiloi National Park is the best historical park in Kenya. It is known as the Cradle of Humankind. The best accommodation and hotel in Sibiloi National Park are Alia Bay Guest Houses.
The best attractions and activities to enjoy in this park are:
- Archaeological safaris
- Boat safaris
- Game viewing
- Fishing
To have the best tour in Kenya’s national parks, reach out to Naicef for the best African experiences. We are the best tour company in Kenya in packaging national parks because we focus on;
- Customer Centricity: we customize the best tours in Kenya and give the best to each traveller.
- Quality: we craft African experiences in quality for the best memorable safaris.
- Professionalism: our team is professional in creating a long-lasting relationship with all travel partners.
Moreover, on every safari you take with Naicef, you contribute to Sustainable tourism through our sustainable environmental and local community programs. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
For the best Kenyan safaris, contact Naicef via my@naicef.com or +254799922277
You can also opt for our Naicef savings plan to plan your visit to any national parks in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sibiloi National Park
1. Is it an archaeological site?
Yes, it is an archaeological site discovered in 1972 by Dr. Richard Leakey. It is the most researched archeological site in Africa!
2. Sibiloi National Park is in which country?
The park is located in Marsabit district, Kenya.
3. What is Sibiloi National Park known for?
The historical park is known for the findings of fossils that have formed basis to understanding of human evolution. The park is also famous for hosting Koobi Fora archeological site.
4. Why is it called the cradle of mankind?
This is because, it is the starting point of archeological discoveries.
