 IBILOI
IS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE, containing some of the
world’s most important palaeontological and
archaeological sites. Although best known as an
important part of the East African "Cradle of
Humanity,"
Sibiloi has excellent wildlife viewing to offer above and beyond its
rich palaeontological and archaeological heritage.
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MAMMALS
Sibiloi is a refuge to a number of dry country
wildlife species including gerenuk, Oryx, the more
rare lesser kudu and Grevy's zebra. Furthermore, an
abundance of Topi and the more common Burchell’s
zebra can be seen grazing along the shoreline.
Carnivores include both the striped and spotted
hyena, the side-striped and golden jackal, cheetah,
lion and other small cats including caracal.
There is excellent game viewing at Sibiloi,
particularly along the waters edge where large
numbers of Topi and zebra can be seen drinking and
grazing on the shoreline grasses and, where jackal
and hyena have been sited. Further inland where the
landscape opens up offering vast panoramic views,
cheetah can seen. Herds of majestic Oryx (aptly
nicknamed ‘unicorns’ due to their long, elegant
horns) can be found both near the lake and further
inland whilst the long-necked gerenuk are found
browsing amongst the euphorbia (often standing on
their hind legs to reach the higher branches). [
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BIRDS
At first glance the area seems an unlikely place to
find a rich and incredibly diverse bird life
however, the proximity of Lake Turkana attracts a
host of different species. Not only can various
local species be found along the shore but also an
incredible number of African and Palaearctic
Migrants that break their long migrations north and
south at Turkana. There are also a number of species
to be found further inland in the dry luggas, the
open plains and the commiphora thickets. The role of
Lake Turkana as a pit stop for these migrant species
means that at certain times of the year, well over
300 species can be found in area. This
wonderful diversity makes Sibiloi a birders
paradise.
Numerous water birds including pelicans, various
species of heron, ducks, flamingos, gulls and the
African Skimmer can be found along the shoreline,
including Palaearctic migrants such as the Northern
Pintail. The alkaline waters of the Lake provide an
ideal habitat for the Lesser Flamingo, which has a
preferred diet of blue-green algae (the same algae
that gives the Lake its nickname, the “Jade Sea”).
Birds of prey such as the Osprey (a Palaearctic
migrant) and the African Fish Eagle can be seen
along the Lake whilst further inland the diversity
of birds of prey includes a number of vultures,
harriers, eagles and falcons. On the grassy plains
species endemic to the area such as the Heuglin’s
Bustard and the Crested Lark can be seen.
Central Island (so named for its location roughly in
the centre of the Lake) covers an area of 5km2 as is
not only an interesting visit for its scenic beauty
but is also worth a visit by any birder. An extinct
volcano, the island has three crater lakes, which
offer a habitat to a diversity of bird species
whilst the island itself is a breeding ground for a
number of both local and migratory bird species.
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REPTILES
The reptiles of Sibiloi National Park are less
known. If you are a dedicated reptile enthusiast,
help spotting and identifying the lesser-known
species of snakes and lizards is always welcome. Any
identifications would ideally be accompanied with a
photograph and should be brought to the attention of
the park warden.
Several many snake species can be found in Sibiloi,
the majority of which are harmless. However, there
are a few venomous varieties about, such as the puff
adder, caret viper, and spitting cobra. Caution
should be used when encountering any snake, but
while the venom of these snakes is quite potent, the
snakes themselves are shy, non-aggressive, and are
unlikely to present a problem if left alone.
By far the most famous herpetological interest in
Sibiloi is the Nile Crocodile. Lake Turkana is the
largest breeding ground in the world for these
spectacular creatures, and if you discreetly walk
the lake shore you're likely to see them sunning
themselves in the sand or swimming close to shore,
their eyes and nostrils poking out of the water.
Crocs present no real danger either if respected. On
the beach they are no problem, as you are unlikely
to get anywhere close to one before it dashes off
into the water. Swimming in Lake Turkana is fine in
many places, such as Koobi Fora Camp, but elsewhere
you should get advice from a reliable source before
plunging in. [ return to top ]
FLORA
The plant life of the Koobi Fora region is too
extensive to cover thoroughly here; however, most
species are typical of an East African dry-country
environment. The larger trees and bushes are of
several species of Acacia; succulent Euphorbia grows
in areas, providing browsing opportunities for many
different herbivores; many species of grasses
provide even better grazing opportunities. Around
the lake itself grow numerous reeds and water
plants. The entire region is dotted here and there
with the beautiful Desert Rose, and after rainy
periods many small, colorful flowers pop up almost
overnight. [ return to top ]
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Flowers of the Desert Rose [enlarge] |
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Flowers come up after rains [enlarge] |
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