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What is the largest lake in Kenya?

The largest lake in Kenya is Lake Turkana. Lake Turkana in Kenya, commonly known as The Jade Sea, is renowned for its greenish-blue hues and notoriously powerful desert winds.

Lake Turkana, commonly known as the Jade Sea, was first named Lake Rudolph in 1888 and renamed Lake Turkana in 1975. Lake Turkana is known for its greenish-blue tints, earning the moniker "Jade Sea." This is the world's biggest alkaline lake.

Lake Turkana is 300 kilometers long and 50 kilometers broad, making it the biggest lake in Kenya (although Lake Victoria, shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is larger). It is also the world's biggest permanent desert lake. The water is safe to drink, but it tastes unpleasant.

Three rivers feed into the lake, but there is no outlet; all water loss occurs through evaporation.

Lake Turkana, at barely 300 meters above sea level, is one of Kenya's hottest spots, with temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius. 

Lake Turkana, the world's biggest alkaline lake, offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities. Here are some ideas on things to do during your trip.

  • Wildlife: Visit and discover Lake Turkana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kenya. The Sibiloi National Park and its two islands, Central Island and South Island, are home to a varied range of species. This contains crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species (on the islands). Sibiloi is home to cheetahs, lions, and hyenas, among other animals.
  • Visit the Tribes: The El Molo Tribe is Kenya's smallest and least-known ethnic community, residing on the shores of Lake Turkana. You may discover their own culture and way of life.
  • Astronomy: Lake Turkana's pristine sky and lack of light pollution make it an ideal place for stargazing.
  • Enjoy the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival: If you visit during the annual Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (which takes place in Loiyangalani in May), you'll see traditional dances, singing, and other cultural presentations from fourteen ethnic communities.
  • Visit Craters: Various craters may be found across the islands. Tourists are drawn to the Nabiyotum crater, which is a salty, alkaline lake in a volcanic crater on the southern side of Lake Turkana.

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