Lake Turkana`s South Island.key

$6,935 p.p.
- 4 pax -
L A K E T U R K A N A’ S S O U T H I S L A N D
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ADVENTURES TO THE JADE SEA
TIMEFRAME – 7 days & 8 nights
SEASON: July to March
SPECIES
– Nile perch, golden perch, tigerfish, freshwater pufferfish, multiple
tilapia species, alestes, multiple catfish species
WATER BODIES – Desert Lake
PLACE & COUNTRY – Lake Turkana, Kenya
ACCOMMODATION – Mobile bush camp - these camps are set up in very
remote areas and are simplistic, but comfortable.
FOOD –
Basic or customised
Specially designed menus and customised catering can be arranged at an extra cost.
FLIGHTS & TRANSPORT –
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Flights from Nairobi to Nanyuki & scenic drive to Lake Turkana.
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Helicopters available from Nanyuki and Nairobi.
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Flights from Samburu to Nairobi.
VISA - 50 USD (online application).
WEATHER–
Turkana is a very windy, dry, hot place. Temperatures get up to
35-40°c during the day. At night, temperature drops but rarely falls below 20°c.
MOBILE BUSH CAMPS
B A C K G R O U N D I N F O R M AT I O N
Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea, is the world’s largest desert
lake and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the largest breeding
ground for the Nile crocodile. The Turkana Basin preserves a long and
detailed record of biotic evolution, cultural development, and rift valley
geology in its sedimentary strata. Recently, a fossilised blue whale
skeleton was found on the Northern shores, proving its ancient
connectivity to the Indian Ocean.
!
The lake is predominantly fed by the mighty Omo River in Ethiopia and the
Turkwell who’s origins are the North East slopes Mount Elgon in Uganda.
The lake is a snapshot into the past; a hot and arid landscape surrounded
by hills and extinct volcanoes. Harsh land, clean blue green waters. and an
abundance of rocky outcrops, shallow bays, deep holes, the Chalbe desert
and petrified forest of Kubi Fora to the North. South and Central Islands
are both national reserves.
!
Kenya’s Northern Frontier, which Turkana is part of, is the wildest area of
the country. Huge expanses of arid desert are inhabited by nomadic
pastoralists and fishing tribes such as the Pokot, Turkana, El Molo,
Pokomo, Samburu, Rendille, Gabra, and the Soyei. Often inaccessible to
the average tourist, it is also the least visited but most spectacular part of
Kenya.
THE FISHING EXPERIENCE
The fishing on Lake Turkana is more varied than any other freshwater system in Kenya. From Nile perch on fly and lure to live baits, drop shots, bottom jigs, and soft bait
jellies. Following contour and deep water reefs trolling with down rigger and lures is a great way of catching some of the monsters lurking below. Casting onto rocky
outcrops, shallow reefs, and shoreline caves can be extraordinary too.
With more than 50 fish species, the fishing techniques are endless. Since the lake’s conditions are strongly influenced by wind and chop, fishing by foot from the shoreline,
surrounding bays, and islands is a great alternative to boating. Sight casting to large shoals of blue faced tilapia or shoaling tigerish is a great way to spend the early
morning and evening hours, while stalking feeding perch in the shallows on fly or light spinning tackle can be very rewarding. Sight casting at yellowfish and barbus species
is another fantastic option with light tackle.
Make sure you are prepared for very windy conditions and that you have plenty of varied fishing gear to suit the rapidly changing weather conditions of the lake.
THE TERRAIN
The shoreline and islands are covered in shells, lava, sharp rock,
and hardy grass species. The heat during the day can get
uncomfortable at times and we highly recommend you prepare
yourself for that with the appropriate clothing and conditions.
The lake can get very choppy and unpleasant when the wind is
blowing hard, but can be very glassy on good days.
WILDLIFE
The drive between Nanyuki and the Southern shoreline passes through very wild areas with chances of seeing leopard, lion, wild
dog, gerenuk, Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, and more. Once on the lake, the Nile crocodile is very abundant. Their breeding beaches
can be visited and observed from a safe distance. Birding is perhaps the second most exciting activity on the lake. Most of the
islands are covered with endemic and migrating bird species. Snakes and scorpions enjoy the shelter of the rocks and crevices while
lizard species can also be seen.
ITINERARY
D AY 1
Charter flight from Nairobi to Nanyuki and start the safari through the Northern Frontier. Overnight under the
stars in one of our mobile bush camps.
D AY 2
Scenic drive to the shores of Lake Turkana where you will cross to South Island by boat. This crossing is weather dependant. Arrive
at the South Island mobile bush camp and spend the afternoon fishing from the shore or by boat. Sundowners overlooking the lake
and dinner under the stars. (Note: no permanent camps have been built on South Island as it is a National Park).
D AY 3 & 4
Fish around the many bays and rocky outcrops of the South Island and determine your own favourite fishing style.
D AY 5 & 6
Spend the morning fishing the lake’s deepest drop offs and pinnacles, near the Nabuyatan volcano and have lunch on a
secluded beach. Return to camp for an evening session or spend the night live baiting for large perch. Spend your last full
day fishing your favourite spot.
D AY 7
Transfer back across to the mainland. Again, the timing of this crossing is weather dependant. Spend your last night in
another mobile bush camp in or around Samburu.
D AY 8
Bush breakfast and charter flight from Samburu back to Nairobi. Transfer to hotel or to the international airport.
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Here is a handy list of what we recommend you bring with you. We can provide assorted fly
packs with all the necessary flies you will require. Just let us know along with your enquiry.
FISHING EQUIPMENT
OTHER EQUIPMENT
PERCH
• 8-12 wt fly rod with intermediate or heavy sinking lines (200-500 grain)
• 50-200 lb tippet
• Brush flies, clousers, and baitfish patterns.
• Spinning rods: light to heavy (10-60lb). Braid recommended.
• Walking shoes, open shoes (sandals), and water shoes • Hat, sunblock, cool long sleeved fishing shirts, buff • Polarised sunglasses • Halco, rapala, storm, paddle tail plastics, feather jigs, & live bait rigs - circle hooks recommended
• Water bottles with rehydrant salts
TIGERFISH
• 4-8 wt fly rod with floating line
• Medium sized spinning gear
• Spinners, lures, soft baits, drop shots, and spoons/f-zett
!
TILAPIA, ALESTES, TETRAS, AND YELLOWFISH/ BARBEL
• 2-6 wt fly rod with floating/intermediate line
• Algae patterns, weighted nymphs, dry flies and terrestrials, closer minnows, streamers
• Light spinning gear
• Spinners, drop shots, and small lures
• Quick dry shorts and swimming trunks • light sweater & long trousers • Fishing gloves or stripping gloves
• Rain jacket or windbreaker THIS TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Fishing Equipment
• Visas
• International Flights
• Accommodation in Nairobi
- MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE IS COMPULSORY - Please email us for any further enquiries -
[email protected]
[email protected]
W W W. I O L A U S . B I Z