Lodwar Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, hiking routes, where to stay, what to eat, and local customs of Lodwar, Kenya. Learn travel tips and how to get to and around Lodwar.


A Complete Tour Guide for Lodwar, Kenya - Travel to Northern Rift Valley

Lodwar is a town located in the Northern Rift Valley region of Kenya. As you visit Lodwar, you’ll have the opportunity to explore several natural and cultural sites, making this a fantastic destination. In this article, we will be outlining everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Lodwar.

List of Places to Visit in Lodwar

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Lodwar offers tourists a unique cultural experience based on its diverse population, including the highly traditional communities of the Turkana people. The following are some notable cultural landmarks worth visiting:

  • Turkana Cultural Centre: This center provides an impressive insight into the everyday life of the Turkana people. The center is a great stop to appreciate the culture and lifestyle of the Turkana people.
  • Nabuyatom Crater: A massive crater hole considered a significant depression and a must-see sightseeing location for visitors to the region. Nabuyatom is considered sacred to the Turkana people and is believed to have strong spiritual power.
  • The Gateway of Loyangalani: A beautiful monument located at the edge of Lake Turkanain homage to the Turkana people’s history.
  • Lopurriya Rock Art Sites: A prehistoric treasure located on the slopes of Mt. Loima. It hosts paintings of animals, such as giraffes, elephants, lions and human figures, dating back to about 3000BC.

Natural Attractions of Lodwar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Visitors to Lodwar can explore a wide range of beautiful landscapes and take part in outdoor activities and adventures. Below are some of the natural landmarks worth seeing:

  • Central Island National Park: This park is located on an island in Lake Turkana and is home to an impressive array of bird species and wildlife.
  • Kerio Valley: This valley runs from the southern end of Lake Turkana to the eastern end of the Elgeyo Escarpment. The views are breathtaking, and visitors can take guided walks to explore the flora and fauna.
  • Lake Turkana: The largest desert lake in the world and a World Heritage Site, Lake Turkana is a must-visit for any tourist. It is home to unique fish species that cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Sibiloi National Park: Famous for fossils, it is here that the last common ancestor to humans and apes was first discovered in the region. The park is also a critical bird-watching spot, with many migratory species flocking to the area during the wet seasons.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lodwar

Lodwar offers excellent walking and cycling trails for adventurers. Here are some of the top routes to explore:

  • Kerio Valley Escarpment: A popular location with jaw-dropping views, the valley’s heights provide the perfect experience for hikers and mountain climber enthusiasts.
  • Kirisia Hills: These are the last outlying hills before the arid plains of the northern Suguta valley. The hills have sandstone arches resembling Stonehenge and offer a panorama view of Lake Turkana and the surrounding area.
  • Mount Koraiti: This mountain is located south of the town and has an elevation of about 600 meters above sea level. On a clear day, visitors can take in views of Lake Turkana, the Kerio Valley, and the northern desert plains.

Best Things to Do in Lodwar: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Lodwar, such as:

  • Boat Trip on Lake Turkana: A visit to the lake town of Kalokol offers a trip on the tranquil calmer waters of the lake on a little boat.
  • Attend a Turkana Festival: Learn about the history and culture of local communities such as the Turkana.
  • Visit Lobolo Cultural Manyatta: Experience life in a traditional Turkana village in the lobolo region. See how they live, eat, and earn their livelihood.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lodwar

For an exciting itinerary, visitors can break their week like this:

Monday Central Island National Park
Tuesday Nabuyatom Crater & Turkana Cultural Centre
Wednesday Kirisia Hills
Thursday Mount Koraiti
Friday Attend a Turkana Festival
Saturday Sibiloi National Park
Sunday Relax at the Lodwar Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Lodwar

Lodwar is famous for its unique food and drink culture. Below are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lokemoi: A traditional Turkana food, consisting of a mixture of meat, blood, and milk.
  • Asintado: A dish made from a mixture of maize, beans, and cowpeas.
  • Esir: A popular dish made of crushed maize grains.

Local Beverages

  • Bissap Juice: Made from the hibiscus plant, this drink is popular all over Africa and is served cold.
  • Palm Wine: A sweet alcoholic beverage made from the sap of various coconut palms.

Where to Stay in Lodwar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lodwar has a variety of accommodation options that provide visitors with comfortable, affordable, and memorable stays. Some recommendations include:

  • Turkwel Lodge: Located just off the Lodwar-Lokichar road and offers excellent facilities such as a restaurant and bar, free WiFi and a flat-screen television.
  • Korzang’ok Guest House: Situated in a central location in Lodwar, this guest house has basic rooms and provides airport luggage pick-up and drop-off services.
  • Lobolo Tented Camp: This camp provides a luxurious camping experience with stunning views of the Northern Rift Valley.

What to Buy in Lodwar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lodwar offers visitors authentic handcrafted souvenirs and local products. Some items worth buying include:

  • Turkana Beaded Jewelry: The colorful and intricately designed necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are unique to the Turkana tribe.
  • Turkana Baskets and Mats: Admire the craftsmanship of the woven baskets and mats made by the Turkana women.
  • Palm Wine: Visitors can bring home a bottle of palm wine as it’s made locally from the sap of various coconut palms.

Local Culture and Customs of Lodwar

The majority of the population in Lodwar comprises the Turkana tribe, and understanding its culture is essential. Some customs and traditions to respect include:

  • In many areas, visitors should refrain from taking photographs of locals without first asking permission.
  • It’s courteous to barter for goods and services with locals rather than to pay the stated price.
  • Learn some Turkana phrases such as ‘ Nany a lakoa?’ which translates to ‘How are you?’

Best Time to Visit Lodwar

Lodwar is a year-round destination; however, the best time to visit is between January and March when the weather is dry and sunny. The temperatures are mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lodwar

Do:

  • Enjoy and appreciate the local culture, touring museums, and attending festivals.
  • sample the unique delicacies and local beverages.
  • Respect cultural traditions, such as permission to photograph locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t display affluence.
  • Don’t take photographs of locals without permission.
  • Don’t remove any artifacts from cultural sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lodwar

Lodwar is relatively safe, although visitors should exercise caution, especially at night or in remote areas. It’s advisable to avoid travelling alone and walking around with your luggage.

Health in Lodwar

Malaria is common in Lodwar, and visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions, such as taking malaria pills and using mosquito nets. Furthermore, visitors should seek medical help immediately if they feel unwell or experience any health-related problems.

Getting to Lodwar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lodwar

The town has an airport, Lodwar Airport, which has daily flights to and from Nairobi.

Bus Stations Near Lodwar

Visitors can use the road system to reach Lodwar via public buses such as Shuttle Bus, Eldoret Express, and Chania Prestige Sacco. One can also get to Lodwar via a bus from Nairobi.

How to Get Around in Lodwar

To get around Lodwar, visitors can use public transit buses and minibusses known as matatus. Alternatively, visitors can rent a car or a bike. Taxis and auto-rickshaws known as tuk-tuks are also available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Lodwar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lodwar is an excellent base for exploring the Northern Rift Valley region. Some neighbouring locations to explore include:

  • Kakuma Refugee Camp: One of the largest refugee camps globally, located only an hour’s drive from Lodwar.
  • Kerio Valley: A stunning destination with vast views of the valley.
  • Samburu National Reserve: A great destination for an African wildlife experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lodwar is an outstanding destination that offers a unique experience for tourists. The region’s natural beauty and diverse cultural offerings make it a must-visit location while in Kenya. From hiking and biking routes to cultural aspects and outdoor activities, Lodwar is an excellent destination for families, solo travellers and groups alike. Plan a trip to Lodwar today, and you will not be disappointed.

Lodwar from hill Lodwar from hill Cathedral Cathedral