The lake Turkana Festival takes place annually in Loiyangalani, a small town located on the south-eastern coast of Lake Turkana. The name means “a place of many trees” in the native Samburu tongue and is home to the El Molo, an almost extinct community, amongst other communities. Its main industries include fishing, tourism and gold panning.
It is fast becoming a popular tourist destination in Northern Kenya, as the surrounding El Molo and Turkana villages, amongst others, offer unique cultural experiences.
June 2008, the National Museums of Kenya officially opened the first and only Desert Museum in Loiyangalani, which mirrors the Cultures and lifestyles of the eight communities that live in this area. This is also the year when the 1st Lake Turkana Cultural Festival took place celebrating and uniting all tribes affiliated to Loiyangalani, that live around Lake Turkana. The 3 day carnival is a celebration of the rich cultures of the El Molo, Samburu, Gabbra, Rendile, Watta, Dasannach and the Turkana all who live around the Jade Sea. The Lake Turkana Festival is worth attending as you explore this northern frontier and enjoy the myriad of colorful cultures while discovering the hidden treasures of Lake Turkana.
