Geographical Location and Historical Background
Located on top of a hill, with a backdrop of the picturesque Lake Turkana, also known as the “Jade Sea”, the Desert Museum, Loiyangalani was opened in June 2008.
The National Museums of Kenya in realizing the unique cultures in this region and following its mandate to preserve and promote Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage, presents you with rich heritage of the eight communities living around Lake Turkana.
Loiyangalani is a small town located on the southeastern coast of the lake. The name Loiyangalani, means “a place of many trees” in the native Samburu Language and is also home to the El Molos, an almost extinct community.
The town was formed from a freshwater spring and can be termed as an Oasis in the desert. It is fast becoming a tourist attraction due to the unique desert environment coupled with the rich cultural lifestyle of the peoples of Lake Turkana. Some of the amenities in the town include:
- Airstrip
- Post Office
- Fishing Station
- Campsites
- Lodges
The communities living in this area include the; El Molo, Turkana, Pokot, Rendile, Samburu, Gabbra, Watta and Dassanach.
Activities and attractions:
- Desert Museum
- Rock Art
- El Molo Village Tours
- El Molo Shrines
- Lake Turkana
- Beach
- Local Market
- Camping
In a bid to promote both local and international tourism, the National Museums of Kenya in collaboration with other patners, organize the Lake Turkana Festival, a cultural festival held annually in Loiyangalani, to celebrate the culture in this region.