Lake Turkana Festival
The Lake Turkana Festival, also known as the Tobong’u Lore, is a cultural event where diverse indigenous communities around Lake Turkana celebrate their unique cultures and traditions. In the Turkana language, the phrase “Tobong’u Lore” is translated as “welcome back home.” It signifies the Turkana Basin’s archaeological and paleontological heritage.
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is celebrated annually around the spring season. Various communities around the Turkana region showcase their cultural tourism potential to the world. This is the largest annual cultural festival event, showcasing Kenya’s diverse cultures.
The Turkana Festival is designed to promote peace, tourism, and cultural exchange. Every June, the El Molo community holds this festival in Loiyangalani town. The Turkana people usually celebrate it in Lodwar every April. The festival is crowned by the Tobong’u Lore, the biggest of the Lake Turkana cultural festival events in Kenya.
The Loiyangalani event was first celebrated in 2008, and Lodwar started in 2014. It attracted different communities, including the Turkana, Somali, Samburu, the Dassanech, Sakuye, Gabbra, Garee, El Molo, Borana, Wata, Konso, and the Burji.
Each year, 1000s of visitors from within and neighboring countries (Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia) join the Kenyans to be part of the festival’s vibrant cultural celebration. Lake Turkana Festival is one of the significant events initiated by the government of Kenya to promote the region’s cultural tourism and also help preserve local cultures.
Highlights of Lake Turkana Festival
Experience Turkana’s rhythms and dances
The Turkana Festival is characterized by the inspirational rhythmic beats and melodic tunes. Locals can be seen energetically drumming as they showcase the traditional Turkana musical dances. The atmosphere is electrified as several dancers take to the stage to display their talents. The movement patterns of dancers carry meaning, as they depict tales of hunting, ancestral spirits, and harvest. You wouldn’t want to miss immersing yourself in the Turkana’s vibrant culture.
Culinary experiences
Beyond traditional dances and musical performances, you will also have a delicious taste of Turkana’s dishes. A wide array of conventional dishes representative of the Turkana region’s cultural heritage can be availed. Visitors can enjoy the mouthwatering grilled meat and stews. Even if you love vegetables, you will have a special dish prepared for you. The various Turkana cuisines are prepared by experts, including different flavors that will leave you craving more. The options can be diverse, and you can sample your favourites.
The Artistic expressions are showcased.
Don’t miss observing the unique Artistic expressions as showcased by the Turkana people. Visit some of the art markets and meet most of the talented artisans as they showcase their items. You will come across the uniquely woven baskets, jewelry, and pottery products. Each of the masterpieces showcased tells a distinct story and denotes preservation of the region’s cultural heritage. Visitors can participate in the artisanal works and explore the techniques used to create some of the showcased pieces.
Cultural workshops & exhibition
Lake Turkana Festival also provides deep insight into the Turkana’s unique lifestyle. You can participate in various cultural workshops, where different cultural practices are showcased, including beadwork, cattle herding, and traditional medicine. Enjoy the inspirational stories told by older people. The elders often share ancient tales that have been passed down through generations. This is one way in which the Turkana people impart wisdom and also preserve their oral traditions.
Turkana community & its spirituality
Lake Turkana Festival goes beyond showcasing the region’s cultural heritage. It also serves as a significant platform for fostering community bonds. Locals also celebrate their spirituality around this period. Visitors have the opportunity to observe those who come seeking blessings for their community and well-being. Spiritual leaders and diviners can be present, offering guidance and healing to those in need. You can indulge in the discussions and be part of those who have contributed towards the preservation of the Turkana’s indigenous knowledge.
Beyond Turkana’s cultural festival
The Turkana festival also presents an avenue for tourists to explore some of the Turkana’s iconic sites. The amazing places worth exploring during the Lake Turkana cultural festival include Lake Turkana itself. This is the biggest desert lake in the world and is surrounded by stunning landscapes characterised by numerous geological features.
Lake Turkana is a beautiful Lake located in the Rift Valley area of Northern Kenya. It is a saline Lake lying in the extreme Northern part of Kenya and extends into Ethiopia. Lake Turkana is a permanent desert Lake and is also rated as the biggest alkaline Lake on earth.
Lake Turkana spans a surface area of 6,405 square kilometres and measures 290 kilometres in length, with a width of 32 kilometres. Its water volume measures 204 cubic kilometres.
Visit Sibiloi National Park, located along the Northeastern shores of Lake Turkana. Created in 1973, Sibiloi is home to over 84 aquatic bird species and other species. It was established primarily to offer protection to its unique wildlife and paleontological sites. This Park alone covers more than 1570 sq.km and is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also an important bird area in Kenya, inhabiting diversity of Palearctic migrant species.
Huge concentrations of crocodiles live in this Park, plus birds such as African open-billed storks, African skimmers, lesser flamingoes, and more.
Central Island Park.
Located in the heart of Lake Turkana area, Central Island National Park is 800km off from Nairobi. It hosts a wide range wildlife including Oryx, Grant’s gazelles, zebras, hippos, topis, and more than 350 bird species.
Discover the South Island National Park (SINP).
Lying in the Southern end of Lake Turkana, South Island National Park is popular as a key breeding site for most of the Nile crocodiles plus different carpet snakes. It is a recognized UNESCO, Man and Biosphere Reserve and an Important Bird Area in Kenya. Visiting the South Island National Park allows you to explore variety of attractions including water birds, Nile crocodiles, and more. Tours in the South Island National Park can be incorporated with Lake Turkana Festival.
When is the Lake Turkana Festival taking place in 2025?
The 2025 Lake Turkana festival will run for 3 days and will be characterized by music, culture, food, and fashion showcasing. This is planned to begin from November 10th to 12th, 2025.
What to expect during the 2025 Lake Turkana Cultural Festival?
The Turkana festival is expected to attract various communities in Northern Kenya. The Turkana region is composed of the El Molo people, Samburu community, Rendille, and the Turkana community. Expect to enjoy the exceptional traditional music and dances as showcased by locals. Visitors also have variety of crafts to purchase.
The cultural attire- during the festival, the participants can be observed dressed in their traditional attire, jewelries, bangles, beaded necklace, belts, and earrings. The men on the other side dress in their colorful ethnic/traditional attire, anklets, and headgear. The accessories and clothing as per the Turkana cultures carry deep meaning.
How to organize a tour to Kenya
Contact Native Africa Tours to organize a safari to Kenya combined with Lake Turkana Festival. Our safari packages are pocket-friendly and flexible. Even the already customized itineraries on the website can be changed to suit your travel dream. Talk to an expert now to have your Kenya safari slot secured in advance.
