Lake Turkana Cultural Festival 2026: Dates (usually early December) and Fares

When is Lake Turkana Cultural Festival 2026?

Lake Turkana Cultural Festival usually runs early December. Exact dates are not announced yet.

How the dates are set: Announced by the Marsabit County Government each year. Past editions were in May and, more recently, December.

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Getting to Lake Turkana Cultural Festival

In 2015, safari operators drove visitors via Maralal and South Horr to the lake and back via North Horr and Marsabit, while flying to Loiyangalani was described as the easy option.

Source: atcnews.org

Lake Turkana Cultural Festival: questions people ask

Where is the Lake Turkana Festival held?

It is held in Loiyangalani on Lake Turkana, in Marsabit County, Kenya.

Which communities take part in the Lake Turkana Festival?

In 2015, twelve ethnic groups took part, including the El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dassanatch and Gabra.

What is Lake Turkana also called?

Lake Turkana was once named Lake Rudolf, and is also called the Jade Sea because of its color.

Source: atcnews.org

About Lake Turkana Cultural Festival

Northern Kenya's peoples gather on the shore of Lake Turkana for dance, song and trade in one of Africa's most remote festivals.

The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County, with the communities who live around the lake showing their traditions to visitors. It is remote, so most visitors fly in or join a multi-day safari. The date has moved over the years and the organizers announce it.

Know before you go

Loiyangalani is far from Nairobi, so book transport early.
The festival date has moved between months, so confirm it with the organizers.
Nairobi (NBO) is the main gateway, and from there visitors fly to Loiyangalani or take a multi-day safari drive.

Planning the trip

Best time to visit Kenya

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