Loiyangalani Desert Museum Travel Guide: Top Sights in Kenya, Tours &

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Loiyangalani Desert Museum- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Kenya; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Loiyangalani Desert Museum, opened in June 2008 by the National Museums of Kenya, perches atop a hill overlooking Lake Turkana—also known as the "Jade Sea"—in Marsabit County. It showcases cultural artifacts, traditional dwellings, rock art reproductions, and daily-use tools from eight indigenous communities—El Molo, Samburu, Turkana, Rendille, Gabra, Watta, Daasanach, and Pokot—reflecting local techniques in basketry, bark cloth, music and ceremonial objects. Adjacent to the museum, annual Lake Turkana Cultural Festival brings together these groups through dance, boat racing, and traditional crafts, offering travelers a deep dive into desert-adapted lifeways within a stark, scenic environment.

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Reviews of Loiyangalani Desert Museum

Annebel Zantema

4
Reviewed: 2025-06-10

It’s very small, we were done within half an hour. But it’s a nice way to get a look into the lives of the local population, without invading their privacy.
Abdikadir Abdullahi Ahmed

4
Reviewed: 2025-03-05

Nice location nice weather I like ℹ grow here originally from Somalia 🇸🇴 Canadian 🇨🇦
njoki musunga

5
Reviewed: 2023-06-18

More needs to be done with regard to accommodation facilities. the National Museum and Marsabit County should consider a PPP model to bring in revenue. This site has the best view of L Turkana and Mt. Kulal
Eunice “Noni” Muihia

4
Reviewed: 2020-09-22

After extremely hot temperatures at El Molo Bay, the cool breeze that hits you while you sit sheltered at the museum patio and overlooking Lake Turkana is well worth the visit here. If you are as lucky as us to find the caretaker you will get to see the preserved artefacts of the local community.
Eric

4
Reviewed: 2020-07-20

Great location with amazing views of the lake. Camping is possible at 500ksh per tent. Cottages range from 1500ksh. There’s no restaurant on site so bring your own food. Water is available. You may want to camp in a well sheltered area due to the strong winds. There’s a swimming pool on site but it wasn’t working during our visit.