Why Visit? Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the Lake Turkana, the Loiyangalani Desert Museum offers an extraordinary gateway into the diverse cultures and natural environment of Northern Kenya. Opened in June 2008, the museum serves as a cultural anchor for the eight indigenous communities that inhabit this arid and remote region.
Cultural Displays on the eight ethnic communities: Turkana, El-Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Gabra, Watta, Borana, and Dassanach
Archival photos and artefacts from past cultural celebrations
Traditional Tools, Crafts & Regalia from desert and lake-based cultures
Learn about desert adaptation, fishing, and sustainable living
The town of Loiyangalani, which means “a place of many trees” in the Samburu language, was originally formed around a freshwater spring—an oasis in the semi-arid desert. It is home to the El Molo, one of Kenya’s smallest and most endangered communities.
Recognizing the region’s unique cultural and ecological diversity, the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) established the Desert Museum to promote and preserve the heritage of the peoples around Lake Turkana. Today, it stands as a landmark of multicultural celebration, ecological awareness, and tourism development in Northern Kenya.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (including weekends and public holidays)
Location: Loiyangalani Town, southeastern coast of Lake Turkana
Access: Reachable by road (from Marsabit or South Horr) and by airstrip for chartered flights
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (Annual): Celebrates the customs, dress, music, and dance of the region’s ethnic communities
School & Research Tours: Guided experiences for students and scholars on indigenous lifestyles and desert ecology
Storytelling Circles & Community Workshops: Occasional programs with local elders and artisans
Airstrip: For small aircraft and chartered flights
Visitor Reception Area: Tickets and guided tour services
Campsites & Lodges: Accommodation options for overnight stays
Post Office & Fishing Station: Town amenities that support local livelihood
Photography Points: Ideal for landscape and cultural documentation
Carry sun protection: The desert climate can be extremely hot and dry
Combine your visit with nearby community tours and lakeside excursions
The museum sits on a hill—wear comfortable walking shoes for the ascent
Plan your trip around the Lake Turkana Festival for a rich cultural experience
Curator: Andrew Afgutho Orguba
Email: alorguba@yahoo.com
Phone: +254 727 208 642
Experience the harmony of desert life and ancestral heritage at the Loiyangalani Desert Museum—where Kenya’s northern frontier comes alive through culture, story, and the enduring spirit of its people.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.
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