8 days Lake Turkana Adventure

Departing in the early morning, we stop at the Escarpment outside Nairobi, to see Mt Longonot and Suswa in the distance rising up from the Rift Valley floor. We continue northwards making a brief stop at Nyahururu & Thompson Falls. Approaching Maralal, we drive alongside The Mugie Conservancy where you have your first game sightings (look out for Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe and Zebra). Arriving in the campsite in the late afternoon; we pitch tents for the night ahead. (Lunch & Dinner included)

Main activity: Animal “Viewing”

Optional activities: Thompson Falls Viewing Platform

After breaking camp we begin the long but scenic drive towards the “Jade Sea”, stopping at Malasso Viewpoint on Losiolo Escarpment to enjoy the stunning scenery. You will see that you are at the brow of one of the most dramatic views of the Great Rift Valley; etched with gorges, peaks and plains, a barren sun-bleached patch on the horizon is the valley of Suguta and beyond Lake Turkana. We continue towards South Horr and Baragoi arriving at Loiyangalani late afternoon. After pitching tents we use this time to relax, protected from the scorching sun and heat of this remote area. (There is the option to upgrade to cool traditional “bandas” complete with beds/ private washrooms). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Main activities: Dramatic Scenery, Star Gazing, Sundowners

Today we relax and take time to explore the area and enjoy the number of different experiences available. Lake Turkana is the largest Desert Lake in the world and extends for 288 kms up to the Ethiopian / Kenyan border surrounded by volcanic rock and desert. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Main activities: Cultural experience & Scenery

Optional activities include: Visiting the Desert Museum; Swim at the nearby lodge; Hire a boat to explore the lake in search of crocodiles; Visit el Molo/Turkana Villages; Explore Loiyangalani town on foot. There is a longer boat ride available to South Island National Park can be organised.

After an early breakfast we cross the Chalbi Desert, via North Horr towards Kalacha. Kalacha, a small settlement on the edge of the Chalbi Desert inhabited by the Gabbra pastoralists who are particularly attached to their camels. For those interested there is a visit to the Catholic Church with its biblical murals painted by an Ethiopian artist. Overnight we stay in basic “Banda” style accommodation. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Main activities: Scenery; Sundowners watching the sun setting over the desert; Visit to local church.

Optional Activities: Visit a Gabbra village in the evening; Guided tour to view Rock Paintings and Carvings.

After breaking camp, we head south towards Marsabit, stopping en route to enjoy views of the massive Gof Redo Crater and desert landscape and you may be lucky to see some of the pastoralists walking with their herds of camels. This area is home to a number of different tribes people and you will be able to spot the local Samburu people in their bright red outfits, beads and earrings.

After setting up camp, we drive to Lake Paradise and Little Lake, an indigenous forest and a desert that have come together to create the most compelling landscape on earth. The dense forest in the park is also home to Elephants, Kudu, Water Buck and a variety of birds. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Main activity: Scenery & Culture.

Optional activities: Walk around Marsabit, market day is particularly vibrant

We head along the Trans African Highway towards the Samburu National Reserve, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive.

Main activity: Scenery; Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve

Today take a picnic and some cold drinks and go on an all day Game Drive in the Samburu National Reserve. Samburu is part of a Lava Plain that includes a diverse landscape of thorn scrub, red dirt, dried river beds, steep hills and rocky outcroppings. The region is home to the uncommon Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk Antelope, Somali Ostriches, Lions and Oryx, Elephant, Crocodile and numerous bird. There is also the option at some stage to visit the lodge for a swim and cold drink, though the more adventurous you may enjoy swimming at Buffalo Springs. There is also visit a nearby Samburu Village for a cultural experience if you so choose. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Main activity: Game Drive

Optional Activities: Visit a Samburu Village; Local lodge for a Swim; Swim at Buffalo Springs

We leave this beautiful place after breakfast, do game viewing en route as we head back to Nairobi via the Central highlands. We make a short stop at the equator sign for a photo opportunity just before crossing back into the southern frontier. (Breakfast & Lunch included)