Lake Turkana via Chalbi Desert 8 days 7 nights Tour Code ASKC01
For those with an urge or desire for adventure, then, this rugged 1,800-km expedition in either a 4 WD Land cruiser or a purposely-built truck takes you up into the heart of the Northern Frontier District. You will traverse along some of Africa’s worst roads; see beautiful mountain forest surrounded on all sides by hot dusty deserts, eventually arriving at your camp on the shores of the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana). The camp is the only camp situated right on the beach of the lake with spectacular views of the South Island It comprises of traditional Turkana palm leaf huts, a dinning/lounge, kitchen, showers and toilets. There is a 20-seat boat based her, which is available for sunset cruises and exploring the surrounding area, which will give you a chance to see a great variety of tribes. Kindly note that, during the rain, the Chalbi desert becomes an enormous shallow lake, making it difficult to cross over hence; the route may be altered accordingly should such occur.
Day 1 – Samburu:
We leave Nairobi in the morning and head North via the western shoulder of Mt Kenya onto Samburu Game Reserve. Lunch on this day will be served on the way (preferably on the slopes of Mt. Kenya) and you will arrive in Samburu late in the afternoon. Enjoy a short game drive as you head to your campsite. Accommodation is in a semi-permanent campsite beautifully set under a canopy of trees or pitch tents on the edge of Uaso Nyiro River inside the Samburu Game Reserve.
Day 2 – Samburu:
A full day in Samburu with two game drives (one at 0630 hrs and the other at 1530 hrs), each of approx. 3 hrs. Here, you will have a chance to search and see great herds of Elephants, The big cats – Lion, cheetah and Lepoart and other animals unique to this area of the country – the reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, grevy’s zebra and oryx among others. All meals and overnight as above.
Day 3 – Marsabit:
Breakfast at your campsite. Thereafter, we continue further North along the Trans-African highway to Marsabit, a town located on the slopes of an extinct volcano heavily forested on its upper slopes. There are some very steep hills, which are impassable if wet and weather permitting, we would enter the park, or else camp at the park gate. After setting up camp, we will visit the lodge inside the National Park (this will however depend on the weather as indicated above). You may see elephant, buffalo and kudu as the lodge is situated on the edge of a water-filled crater. As long as the park is dry we drive through thick forest to the famous Lake Paradise.
Day 4 – Kalacha:
After breakfast, we break camp and visit Marsabit town and another volcanic crater before making our way back into the desert and lava flows. We arrive at Kalacha, a small settlement on the edge of the Chalbi Desert in the early afternoon and in time for lunch. The rest of the day is spent relaxing – there is a plunge pool, a perfect break from the scorching heat of the desert! Dinner and overnight at your campsite.
Day 5 - Lake Turkana:
We depart early crossing the Chalbi Desert. The desert cannot be crossed if wet but there are alternative roads around the North and South. We arrive at our semi -permanent beach campsite just outside Loiyangalani soon after lunch. Here we have our traditional Turkana Huts with a cool breeze blowing from the lake for use. If booked up, we pitch tents in an alternative campsite (rarely!). This is indeed a perfect place to relax protected from the scorching sun and heat characteristic of the harsh climate of this remote area. Lunch and dinner will be served at the campsite.
Day 6 - Lake Turkana:
We spend the day relaxing and bathing only interrupted by a short boat excursion to visit the surrounding areas. In addition, we visit Loiyangalani and the community settled there while in the evening we may visit one of the Turkana Manyattas [optional] for traditional dances under a star studded sky at an extra cost if clients wish – An unforgettable experience! All meals and overnight at your campsite
Day 7 – Maralal:
We leave after shortly after breakfast and journey via South Horr and Baragoi to Maralal, another forested area. Here, the Samburu abound in their red-ochre. Dinner and overnight camping
Day 8 – Nairobi:
Heading south again via Laikipia Plains and Thompson Falls (Nyahururu) we drive back into Nairobi by mid-afternoon (lunch will be served on the way).
The tariff includes:
-Airport transfer
- Full board accommodation
- Ground transportation 4x4 minibus
-English speaking Driver/Guide
- Entrance fees, taxes
The tariff does not include:
- Air ticket.
- Tourist insurance
- Entrance visas.
- Extra drinks and tips.