Overview
Nairobi/ Samburu/ Marsabit/ Kalach/ Lake Turkana/ Maralal/ Nairobi
This rugged 1,800 km expedition is designed for intrepid adventure traveller, keen on escaping into the most remote and wild destinations of extreme and varied terrain.
Hereyou travel in a 4X4 safari vehiclesthrough some of the Africa’s most challenging roads, observe a land of harsh contrasts, unforgiving lava fields, deserts oasis, natural springs and a stunning soda lake in the heart of the northern Kenya wilds.
You will traversethrough beautiful mountain forests surrounded on all sides by hot dusty deserts and eventually arrive at the desert ocean- the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana).
On the way you will encounter a burgeoning population of unique animals and a wide variety of birds and also meet the hardiest indigenous, colorful people, whose lives are little touched by the modern lifestyle.
Get to cross the shimmering and seemingly endless sands of the Chalbi Desert- cross on dry weather only. During the rains it becomes an enormous shallow lake. End up at Lake Turkana, set on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and surrounded by a fascinating geological and anthropological history based on the hominid fossils and stone tools discovered here hence justifying the evidence about the emergence of the modern man.
The lake has an impressive variety of birdlife including flamingos and you have a spectacular opportunity for monster Nile Perch fishing.
In a nutshell, Northern Kenya wildland safari is the ultimate off the beaten path adventure for the daring explorer keen on discovering the most dramatic and intriguing landscapes teeming with abundant wildlife and to experience authentic encounters with local tribal communities living in the harshest regions of the world.
GOOD TO KNOW.
- Private tour based on full board accommodation.
- The tour is organized specifically for you. You will not share the safari vehicle with others who are not part of your family or group.
- Features transportation in a 4×4 safari Landcruiser or a safari minivan.
- Accommodation is in carefully selected safari camps and lodges.
- Featured lodges and camps on the itinerary could change as per availability, in such a case, a similar category accommodation will be substituted.
- Some hotels, camps and lodges will need to see and make photocopies of your passports.
- Bring warm and comfortable clothing, a flash light and personal meds.
- Breakfast is the only meal included on the last day of safari.
- Optional and extra activities not included on the cost will be paid directly to the service providers. Our guide will offer a no obligation guideline on this options.
- This itinerary can be adjusted or fine-tuned to meet your requirements and preferences.
Day 1:
Nairobi- Samburu National Reserve {Road trip 325km}
0800 hrs- Depart Nairobi and drive north via the shoulders of Mount Kenya heading to Samburu National Reserve. Traverse the scenic rural and fertile central highlands dotted with farms of pineapples, coffee, Tea and a variety of food crops. Make a brief scheduled stop at the Equator and witness a popular Coriolis experiment conducted by the local folks to determine the accuracy of the Equator. Enjoy your Lunch at a convenient location in Nanyuki. Shortly afterwards continue northwards to arrive Samburu National reserve in good time for an en-route Game drive. By sunset, retire to your semi-permanent campsite set under a canopy of trees or pitch your tents on the edges of the Ewaso Nyiro River for a peaceful night.
Day 2:
Samburu Reserve Full Day Exploration
You spend the whole day exploring Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserve.
The reserve is a wildlife haven, fiercely beautiful with spectacular chances of spotting wildlife; here you will spot Africa’s big cats- lions, cheetahs and the elusive leopard. Some animals are unique to this northern magnificent park: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, kudu and gerenuk, special birds include Vulturine Guinnea fowl and the Somali Ostrich. Ewaso Nyiro River,the lifeline of this reserve is where the elephants, buffalo and other animal species gather for a drink. You will find the scenic semiarid landscape quite dramatic. Your guide will schedule a visit to the colourful semi-nomadic Samburu tribesmen for a colorful cultural interaction.
Day 3:
Samburu - Marsabit
After breakfast, head further north along the Trans African highway towards Marsabit. After setting up camp and enjoying lunch, visit Marsabit National Park, a scenic remote paradise for nature lovers; mountainous, misty yet effortlessly breathtaking. While at the edge of the water-filled crater, have a good chance to watch elephants, buffalo, oryx kudu and a rich variety of birdlife.
You do not go further into the park, as thick forest hampers progress of large vehicles and viewing of game is difficult. Mount Marsabit, on which the park is located, rises above the desert floor to 1700 metres. The mountain has created its own microclimate and a mist usually hugs its slopes and although the lower slopes are dry, higher levels are heavily forested and you find crater lakes, swamps and some wildlife.
Return to your camp with an option for visiting a local community for a tour to the singing wells.
Day 4:
Marsabit - Chalbi Desert- Kalacha Oasis- North Horr.
After breakfast, visit Marsabit town and a nearby volcanic crater before heading further north to the 100,000 square kilometer Chalbi desert, a salty, bare and desolate landscape edged by rocky lava flows, cracked earth and a mixture of white salt and clay. Even in this barren location, you may see in the distance shadow images of ostriches, zebras, Oryx and other wildlife adapted to this environment. Visit the northern edges of the desert to discover an area of oasis lined with groves of doum palms and a major water source to the local Gabra people and roamingwildlife.
Spend your evening and night at the edge of the desert in a cottage or a simple fixed camp with great views of a star filled sky, listen to some folk tales from the local hosts and later retire to a peaceful night.v
Day 5:
North Horr-Loiyangalani- Ngurunit.
Another morning in the wilderness, this is another day full of excitement; embark on crossing the shimmering and apparently endless Chalbi desert which cannot be crossed when wet, it will take about 3 hours to drive the 300 km route to Loiyangalani on the shores of Lake Turkana, enjoy lunch and a breather of relaxation, later proceed on south to the beautiful 40km long Ndoto mountain range, a truly spectacular destination.
Surrounded by the mountain range is the beautiful Oasis village of Ngurunit, here you will find some remarkable hills to hike or opt to enjoy a swim in the pleasant natural rock pools.At the campsite, you can be hosted in traditional Turkana community huts or otherwise set up your tents. Relax in a timeless atmosphere enjoying the cool breeze blowing from the lake protected from the scorching sun and heat that is characteristic of the harsh climate of this remote area.
Day 6:
Full Day Lake Turkana Exploration
After an adventure crossing the inhospitable Chalbi desert, it will be fair to enjoy uninterrupted day around the serene Lake Turkana environs; taking a boat excursion on a fishing expedition, hiking on Ndoto mountains and also visiting the local community for a vibrant cultural interaction and entertainment.
The Turkana people inhabit this harsh desert country northwest of Kenya around the Lake named after them. In this isolated outpost they are among the least communities touched by the modern lifestyle. They are essentially cattle herders but some have recently reluctantly taken up fishing. The region around the lake is famous for being one of the great sources of evidence of the emergence of modern man. Enjoy watching an impressive variety of birdlife and big game fishing. Overnight stay at a community camp or a simple lodge.
Day 7:
Lake Turkana - Baragoi - Maralal
After breakfast, start your journey through South Horr and Baragoi to reach Maralal.
The route has large swathes of unoccupied land stretching into the far horizons, although the road condition is pathetic, scenery is incredible; a simply breathtaking grandeur with quite a rich diversity of wildlife including Zebras, Jackals, Gazelles, Giraffes and even Hyenas and Leopards. The area is very remote with occasional spotting of livestock herders, it is advisable that travelers seek the help of a police escort due to the culture of cattle rustling amongst the communities that make the area insecure despite its enigmatic landscape.
Maralal is home of the Samburu, another colorful indigenous people, it is set on Kirisia hills overlooking the Laikipia plains, enjoy your time here sampling several activities of interest.
Day 8:
Maralal - Lake Naivasha - Nairobi.
Breakfast in Maralal, this is your last day on safari, embark on your Southward journey through Laikipia plains heading to Nyahururu, a brief stop at the Thompson falls for a view and a coffee break. Shortly afterwards proceed on to the banks of Lake Naivasha, Enjoy Lunch and an afternoon excursion aboard a motorized boat to explore the Lake and it’s surroundings, watch pods of hippopotamus and countless birdlife. Return to the mainland and continue your Journey to Nairobi arriving in the evening. This marks the end of your 8 days off the beaten tracks of Northern Kenya wildlands full of wonderful and fond memories.
Extras:
On this package
- Price for balloon safari US$: 450 per person. (Optional)
- Price for Maasai Village Visit US$: 30 per person. (Optional)
NOTE: Number of vehicles used; (NB: Tour Vehicles designed to carry a maximum of 8pax per vehicle)
- 2-8 pax – 1 Vehicle
- 9-16 pax – 2 Vehicles
- 17-24 pax – 3 Vehicles
- 25-30 pax- 4 Vehicles
Included
✔ Transport in a Land Cruiser or a customized tour van with pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography {Each option depends on cost}.
✔ All night’s accommodation in your reserved lodge or camp on full board basis.
✔ All meals as indicated on the itinerary.
✔ Non-resident entry fees to wilderness parks.
✔ Comprehensive game drives as per the itinerary.
✔ Services of a dedicated professional tour driver guide.
✔ Arrival and departure transfers.
✔ Entry fees of the driver/guide and the vehicle.
✔ Bottled mineral water whilst on safari.
Excluded
✖ International flights to and from Nairobi
✖ Items of Personal Nature
✖ Drinks
✖ Tips and gratuities.
✖ Extra and optional activities
✖ Travel Insurance
Good to know
- Private tour based on full board accommodation.
- The tour is organized specifically for you. You will not share the safari vehicle with others who are not part of your family or group.
- Features transportation in a 4×4 safari Landcruiser or a safari minivan.
- Accommodation is in carefully selected safari camps and lodges.
- Featured lodges and camps on the itinerary could change as per availability, in such a case, a similar category accommodation will be substituted.
- Some hotels, camps and lodges will need to see and make photocopies of your passports.
- Bring warm and comfortable clothing, a flash light and personal meds.
- Breakfast is the only meal included on the last day of safari.
- Optional and extra activities not included on the cost will be paid directly to the service providers. Our guide will offer a no obligation guideline on this options.
- This itinerary can be adjusted or fine-tuned to meet your requirements and preferences.
Ready for an Exciting Adventure?
You’re welcome to inquire about our available safari options or customize your own unique experience. Start planning your tailor-made African adventure with us today.
