The Northern Frontier of Kenya is expansive but least explored. It has a great deal of sightings to catch and experience. An all-terrain vehicle completes the thrill of the adventure in the rugged terrains of the great northern wilderness.
Photo: Brian Siambi
Lake Turkana
Getting to Turkana overland is no mean feat but the adventure lies in the journey itself as opposed to the destination. The isolated Lake is considered the world’s largest desert and alkaline lake. Its mercurial blue-green colour has earned it the title ‘The Jade Sea’. The diversity of flora and fauna of the area, as well as the international significance of archaeological discoveries have made Lake Turkana and its surrounding safari national parks UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Lake region offers a lot of cultural aspects drawn from the surrounding tribes of Turkana, Rendille, Elmolo, Gabbra, Borana among others. There are also a number of well-maintained campsites and lodges such as Lobolo Camp, Eliye Springs among others
Photo: Brian Siambi
Loiyangalani
A small oasis town located in Lake Turkana’s Southeastern shores, Loiyangalani which means “the place of trees” offers relief from the rugged north’s terrain and scorching sun! The town is home to one of Kenya’s smallest tribes: the El-molo and is a wonderful meeting place for other Northern Tribes such as the Turkana and Rendile. The re-known annual Lake Turkana Cultural Festival will be takes place at Loiyangalani and is an avenue to share and celebrate the rich traditions and culture from the Northern tribes.
Here is a list of places to stay while visiting the eastern shore of Lake Turkana
Samburu National Reserve
A few kilometers from Archer’s post is this home to the grevy zebras, reticulated giraffes , somali ostrich, gerenuk and the beisa oryx (Samburu Special Five). A visit to the reserve will leave you gobsmacked by the great herds of Elephants there. Kamunyak, the miracle lioness that adopted the baby oryx was as a resident in the reserve. The Reserve also cuts through the Ewaso Ngiro River, which provides water to the animals within.
Be sure to visit our top luxury spots in and around Samburu
Photo: Brian Siambi
Suguta Valley
Harbouring breathtaking desert sceneries, this fascinating landscape located south of lake Turkana is dotted by extensive Sand dunes. The best entry point into this scenic landscape is via a helicopter. Such high views provide out of the world views of Cathedral Rock and Lake Logipi, Painted Valley, and Mt. Nyiru. A stay at the Desert Rose while exploring the Suguta Valley region is ideal.
Central Island National Park
The island is named as a Unesco World Heritage site and is comprised of hills that conceal three active volcano crater lakes. The lakes belch sulphurous smoke and steam. The island is a great place to spend a day exploring. Overnight fly camps to the island are provided and one is able to hike the hills while also marveling at the breeding ground for the world’s largest population on the Nile Crocodile.
Chalbi Desert
This desert is believed to have once been part of an extensive lake in the Northern Frontier. The barren landscape is dotted by cracked earth, rocky lava flows as well as sand. However, the views are scenic with Huri Hills rolling in the horizon as well as oases in its north. Trips to the desert can be done using overland trucks, helicopters or hiring safari vehicles after taking a chartered flight to Sibiloi.
Sibiloi National Park
This world Heritage Site brags as being the “Cradle of Mankind”. Its archeological significance comes from the discovery of hominid fossils as well as those of a 1.6 million year old giant tortoise. This park comes as a real surprise after a long desert journey. There is plenty of open green, grassland and plenty of game. The park harbours a great deal of wildlife such as the Zebra, Topi, Giraffe, Ostrich, Hippo and the occasional Lion and Cheetah. The park also offers great birding safari as there are flamingoes, pelicans, herons, ducks, skimmers and many more to be spotted.
Koobi Fora Museum
The museum is situated on the Eastern shores of Lake Turkana and is home to important Homind fossils. In addition to 300 hominid specimens , the museum also preserves the remains of a giant Crocodile, Tortoise and Elephant. Koobi Fora deposits have contributed more to the understanding of human evolution than any other site in the continent. Sibiloi and the Turkana Basin have been the centre of scientific study and research.
