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8 Days Lake Turkana Expedition
USD10,095 / Per Person
Tour Plan
See detailed Safari Itinerary.
Day 1
Nairobi to Maralal
We depart Nairobi in the early morning stopping at the viewpoint outside of Nairobi, you will be able to spot Mt Longonot and Suswa in the far distance rising from the Rift valley floor. We continue northwards making a brief stop at Nyahururu & Thompson Falls (optional entry fee to top of the falls). Approaching Maralal, we drive alongside the Mugie Conservancy where you will be able to have your first game sightings (look out for elephant, buffalo, giraffe and zebra). Arriving in the campsite in the late afternoon; we pitch up tents for the cool night ahead. (Lunch and Dinner included)
Meal Plan:
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2
Maralal to Lake Turkana
Break up camp as we begin the long but scenic drive towards the “Jade Sea.” Weather depending; we make a stop at Malasso viewpoint on Losiolo Escarpment; to enjoy the stunning scenery. You will see that this is where the land drops and 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 in the horizon the valley of Suguta and beyond Lake Turkana. We continue towards South Horr and Baragoi arriving at the campsite grounds in Loiyangalani late afternoon. After pitching tents this is the perfect place to relax; protected from the scorching sun and heat characteristic of the climate of this remote area. (There is the option to upgrade to cool traditional “bandas” complete with beds/ private washrooms).
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3
Lake Turkana
This is a day of relaxation; where you can take time to explore the area and partake in a number of optional experiences. Lake Turkana being the largest desert lake in the world and extends for 288 kilometers up to the Ethiopian / Kenyan border surrounded by volcanic rock and desert. 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. Longer boat ride excursion to South Island national park and the scenic Nabuyatom crater can be organized (depending on wind conditions on the lake).
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4
Lake Turkana to Kalacha
After an early breakfast we cross the Chalbi desert (if dry) via North Horr towards Kalacha. The Chalbi Desert is impassable when wet and we will find an alternative route if necessary. Kalacha is a small settlement on the edge of the Chalbi Desert inhabited by the Gabbra people (pastoralists particularly attached to their camels). For those interested; visit the Catholic Church with its biblical murals painted by an Ethiopian artist. Overnight in basic “Banda” accommodation as we enjoy the sunset.
Optional activities: – Visit an authentic Gabbra village in the evening. Guided tour to view Rock Paintings and Carvings.
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5
Kalacha to Marsabit
After breaking camp, we head south towards Marsabit (meaning place of cold); enroute we stop to enjoy views of the massive Gof Redo Crater and desert landscape. You may come across pastoralists with herds of camel as well. The area is home to various tribes people and you may spot the Samburu people abundant in their bright red outfits, beads and earrings. This will be a relatively cool night. After setting up camp, we drive to Lake Paradise and Little Lake (weather de-pendent). Here, an indigenous forest and a desert come together to create the most compelling landscape. The dense forest in the park is also home to elephants, rare leopard, kudu, water buck and a variety of birds.
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6
Marsabit to Samburu
We head along the Trans-African highway towards Samburu enjoying the scenery. Look out for the Samburu peoples’ sacred mountain known “Mount Ololokwe.” This desert mountain known locally as “Ol Donyo Sabache” towers over the landscape and justifies its role as a sacred place for the Samburu people. We make a stop for lunch en route arriving at the Samburu National reserve in time for an afternoon game drive. Samburu game reserve is home to the “special five.” These animals are only found in the North of Kenya; being the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx. Be sure to look out for them on your game drive as well as lions and herds of elephant. Accommodation at a campsite just outside the park.
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7
Samburu to Buffalo Springs
Enjoy an early breakfast before we drive across to Buffalo springs Game reserve which is separated from Samburu by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The river and its’ brown water (from which its name derives) dictates the landscape; when it flows its wide banks are lined by swathes of green attracting an amazing variety of wildlife. By the side of the river the forest shade is home to Elephant, the Long-Necked Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe and the occasional Leopard. The more adventurous can enjoy a swim in the natural spring located in the park; a refreshing experience offering respite from the hot sun. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included) Optional activities: – visit a local lodge for a swim/ cool drink
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8
Nairobi via Nanyuki
Enjoy an early breakfast soaking in the sunrise by the Ewaso Nyiro River before we break up camp and pack the vehicle to return to Nairobi. There is the option to visit an authentic Samburu village and get to know their unique lifestyle. These semi-nomadic people are known for colorful beaded jewelry and are closely related to the Maasai tribe. We make a short stop at the equator sign for a photo opportunity just before crossing back into the southern frontier and the Central Highlands. Look out for Mount Kenya peeking out of the clouds on clear days as well. We arrive Nairobi in the late afternoon with drop off back at your hotel. End of services.
Meal Plan:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Includes
- Transport and exclusive use of fueled safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking driver/ guide and safari chef (2 crew)
- All campsite fees
- Camping & cooking equipment
- Game drives and activities as specified in itinerary
- Flying doctors’ emergency evacuation cover to supplement your medical cover
- Bottled mineral water on duration of the tour
- Government taxes
- Park entrance fees
Excluded
- International Airfare
- Entry Visa fees
- Tip for safari driver guide & other gratuities, porterage to hotel’s/camp’s staff and porters
- Shopping, wood carvings and crafts
- All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Trip Cancellation & Baggage Insurance
- Any other items not included or mentioned in the itinerary above
- Laundry service & Inoculations
- Drinks, wine, beer & soft drinks
- Visit to Maasai Village
- Balloon safari
- Optional & local sightseeing excursions
