13 days with the nomads of Kenya

A challenging day awaits you today. You will travel to Marsabit, with several breaks planned along the way. You will arrive in the late afternoon.

The Chalbi Desert offers picturesque and captivating landscapes, as well as peaceful oases. Along the way, we will stop at the North Horr sand dunes. We will visit the Gus Oasis and the North Horr Oasis, meet the Gabra community, and observe the camel watering holes. The journey will continue to Kalacha, with an overnight stay at the Mission Guesthouse.

After an early breakfast, you'll set off towards North Horr . Your route will take you through spectacular landscapes to an oasis on the edge of the Chalbi Desert , Kenya 's largest desert. Along the way, the vastness of the plains will unfold before you.

Along the way, encounters are rare and precious. You sometimes come across nomads leading their camel caravans, as well as the occasional isolated encampment in the middle of nowhere. The journey unfolds at the pace of historic trails, enhancing this feeling of total immersion and disconnection.

As you approach Lake Turkana , the landscape transforms. The arid plains give way to more open horizons, culminating in the appearance of the lake's deep blue waters, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding rocky terrain. Your challenging journey ends in Ileret , a remote village on the eastern shore. This secluded base immerses you in an atmosphere of authentic exploration, far from the beaten path.

Today you'll explore the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) in Ileret, a world-renowned research center for paleoanthropology , archaeology , and geology . Located on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana , this unique site immerses you directly in the history of human evolution .

On site, you'll meet the teams of scientists studying fossils millions of years old. The institute's guides and researchers will explain the methods used for excavating, documenting, and interpreting the remains. This region has yielded significant evidence of early bipedalism and our ancestors' adaptation to the climate.

In the heart of a wild and arid landscape, this day of hiking and learning connects you to the history of humankind, in an area much of which remains unexplored. At the end of the day, you return to your accommodation for the night.

After an early breakfast, you will travel to Sibiloi National Park , located on the wild shores of Lake Turkana . This major site is home to prominent archaeological areas, including Koobi Fora , a key location for the study of human evolution .

The park is characterized by semi-desert landscapes and vast plains, dominated by volcanic formations such as Mount Sibiloi . It is also an ecological sanctuary, serving as a nesting area for Nile crocodiles and a stopover for numerous migratory birds. The region is also home to the Turkana , Gabra , and Dassanach communities.

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the Petrified Forest . This unique natural monument is home to fossilized tree trunks dating back to prehistoric times. At that time, the current wooded area was covered by a tropical rainforest. The trees, carried by ancient rivers to marshes, became saturated with minerals before petrifying over millions of years. At the end of the day, you return to your lakeside accommodation.

Here is the proposed itinerary for this second day of in-depth exploration in the heart of the national park. This section fits naturally into Day 4 .

Day 4: Archaeological immersion at Koobi Fora

Your exploration of Sibiloi National Park continues in a more intensive manner. This sanctuary was created specifically to protect major fossil deposits, essential to understanding the history of humankind.

You'll spend the day in the heart of the Koobi Fora region, the nerve center of archaeological, paleontological, and geological research in the area. The movements of the Earth's crust, the emergence of the first hominids, and the evolution of mammals are studied here over a period of four million years. Much of this sedimentary land remains completely unexplored to this day.

Over three decades, excavations have unearthed thousands of artifacts, including more than 300 hominid bones, as well as the impressive remains of a giant crocodile , a tortoise, and a prehistoric elephant. It was here that the renowned paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey discovered one of the most complete hominid skulls in the world, propelling the Turkana Basin to the forefront of international scientific research. In the late afternoon, you return to your accommodation.

Your journey takes you today to Loyangalani , a fascinating border town in northern Kenya . This off-the-beaten-path stop offers a true journey back in time, revealing a raw and authentic Africa, untouched by major modern changes.

The town is characterized by an intense climate, combining strong winds and intense heat. It is precisely this wild beauty and pristine nature that inspired the writer John le Carré for the setting of his famous novel , The Constant Gardener , whose film adaptation showcased these spectacular landscapes. Upon arriving in this secluded oasis, you will discover the unique atmosphere that reigns at the crossroads of local cultures. You will settle into your accommodation to rest after your journey.

Your day begins with a short drive followed by a boat trip on Lake Turkana to meet the El Molo people . This unique community, considered one of the smallest population groups in the world, has settled in this oasis fed by freshwater springs. Having lived in Loyangalani for generations, they preserve a centuries-old culture entirely dependent on the lake's resources. While there, discovering their handcrafted art offers a direct opportunity to support the local economy of this fishing community.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the Desert Museum . This cultural space offers insights into the history, way of life, and traditions of the fourteen nomadic tribes that inhabit this arid region of Kenya . At the end of the day, you'll head to the shores of the lake to watch the sunset before returning to your accommodation.

Today you leave the wild shores of Lake Turkana to begin a spectacular road transition through northern Kenya . The first few kilometers immerse you in an arid volcanic environment, characterized by black lava fields and dusty plains dotted with a few acacia trees.

As you progress, the monotony of the desert fades away. The track crosses dry valleys and skirts steep hill ranges where nomads move with their herds. After passing South Horr , the route climbs: the air cools considerably, and the ochre hues give way to denser vegetation. You then enjoy sweeping views of the foothills of the Ndoto Mountains .

The final leg of the journey winds through verdant hills and pastoral villages. You finally reach Maralal , the cultural heart of the Samburu region. Nestled in the highlands, this stop offers a welcome respite from the harsh, sun-baked atmosphere of the previous days.

Your journey takes you today to Laikipia County, and more specifically to the Ewaso Enclave . This area is home to one of the densest and most diverse wildlife populations in Africa. Beyond the famous Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses), the region protects rare species such as Grévy's zebra , the African wild dog , and the reticulated giraffe . With a bit of luck, you might even spot some of the more elusive predators, like the black leopard.

Laikipia's unique feature lies in its management model. Composed of private reserves , this area guarantees an exclusive safari experience, far from the crowds of classic national parks, promoting a total reconnection with wild nature.

The model also relies on a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and community-based tourism . The economic benefits of the stays directly support the development of local Maasai , Samburu, and Turkana communities, who coexist with wildlife and actively participate in the protection of this fragile ecosystem.

Dinner and overnight stay in a lodge in the reserve.

You'll spend the day immersed in the traditions of the Maasai community. You'll discover their ancestral way of life and witness the moving experience of the singing wells , where warriors chant traditional melodies while drawing water for their herds. The elders will also share their knowledge of nature, including the use of local medicinal plants .

The reserve is ideally suited for wildlife exploration, whether on foot or by safari vehicle. The territory is home to large predators, including the rare black leopard , packs of African wild dogs , and large herds of elephants.

Several workshops are available throughout the day. You'll set off on a wildlife tracking walk to learn how to identify bird tracks and songs around the camp. A guided walk will introduce you to the local flora, while a bushcraft workshop will teach you traditional survival techniques, such as bow making and the use of a Maasai club. Finally, you can try your hand at beadwork alongside the village women to create a traditional bracelet.

Dinner and overnight stay in a lodge in the reserve.

The driver will take you back to Nairobi airport today.