Embark on a unique journey from Nairobi to the Northern most part of Kenya at the Ethiopian border.
PART I
Our journey starts in Nairobi, a 4 Mio. Metropolis and ends in the desert of Northern Kenya, at the origins of Lake Turkana, near the unmarked border to Ethiopia (Marsabit County).
Leaving Nairobi we follow the road which takes us along the top of the famous Escarpment offering breathtaking views into the so called Kenyan Rift Valley. Green hills, fertile fields allow your eyes to rest. At Gilgil we branch off towards the Aberdares, a most awesome drive through more fertile land, tilled by industrious Kikuyu small scale farmers. At Nyahururu we admire the well-known Thompson Falls and the many chameleons around.
After this charming place we witness a dramatic change, the green, fertile fields have disappeared. The soil has become dry and brown, no more cows to be seen, only goats and sheep – and all of a sudden some camels (dromedaries) move slowly and majestically through the arid landscape.
We are now in semi-arid territory until we reach Maralal, which is blessed with quite a bit of regular rain and resembles an oasis – unless there is drought!
Ngari Hill LODGE, situated on a hill with amazing views over the vast Lerochi Plateau, is an amazing and cozy place with a pool and delicious food.
Next morning, after an entertaining walk through Maralal town, with its shops, its bars, its mosques and churches, we embark on our first adventure: crossing the Samburu Mountains on a road that is literally a dry riverbed. In spite of this hardship you will be taken in by those awesome and breathtaking views into never ending hills and valleys – the famous Rift System.
After a picnic lunch under some Acacia trees near Marti, a small oasis in no- where’s land, the road takes us through another dry plateau surrounded by hills and dormant volcanoes. Our next overnight stay is in South Horr, a beautiful, cute little Samburu village in an oasis following the mostly dry river. Our hotel “Dashalama”, offers simple but self-contained rooms. Food will be prepared by Dan, our chef. In the morning we will pay a visit to the local Primary School, except during school holidays. A visit to the local dispensary, run by Sister Susanna, a Mexican sister, is always a most impressive experience. And the walk through this in the morning sleepy and in the afternoon lively place will leave you with beautiful pictures and a lot to think about……..