Jade Sea Explorer
Kenya Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Kenya has long been one of the most established safari destinations in Africa, a country rich in wildlife that offers some of the best game viewing on the planet. What few people know is that the country is also incredibly diverse, both ethnically and geographically, with landscapes ranging from lush forest to searing desert. On this trip we venture to the little visited northern regions, an arid land home to a number of different ethnic groups including the Samburu, Gabbra, El Moro and Rendille, all of whom adhere to very traditional and unique ways of life. We explore the haunting Chalbi Desert, an ocean of volcanic sand where only the toughest species survive and continue to Sibiloi National Park and the mighty Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. Here we find the El Molo, who hunt the hippos and giant crocodiles with which they share their home. On our return south, we visit the stunning Rift Valley lakes with their superb wildlife. This tour offers travellers the chance to explore parts of Kenya which see very few visitors, giving a glimpse into ways of life that have not survived in most parts of the world.
Tour Highlights
• Escape the crowds and enjoy an African experience with a genuine Kenyan identity, and not just a game lodge fantasy
• Explore little visited regions of northern Kenya, home to several ethnic groups
• Visit the Chalbi Desert where only the toughest species survive
• Seize the opportunity to see diverse wildlife in Sibiloi National Park and the Rift Valley
• Admire mighty Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
5/5
Culture
4/5
History
3/5
Wildlife
4/5
Tour Pace
5/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi (approx. driving time 20 mins, 25km)
Arrive in Nairobi where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your flight. Overnight at Hotel Boulevard or similar. No meals are included.
Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, was established at the turn of the century by the Europeans as a storage depot during the building of the East African railway. Without plan or design it established itself as the capital of the British protectorate, and today has a population of around three million people comprising a mixture of Africans, Asians and Europeans. While the predominant tribe is the Kikuyu, the city does not have one single dominant ethnic group. Its accidental choice as capital, located where the territories of three important tribes meet, has been fortunate for the economic growth of the country.
Day 2: Samburu National Reserve (350 kms, approx. 6-7 hours driving time)
Begin the journey north to Isiolo village where you will encounter the colourful nomadic tribes who reside in the area. We will arrive in time for lunch at our camp, before beginning our first evening game drive in search of the wildlife commonly seen in this region, including Reticulated Giraffe, Oryx, and Gerenuk. Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge or similar. (BLD)
Samburu Tribe
Throughout this region, local Samburu tribespeople can be seen wearing their traditional dress, and ornate jewellery. They are pastoralists, who live to the south and east of Lake Turkana. The social structure is essentially a gerontocracy - rule by elders - assuring the elders first choice among the young unmarried women. Men are usually about 30 by the time they marry, but the women marry at about 17 years of age.
Day 3: Samburu National Reserve
An early morning start finds us on a game drive, with great opportunities for photographs and tracking rare wildlife. We enjoy a further game drive in the afternoon on the dry ochre plains, hopefully encountering herds of dusty elephants drinking at waterholes, crocodiles lurking in the shadows, and tracking paw prints of lion, leopard and cheetah amidst dramatic bushveld. Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge or similar. (BLD)
Samburu National Reserve
This reserve covers an area of 104km² and lies in the fascinating semi-desert northern frontier area of Kenya. Samburu is famous for its Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra and Long Necked Gerenuk, which are frequently spotted here, though rarely in the southern parks. Lion and leopard live in the reserve but are not always seen. Crocodiles are present in the Ewaso Nyiro River that flows through the park.
Day 4: Marsabit National Park (250 kms, approx. driving time 6-7 hours)
Our journey takes us along a rough road towards the extinct volcano of Marsabit, the peak of which is surrounded by lush forested hills, forming a welcoming oasis rising high above the dry heat of the surrounding desert lands. This afternoon we will visit Marsabit National Park and the viewing point, before later making our way to our hotel. Overnight at Jirime Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 5: Chalbi Desert (135 kms, approx. driving time 4-5 hours)
This morning we will visit Marsabit town where nomadic Rendille warriors, roam the land wearing their traditional dress of purple and red robes, combined with feathers, beads and goat skins. We continue our journey through the land of crater lakes and volcanoes and enter the Chalbi desert, a flat plain formed by an age old crater lake which fills up to form a shallow body of water during heavy rainfall. Kalacha Dida is an oasis on the edge of the desert and a nourishing watering place for nomadic tribes, mostly Gabbras who are constantly on the move. We set out on a guided walk to meet the various tribes living in this harsh but abundant environment. Overnight at Missionary Guest House or similar. (BLD)
Day 6: Sibiloi National Park (150 kms, approx. driving time 5 hours)
Today we pass through the shifting landscapes of the north, on the journey to Sibiloi National Park, with the beauty of the remote and wild plains all around. Enjoy an evening game drive before returning to your guesthouse for dinner. Overnight at Allia Bay Guesthouse or similar. (BLD)
Please note that accommodation here may be a mixture of camping and rooms, as the guesthouse has a limited number of rooms. Those camping will have shared facilities.
Day 7: Sibiloi National Park
The day is spent exploring the national park which is home to a large variety of species including Gerenuk, Oryx, the rare Lesser Kudu and Grevy's and Burchell’s Zebra. In addition carnivores such as Hyena, Golden Jackal, Cheetah, Lion and other small cats including Caracal can be found here. Overnight at Allia Bay Guesthouse or similar. (BLD)
Sibiloi National Park
The National Park which also is a UNESCO world heritage site lies on the North Eastern shores of Lake Turkana, known for its protection of wildlife, birdlife and paleontological sites and fossil remains. The park contains several different types of habitat, from lake shore with water vegetation to arid, desert-like lava rock terrain; savannah plains to riverine forest. We will see sites where fossilized elephant, crocodile, and tortoise have been found while excavating forests. The local museum has exhibits donated by the Leakey family renowned for their studies of fossils and early humans in East Africa.
Days 8 and 9: Lake Turkana (165 kms, approx. driving time 5-6 hours)
From the northernmost point of our trip we head south to the shimmering blue-green hues of Lake Turkana. On arrival at the oasis of Loyangalani, we can explore the crystal shores, searching for exceptionally large Nile Crocodiles and meeting the smallest tribe in Kenya, the El Molo, Kenya’s last remaining hunters. Overnight at Palm Shade Camp or similar. (BLD)
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea, is the largest desert alkaline lake in the world and supports a complex network of fish, grazing mammals, bird life and predators. The colour of the lake is a result of algae particles, which shift with changes in the wind and light, so that the water surface shifts from blue to grey to extraordinary jade. Its lapping shores extend for 288 kilometres as far as the Ethiopian / Kenyan border and its depths reach up to 140m. Said to have originated from either Somalia or Ethiopia, the El Molo reside on the “Island of Ghosts” in villages on the shores of Turkana. They live off the land, hunting water species such as fish, hippo and even the cunning Nile Crocodile.
The El Molo Tribe
El Molo is a tribe that lives along the shores of Lake Turkana on the south-eastern side of the lake. They are the smallest community in Kenya with a population of about 300 people. The name El Molo originated from a the Maasai phrase meaning “those who make a living from sources other than cattle”. The original homeland of El Molo is not clear as some say they came from Somalia while others say that they came from Ethiopia. With the increase in intermarriage between the El Molo, Samburu and Turkana people, there are few who now speak the language of the El Molo, usually the tribe elders.
Loiyangalani Desert Museum
The museum was built on a bluff against a backdrop of Lake Turkana, the “Jade Sea.” The name Loiyangalani means “a place of many trees” in the native Samburu language. It was established in 2008 with the aim of highlighting the unique traditions and cultures of the people of Northern Kenya.
Day 10: Maralal via Mt. Nyiru (235 kms, approx. driving time 5 hours)
We continue heading south to the jagged peaks of Mount Nyiru as we traverse lava flows and sand fields. Despite being surrounded by dry desert the peaks of Mount Nyiru are forested. We will pass the small hillside market town of Maralal, pioneered by Somali settlers in the 1920’s, and this afternoon take a walk in the nearby park with a chance to view Gazelle, Zebra and Antelope. Overnight at Ngari Hill Guesthouse or similar. (BLD)
Day 11: Lake Baringo (255 kms, approx. driving time 5 hours)
We continue our journey south following the shores of Lake Baringo in its hot and dusty setting. The scenic lake is fed by several converging rivers and has some small islands. We will take an afternoon walk in search of a variety of bird life. Overnight at Baringo Soi Safari Lodge or similar. (BLD)
The route may change subject to road conditions.
There will be the opportunity to take an optional boat ride.
Day 12: Lake Bogoria (50 kms, approx. driving time 1 hour)
We continue our journey alongside Lake Bogoria, arriving at our hotel around lunch time. This afternoon we take a game drive to look for Kudu, Impala, Grant’s Gazelle, Cheetah and Waterbuck, as well as a host of flamingos which have migrated from Lake Nakuru. Overnight at Lake Bogoria Resort or similar. (BLD)
Day 13: Lake Nakuru (125 kms, approx. 2 hrs total driving time)
The morning finds us exploring the surrounds of Lake Bogoria and admiring the thousands of pink flamingos which congregate on the lake during the season, before driving to Lake Nakuru. Lake Nakuru is renowned for large concentrations of flamingos and is also a sanctuary for the endangered black and white rhinos. This reserve has one of the highest densities of wildlife to be found on the continent and our chance of spotting Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant and Buffalo are excellent during an afternoon game drive. Overnight at Elementaita Sentrim Lodge or similar. (BLD)
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is a very shallow strongly alkaline lake, and the area of the park covers the lake and a land strip around the northern, eastern and western shores, and south to Makalia Falls. The shores are surrounded by swamps, which during the driest seasons disappear to give rise to huge white salt crusts. The riverine forest opens up southward to a bush and acacia tree savannah. The eastern and western shores are framed by ridges that offer splendid lookouts over the lake. At the west shore, Baboon Cliffs are the preferred habitat for some of the park's species, while in the east, a part of Lion Hill is covered by a magnificent Euphorbia, or candle tree forest, giving the landscape a prehistoric look. Several hides have been erected near the lake for bird observation, and in addition to birds and Rhinos, the park is home to a large number of mammals, including Lions and Leopards.
Day 14: Lake Naivasha (165 kms, approx. 3 hrs driving time)
Today we return to Nairobi via Lake Naivasha, an area of spectacular scenery with good opportunities for game and bird watching. We take a boat cruise, searching for Hippos, Fish Eagles and thirsty Antelope. In the afternoon we visit Joy Adamson´s famous Elsamere farm house. We leave Lake Naivasha at around 3.30pm for the drive directly to Nairobi’s international airport to catch your onward flight. (BL)
Please note you should book a flight to depart from Nairobi no earlier than 10pm.
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Kenya that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Algeria. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
