Kenya is renowned for its wealth of wildlife, the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara, and its white sand beaches. But look beyond these stereotypes, glorious though they are, and one can find a diverse kaleidoscope of ethnicities and tribal groups, far removed from the tourist trail and virtually unchanged for generations. On this expedition we head north from the capital into the tribal heartlands that stretch towards the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, taking challenging routes and driving through remote areas to meet some of Africa’s most traditional groups. In the harsh lands of the Kaisut Desert we meet the Samburu and Rendille people, pastoralists who compensate for their austere surroundings with stunning body decorations and enormous beaded necklaces.
Pushing further north we drive to Mount Nyiru – one of East Africa’s most remote regions. Here we meet the Turkana people, a proud warrior people who held out against colonial domination until the 1950s, and who still retain a fierce independence from central government. Pushing on into the Chalbi Desert we head for the oasis of Kalacha, a centre for the Gabbra people, camel herding nomads who eke an existence from this unforgiving land. Returning south we stop at Samburu Game Reserve – no visit to Kenya would be complete without at least a little wildlife, after all. We have the opportunity to spend time here looking for lion, elephant and some of the species which are seldom found elsewhere, such as gerenuk and beisa oryx.
This is a trip through some of East Africa’s most isolated regions – you can expect some full days of driving on rough and non-existent roads to reach these communities, and at times it may be challenging. The rewards however are great – to meet proud warriors and nomadic communities following in the steps of their ancestors, with little influence from the modern world, masters of their own lands yet welcoming to visitors. This is Kenya with a twist, and unlike you have seen it before.
Arrive in Nairobi. The rest of the day is at leisure
A full days drive north towards Nanyuki and Mount Kenya, crossing the equator and heading to the lands of the Samburu and Rendille people at the base of the Ndoto Mountains and the vast Kaisut Desert.
We spend these days exploring the lands of the Samburu and Rendille people, two of Kenya’s most striking ethnic groups, visiting their settlements and learning about their way of life in this harsh corner of the country.
We spend these days exploring the lands of the Samburu and Rendille people, two of Kenya’s most striking ethnic groups, visiting their settlements and learning about their way of life in this harsh corner of the country.
Drive across some of East Africa’s most dramatic scenery, through the South Horr Valley. In the late afternoon of Day 5 we arrive at our camp. This region is a melting pot of ethnic groups, with the dominant group being the Turkana. Day 6 is spent exploring this fascinating landscape and meeting the people who live here.
Drive across some of East Africa’s most dramatic scenery, through the South Horr Valley. In the late afternoon of Day 5 we arrive at our camp. This region is a melting pot of ethnic groups, with the dominant group being the Turkana. Day 6 is spent exploring this fascinating landscape and meeting the people who live here.
A full days drive to Kenya’s remote northern frontier, eventually arriving at Kalacha, a desert oasis that sustains the Gabbra people and their cattle during the dry season. On Day 8 we spend time meeting the Gabbra in the Chalbi Desert.
A full days drive to Kenya’s remote northern frontier, eventually arriving at Kalacha, a desert oasis that sustains the Gabbra people and their cattle during the dry season. On Day 8 we spend time meeting the Gabbra in the Chalbi Desert.
Drive south to Namunyak, close to Samburu Game Reserve. On Day 10 we have a choice of either hiking up Sabache mountain or heading into Samburu game reserve for a game drive. Samburu is home to a number of species rarely seen elsewhere such as the reticulated giraffe and gerenuk. The afternoon is spent meeting the Samburu people.
Drive south to Namunyak, close to Samburu Game Reserve. On Day 10 we have a choice of either hiking up Sabache mountain or heading into Samburu game reserve for a game drive. Samburu is home to a number of species rarely seen elsewhere such as the reticulated giraffe and gerenuk. The afternoon is spent meeting the Samburu people.
Return to Nairobi and transfer to the airport for departure.
