If you are looking for a completely out-of-the-box adventure, an off-the-beaten-path excursion to satisfy your wanderlust, this is it! Northern Kenya offers a whole new world of options for the traveler who has been there and done that, and is hungering for something different. It is widely famed as the last genuine wilderness frontier in the entire East Africa region offering an authentic experience that you are not likely to find anywhere else. There is so much begging to be discovered and uncovered in this vast arid land of hidden gems. The region consists of river, lake and desert terrain, whose contrasting geological features and landscapes offer exquisite visual appeal.

North Horr

One of the most fascinating things about North Horr, is that the allure lies not just in the destination, but also in the adventurous journey there. It sits right at the edge of the Chalbi desert, and to get there, you have to cross a vast wilderness expanse with copious amounts of lava rocks and volcanic sand. The experience is almost extraterrestrial. Once you get to the destination, the incredibly large moving sand dunes will take your breath away. The landscape constantly shifts creating an interesting and unpredictable feast for the eyes at any given time. A climb to the top of the dunes is well worth your while as it gives you a dramatic 360-degree view of the golden desert sand shimmering in the rays of the sun. The sunsets at North Horr are particularly spectacular, with enchanting golden hues that will for a moment hold you under their spell. The moonrise over the dunes is also exceptionally captivating as resplendent hues come to life against the backdrop of a pitch-black night sky.

Samburu National Reserve

Located on the edge of the Ewaso Ng’iro river, the Samburu National Reserve is a 165 square kilometer haven for the conservation of wildlife. Like most of Northern Kenya, Samburu offers a relatively more exclusive experience than you may find at the Masai Mara and Amboseli. In addition to being relatively uncrowded, it features unique wildlife species that you may not find in most other parks. These include the rare giraffe gazelle, popularly known as gerenuk, the Beisa oryx, the reticulated giraffe, the endangered Grevy’s zebra (also known as imperial zebra) and the Somali ostrich. These are known as the ‘Samburu Special Five’ as you are more likely to spot them here than anywhere else. The park is also a haven for birds with at least 450 recorded species. It is home to big cats, large herds of elephants and wild dogs among other animals.

Eliye Springs

One of the most epic highlights of Northern Kenya is Eliye Springs – an extraordinarily beautiful oasis right in the heart of the desert. It sits on the shores of Lake Turkana, close to the mouth of the river Turkwel. Lush green vegetation primarily consisting of bright green palm trees dots the oasis, standing in sharp contrast to the surrounding barren wilderness around it. A view of the landscape against the backdrop of the lake is almost fairy tale-like. Take a walk on the white sandy beaches to enjoy a cool breeze from the lake as the water laps against your feet.

Lake Turkana

Popularly referred to as the ‘Jade Sea’, because of its magnificent turquoise color, Lake Turkana is a marvel of nature in every sense of the word. It derives this unique color from its abundant algae population. The almost 250-kilometer-long water body is famed for being the largest permanent desert lake in the world. Lake Turkana also happens to be the largest alkaline lake globally and the fourth largest lake overall in Africa. Its very existence beats logic as it is surrounded by harsh arid terrain. The unique chemical composition of the waters has also drawn considerable interest and research. It sits on rich volcanic rocks with very high alkali concentrations. But while the water is too alkaline and too saline for mollusks, it supports a wide array of fish species including gigantic Nile perch. It also provides a crucial stopover point for migrant birds from the palearctic regions.

Chalbi Desert

Between Lake Turkana and Mount Marsabit, near the Kenya-Ethiopia border, a 100,000-square kilometer desert holds promise of matchless adventure. The Chalbi desert is a bare, salty landscape that once held a lake formed via volcanic action. It consists of volcanic hills as well as an expansive lava plateau featuring bare rock, moving dunes of volcanic sand, inselbergs and ridges. Few plants can survive the salinity of the soil lending the area its bare appearance. Besides camel, you may also get sightings of oryx, zebra and ostrich in this eerie wilderness. If you fancy a bit of an adrenaline rush, there is a unique opportunity for sand surfing and sand dune racing here.

Kalacha Oasis

A surprisingly well-hidden gem on Kenya’s largest desert is the gorgeous Kalacha Oasis situated on the northern edge of the Chalbi. This picturesque and tranquil setting offers a welcome break from the sweltering heat of the desert thanks to its acacia trees and doum palms. Kalacha springs are a popular watering spot for the local Gabbra community and its livestock. Experience the beautiful culture of the community through its colorful attire and adornments, vibrant dance, games and delectable dishes.

Ngurunit/Ndoto Mountains

Towards the northern edge of Samburu, before crossing over into Marsabit, sits one of the most dramatic mountain ranges. Ndoto Mountains are a 40-kilometer-long range of mountains, part of the extensive Matthew Ranges that span the entire way from Isiolo. The adventure begins at Ngurunit, a town where magical landscape consisting of rivers, forests, dry lands and mountains all come together. Ngurunit is an oasis town situated right at the foot of Ndoto Mountains and is considered a stargazers’ dream come true. It is also famed for its amazingly fun rock sliding experience at River Ndelewai where you land in shallow natural pools. The mountain range consists of countless smaller hills with jagged peaks and steep valleys, standing in striking contrast to the plains all around it. On the trail up the mountain, crystal clear streams of water trickle down as the path winds rocky terrain, forest vegetation and bushes as well as massive boulders. There are a number of viewpoints at various peaks and summits, each offering a stunning view of the sweeping vistas beneath it.

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