Overview

This 5-day Chalbi Desert Safari takes you through the rugged terrain of Northern Kenya, exploring the dunes of the Chalbi Desert and wildlife at Marsabit National Park, close encounters with the local community, hiking at Ngurunit discovering beautiful canyons at Ndoto Mountains.

The Northern region of Kenya is vast and scenic. It is the home of a variety of tribes and has remained comparatively inaccessible. Spend time exploring the arid North of Kenya and see some of the best terrains, mysteries and extraordinary beauty.

4 Nights 5 Days Available on request Nairobi, Nairobi County
Itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Marsabit National Park

Marsabit National Park, in Kenya's north, is nicely removed from Kenya's main safari circuit, and that's a very strong part of its appeal. There's a good chance that you'll see elephants while you're here; Marsabit is famous as the former home of Ahmed, a big-tusked elephant that received ‘presidential protection’ from poachers back in the 1970s. Other wildlife highlights might include greater kudu, buffalo and blue monkey, and the best wildlife viewing in the park is around the crater which is filled with forests.

Depart early from Nairobi on a Land Cruiser and drive north past Nanyuki and the beautiful farmlands of Timau to stop for fueling at Isiolo and a quick lunch. Continue with the journey and stop for photos and sightseeing at Mt. Ololokwe before proceeding to Marsabit. Get to Marsabit Park just in time for an evening game drive and visit the beautiful lake paradise tucked inside the park.

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Exploring the dunes of Chalbi Desert and Kalacha Oasis

Highlights | Open Desert, Kalacha Oasis, Star Gazing

The Chalbi Desert captivates with its stark beauty and harsh tranquillity. Endless dunes, sculpted by relentless winds, stretch across the horizon, casting mesmerizing shadows at dawn and dusk. The arid terrain, dominated by rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation, conceals the resilience of life adapted to extreme conditions. Indigenous nomadic communities navigate this desolate expanse, relying on ancient knowledge to survive. Karacha embodies a delicate balance between desolation and vitality, where the unyielding desert unveils its secrets to those attuned to its silent rhythms, creating a captivating mosaic in the heart of the Chalbi Desert.

After breakfast embark on crossing the great Chalbi desert. The journey leads you to a beautiful oasis at the edge of the Chalbi desert. The vast landscapes and open desert will amaze you. The crossing with skilled drivers on sand is thrilling.

The tour will take you through the Kalacha oasis, a pleasant surprise in the middle of the very arid countryside. The oasis in the Karacha area, within the Chalbi Desert, is a serene haven amidst the arid landscape. Surrounded by golden dunes, it boasts lush palm trees and clear pools, providing a stark contrast to the desert's harshness.

Spend the evening in cottages at the edge of the desert. The nights are great for stargazing. It’s the perfect place to find your peace after a long stay in the city.

Meal plan: Full-board

Day 3: Awe-inspiring landscape of Loiangalani

Highlights | Lake Turkana, Desert Drive, Oasis Village

Loiyangalani, situated in northern Kenya, is a captivating region characterized by a diverse and awe-inspiring landscape. Nestled along the shores of Lake Turkana, the world's largest desert lake, the area is surrounded by arid plains, volcanic hills, and rocky outcrops. The stark beauty of the landscape is accentuated by the Jade Sea, as Lake Turkana is often called, creating a unique and mesmerizing environment.

This will be another exciting day! We will drive 3 hours to Loiyangalani and get a feel of Lake Turkana, thereafter leave for the desert and drive south to the beautiful 40 km long Ndoto Mountain range. Surrounded by mountains all around is the oasis village of Ngurunit. Here you will find some nice hills to hike and if not some pleasant pools to enjoy and swim in. It is one of the hardest places to leave after staying over. Beautiful tranquil and mind-blowing.

Life in Loiyangalani is marked by a harmonious coexistence with the environment. The communities have adapted their lifestyles to the demands of the rugged landscape, relying on traditional practices for survival. Fishing, livestock herding, and artisanal crafts play pivotal roles in sustaining livelihoods. Despite the challenges posed by the arid climate, the resilient people of Loiyangalani continue to preserve their cultural heritage while navigating the delicate balance between tradition and adaptation in this unique and captivating corner of Kenya

Meal plan: full-board.

Day 4: Hiking at Ngurunit & Ndoto Mountains

Highlights | Interacting with locals, Ndoto Mountains, Canyons

After a marathon cruising through the desert, it’s only fair to enjoy this mountainous serene village, get to interact with locals, swim at the rock pools as well as climb the Ndoto mountains for some hours that are so serene and full of beautiful canyons. Overnight stay at a community camp and enjoy a bonfire while storytelling.

Ngurunit and Ndotto Mountains in northern Kenya form a mesmerizing landscape characterized by rugged terrain, dramatic cliffs, and lush vegetation. Nestled within Samburu County, these mountains are part of the greater East African Rift Valley.

In Ngurunit and Ndotto, one can witness the breathtaking beauty of untouched nature. The landscape is dotted with acacia trees, creating a picturesque setting against the backdrop of the mountains. The area is home to unique flora and fauna adapted to the arid climate

Touristic activities in this region include guided nature walks, birdwatching safaris, and cultural interactions with the Samburu community. Visitors can embark on hiking expeditions to explore hidden valleys and enjoy panoramic views from elevated vantage points. The rugged beauty of Ngurunit and Ndotto Mountains provides an off-the-beaten-path adventure for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience in Kenya's northern wilderness

Meal plan: Full-board

Day 5: Ngurunit - Nairobi

It's a pity that it has to end, but this is where your safari will draw to a close. We're sure that you will return home with so many exciting and happy memories, and we hope that you will join us again on the Chalbi Desert safari sometime in the future.

After breakfast, we will start our journey back to Nairobi. Guests can opt to stop over in Nanyuki for lunch. Arrive Nairobi in the evening after an adventurous Chalbi Desert exploration journey

In Ngurunit and Ndotto, one can witness the breathtaking beauty of untouched nature. The landscape is dotted with acacia trees, creating a picturesque setting against the backdrop of the mountains. The area is home to unique flora and fauna adapted to the arid climate

Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Transport on 4X4 Land Cruiser
  • Accommodation
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Lake Paradise Visit/Tour
  • Chalbi Desert Tour
  • Marsabit National Park Fees
Pickup point
Starting Point
Nairobi, Kenya View on Map