Lake Turkana Cultural Festival

The Marsabit-Lake Turkana cultural Festival will take place for the 10th consecutive year in Loyangalani town; on the shores of the awe-inspiring Jade Sea in May(actual festival dates to be communciated).

 

 

This year’s event is co-organized by the County Government of Marsabit, Local Community Festival Committee, Kenya Tourism Board, National Museums of Kenya and Kenya Wildlife Service.

It is here where the 10 ethnic groups of the Lake Turkana region; El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dassanach, Ghabra, Borana, Konso, Wata and Burji demonstrate through song and dance their unique differences and traditions. In this remote and forgotten region; we are also made aware of the challenges faced by these minority tribes which include drought, environmental challenges, poor infrastructure and wrangling amongst each other. Thus whilst we awe at their impressive dress and ornaments and study their artifacts and way of life in the dramatic landscape that makes up the north of Kenya; the underlying goal remains and continues to be the promotion of peace and furthermore the appreciation of these fascinating tribes.

This is an adventurous 7 day camping tour with emphasis on the festival event in Loiyangalani as well as culture and scenery throughout.

Day 1 (Tues 2 May) – Nairobi to Archers post (approx 7 hrs)

Early morning departure from our central point in Nairobi city towards the central highlands and Kenya’s Northern Frontier. We stop at the equator sign for a photo opportunity just before crossing into the Northern frontier and Nanyuki town where we make a brief stop at the shopping Mall. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before arriving at Archers post for camp set up at a campsite located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Enjoy the excellent sunset offered by this beautiful landscape. Archers post is the home of the Samburu people who abound in their colorful and distinctive garb. 

Meal plan – Lunch, dinner.

Day 2 (Wed 3 May) – Archers post to Ngurunit (approx 3.5-4 hrs)

Early breakfast enjoying another spectacular sunrise before breaking up camp and departing Archers post towards the Ndoto Mountains where Ngurunit is located. In this rarely visited area of numerous hills, jagged outcrops and dry ‘luggas’ (river bed) we find our campsite located beneath a cool canopy of trees and set up camp. After campsite and lunch; there are numerous optional activities to partake in. You may choose to relax at camp and take short walk to enjoy a dip in the nearby natural pools (and slides). For the more adventurous; enjoy a short camel ride or enjoy an extended hike around the surrounding foothills in the company of a local guide.

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 (Thurs 4 May) – Ngurunit to Loiyangalani (approx 4 hrs)

We break camp and depart through dramatic scenery towards Lake Turkana (It is the largest desert lake in the world and extends for 288 kilometres up to the Ethiopian / Kenyan border surrounded by volcanic rock and desert). 

We arrive loiyangalani settlement in time for lunch and camp set up. In the afternoon; we visit the festival site where the various numerous tribes will be settling having arrived from various parts of the North. Registration will take place as and when participants arrive. Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 4 & 5 (Fri 5 & Sat 6 May) – Loiyangani (cultural festival)

The next 2 days will be spent with the local communities exhibiting their culture and you will get a chance to interact with them as well as learn about their culture. The program will include: boat racing, Moran race, wresting; displays of traditional foods as well as dances by the various tribes. 

Apart from that; optional activities (organized and payable direct) include:- the option of hiring a boat to visit the surrounding area, visit the desert museum, visit the local lodge for a swim, guided visit to rock art sites or visit Teleki island by boat. In the evening; you may venture towards the site for more traditional dances and desert ‘disco’! Overnight back at the campsite.

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 (sun 7 May) – Loiyangalani to Maralal (approx. 8-9 hrs)

Very early breakfast in anticipation of a long but scenic drive via South Horr and Baragoi finally arriving Maralal in the early evening. Set up camp for overnight Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 7 (Mon 8 May) – Maralal to Nairobi (approx. 8-9 hrs)

Early morning breakfast before we break up camp to depart back towards Nairobi with picnic lunch en route. There is the option to visit Thomson Falls (payable direct). Arrive Nairobi in the early evening.  Meal Plan Breakfast and Lunch .

 

End of services.

Non-resident rate USD 770per person

Resident rate KSH 60,000per person

Citizen rate KSH 53,000per person

 

Included in the rate:

• Transport by safari vehicle (expedition truck)

• Services of professional English speaking driver, guide and cook

• All campsite fees 

• Cooking and camping equipment including use of our three-person tents (each tent shared by 2 people), stools, foam mattresses except sleeping bags/ pillows

• Meals as per meal plan indicated whether vegetarian or non-veg prepared by our safari cook as indicated (includes tea & coffee)

• 1 liter of mineral water per person per day 

• Flying doctors emergency evacuation cover

• Participation in the festival activities in Loyangalani

• Government taxes

 

Not included in the rate:

• Optional activities as indicated e.g. boat rides on Lake Turkana, entry fee to Desert museum, Thomson falls, camel ride, hire of local guides etc 

• Personal travel/ Medical insurance

• Sleeping bags/ blankets/ pillows

• All airport/hotel/airport transfers [but can be arranged at extra cost]

• All airport taxes and visas

• All personal expenses and toiletries; e.g. additional mineral water, beverages & toiletries 

• Any other extras not stated as included above

N.B) The above tour is a basic camping group tour with transport in expedition trucks (capacity 25) depending on final group size. The group size is open and there are no restrictions to number within the group. Children younger than 7 years are not permitted on group tours. 

- For smaller, private group sizes and upgraded accommodations; please contact us – the costs will differ.

- Participants are requested to keep time with regards to camp set up/ pack up as instructed by tour guides. 

- The above tour is adventurous ‘no-frills’ and should be viewed as such. As such, the route may be subject to change as per ground conditions on the day regarding weather, security or any other unforeseeable circumstances.

PLease note: this is a re-sell package