The festival falls over the full moon in May / June every year. These festivals has taken place during this same time for the past 7 years. Unfortunately, we usually do not receive the exact festival dates and this safari always sells out way in advance of having the festival dates. Therefore you must be open to travel from late April through mid June. We will notify you of the exact travel dates as soon as we receive confirmed festival dates.
This journey into the Northern Kenya takes you into the sparsely populated and less explored part of Kenya where you will traverse across some of the rugged roads in Kenya, come across colorful and captivating tribes and breathtaking scenery. Africa Hub Vacations and Safaris will take you from the semi-arid / savannah type geography and wildlife of the Samburu area. Further to Lake Turkana, this is where the 10 ethnic groups of the 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 13 days tour with emphasis on the festival event in Loiyangalani as well as culture and scenery throughout.
This trip is ideally for guests who would like to experience Kenyan landscapes in style by flying in over the most scenic topography of Kenyan Northern circuits that is less populated.
Itinerary day by day:
Day 1: Arrival - Nairobi
Our representative will pick you upon your arrival at JKIA and transfer you to your hotel at the outskirts of the city center for your layover.
Safari Park Hotel or its equivalent {Meal plan: Bed & breakfast}
Day 2: Nairobi - Mount Kenya
Depart Nairobi in the early morning and proceed towards the slopes of Africa's second highest mountain at 5199m Mt Kenya.
Full Day Scenic flight to Nabiyutom Crater (optional at an extra cost)
All meals and overnight stay arranged at Mount Kenya Safari Club or its equivalent
Day 3: Mount Kenya - Samburu
Indulge on a full day game drive at Ol Pejeta conservancy to see the wildlife including Chimpanzees and Rhinos among other big cats and wildlife species. Overnight at the foothills of the mountain (cold night). All meals arranged at the special Serena Sweet Waters Camp or equivalent
Day 4: Samburu National Reserve
Leave Mt. Kenya, drive to Samburu approx 3/4 hours with an entry game drive to the reserve that covers three in one ecosystem {Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs national reserves}
The chances of spotting the elusive leopard here are quite high not to mention other wildlife species of the big and small cat family.
The bird species recorded here are numerous to the tune of 350. The grevy zebra indigenous to the this semi arid habitat is found here in large numbers.
Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at Ashnil Samburu Lodge or its equivalent.
Day 5: Samburu - Ngurunit
Early breakfast after enjoying another spectacular sunrise before checking out and departing Samburu towards the Ndoto Mountains where Ngurunit is located. (approx 3.5-4 hrs) 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; or hike up the Mount Poi, camel rides all at a minimal additional fee.
All meals, camp fire and overnight at the camp.
Day 6: Ngurunit - Loiyangalani
We break camp after breakfast and take an approximately 4 hours drive to Loiyangalani to start the Turkana 2018 cultural festival. This afternoon we will be at the festival indulging the local tribes of the El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dassanach, Ghabra, Borana, Konso, Wata and Burji.
All meals and overnight stay at Oasis Lodge or equivalent subject to availability
Day 7 & 8: Loiyangalani
Full day at the festival. Dances, performances, cultural activities as outlined.
Day 9: Loiyangalani - Tuum
Early check out before heading to Tuum for Camel Safari rides as well as engaging the local community of Samburu. Very scenic but rough drive with cascading views of Suguta Valley on the west and Mt Nyiro. Set up fly camp, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Tuum - Mararal
After breakfast, drive down to Maralal - approximately 5hrs rough but very scenic drive. All meals and overnight stay at Ngare Hill Lodge or its equivalent
Day 11: Mararal - Baringo
Early start and drive to Lake Baringo 4-5 hours drive. Afternoon optional activities at Baringo - boat ride, nature walk, eco project, cultural visit
Lunch and dinner at Soi Safari Lodge or equivalent
Day 12: Baringo - Lake Nakuru National Park
On this day you will leave early and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park 2-3 hour drive. Enter the park and spend the day game driving around the lake - lots of black and white rhino, lion, buffalo, zebras, rothschild giraffes, leopard, baboons, not to mention the vast pink flamingoes in season. The park has been branded the ornithologists favorite. Dinner and overnight stay at Sopa Lodge Nakuru or its equivalent
Day 13: Lake Nakuru - Nairobi
Breakfast, game drive as you exit the park driving back to Nairobi - trip finishes - Curio shop visit near Karen. Group dinner at Carnivore Restaurant and drop off to your hotel for layover.
Overnight at Ole Sereni Hotel
Day 14: Outbound
After breakfast, transfer to the airport depending on your onward flight schedule.
Land Cruiser 4X4 capacity (7 pax) Safari custom built with a pop up roof top for game viewing
Package Include:
Package Exclude:
The route may be subject to change as per ground conditions on the day regarding weather, security or any other unforeseeable circumstances.
OPTIONAL DAY TRIP TO NABIYUTOM CRATER – {5 pax capacity helicopter safari}
Scenic flight includes: Suguta valley, Nabiyutom crater, return via Matthews ranges and Ndoto mountainsADDITIONAL / OPTIONAL COSTS: