North Eastern Circuit
The Jade Sea • Chalbi Desert • Cradle of Mankind • Remote Frontier Wilderness
The Jade Sea • Chalbi Desert • Cradle of Mankind • Remote Frontier Wilderness
Important: North Eastern circuit requires specialist 4x4 vehicles, experienced guides, and careful planning. Best undertaken during dry seasons (June-October, January-March). All our expeditions include experienced drivers, satellite communications, and full logistics support.
The North Eastern Circuit is Kenya's last true wilderness – a land of stark beauty, ancient fossil beds, and vibrant indigenous cultures. Journey to the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana), cross the otherworldly Chalbi Desert, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites at Sibiloi National Park, and encounter Turkana, El Molo, and Dassanach communities. This is an expedition for the adventurous soul, far from the tourist trails.
Route: Nairobi → Samburu → Chalbi Desert → Loiyangalani → Lake Turkana
Morning: Depart Nairobi, drive north via Nanyuki
Afternoon: Game drive in Samburu – Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich
Overnight: Samburu Lodge / Ashnil Samburu / similar
Morning: Drive to Marsabit, forest reserve
Afternoon: Enter Chalbi Desert – vast salt flats, desert landscapes
Evening: Desert camping experience
Morning: Cross Chalbi to Loiyangalani
Afternoon: Arrive Lake Turkana (Jade Sea), visit El Molo villages
Overnight: Loiyangalani lodge / eco-camp
Morning: Boat trip on Lake Turkana
Afternoon: Visit Sibiloi NP – Koobi Fora fossil sites (UNESCO), crocodile colony
Overnight: Camping / Sibiloi bandas
Morning: Early start, drive back via Marsabit
Evening: Arrive Nairobi
$2,400-3,200 pp
Mid-range, 4x4 vehicle, guide, meals
$3,500-5,000+ pp
Private expedition, luxury camping
Jade Sea, world's largest desert lake, crocodiles, flamingos
UNESCO World Heritage, Koobi Fora fossils, petrified forest
Vast salt flats, desert landscapes, camel caravans
Forest reserve, crater lakes, elephants
Cradle of Mankind, hominid fossils, archaeological sites
El Molo & Turkana villages, cultural encounters
Volcanic island, crater lakes, crocodile colony
Northern specialist species, gateway to the north
Meet the Turkana (pastoralists), El Molo (fisher people – Kenya's smallest tribe), and Dassanach. Experience traditional dancing, village life, and ancient customs. The annual Tobong'u Lore cultural festival (April-June) celebrates these rich traditions.
Cultural village visit: $30-50 per person
One of the most important hominid fossil sites on Earth. Discoveries include Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Australopithecus boisei fossils dating back 4 million years. Visit the archaeological site and museum (when open).
| Requirement | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4x4 Land Cruiser | Pop-up roof, equipped for remote travel | $200-350/day |
| Driver-Guide | Experienced northern Kenya specialist | Included |
| Satellite phone | Emergency communication | Included |
| Camping equipment | Tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear | $50-80/person |
| Flight (optional) | Nairobi → Lodwar / Loiyangalani charter | $300-500 |
The Jade Sea, ancient fossils, and timeless cultures await the adventurous spirit.