To travel in Kenya is to experience a new adventure on the regular and to discover that there is more to the country than the famous Bush and Beach expeditions. One of the unique, diverse and well-seasoned travel destinations in Kenya is the Northern Kenya Region which offers a desert experience. It is also the only region in Kenya you can partake in a Camel and/or Desert Safari and venture into unexplored territories deep in the desert. But you are not limited to this since it is also adrenaline filled to cruise the desert in your favorite 4-wheel drive.
Chalbi Desert Samburu National Reserve Shaba Reserve
Samburu
Perhaps it is the most famous desert destination in Northern Kenya aand for good reason. In Samburu you will be in for a treat of culture, wildlife and natural terrain and everything nice. To start, Samburu Reserve for wildlife viewing, game drives, cultural interactions and camping and houses unique wildlife and endangered species.
Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve give a similar experience of enjoying wildlife, interacting with the Samburu people and culture through village visits, tasting Samburu cuisine and bird watching. These two reserves in particular have retained their natural scenery for years and this goes to show that the region’s attraction have existed just like all others in Kenya have and they are well taken care of.
Other honorary mentions include; Lobolo camp, Kenyatta House, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Losiolo Escarpment and Westgate Conservancy.
Laikipia
Renown attractions in Laikipia include Ngare Ndare Forest which is a canopy at the foothills of Mt. Kenya another major attraction and plays a major role of connecting Lewa Conservancy – a beauty to behold with unique wildlife species – to Mt. Kenya creating an animal footpath mainly used by elephants residing in Mt. Kenya Forest.
Laikipia is also full of wildlife conservancies and Ranches which are lush and rich in wildlife complimented by luxurious accommodation facilities. Some well know conservancies are; Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy the only location with a bear in Kenya. There is Ol Pejeta Conservancy East Africa’s largest Black Rhino sanctuary, Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy who seek to prevent wildlife extinction and breed their wildlife with an aim of releasing then to the wild. Some of the ranches are, Mugie Ranch which is also a sanctuary to some endangered species and is a corridor for connecting West Laikipia with Mt. Kenya highlands. Ol Maisor Farm that will offer a classic wildlife experience and lavish accommodation.
Bear at Ol Jogi Conservancy Rhinos at Lewa Conservancy Baby Elephant at Reteti Sanctuary
Turkana
Turkana is a sight for sore eyes thanks to the unique landscapes, a diverse ecosystem and the traditional cultures of the Turkanas. It is the cradle of mankind and the presence of the Nariokotome Turkana Boy Monument is proof of this. Lake Turkana is also very impressive and with a number of beaches along it like Eliye Springs that gives Coast vibes with the white sands, aligned palms and the sand dunes to remind you that you are in the desert.
Central Island National Park also located in Lake Turkana growing out of it is ideal for fishing, crocodile watching as well as bird watching. Other attractions include; The Hot waterfalls of Kapedo described as mother nature’s bathing tub, Lobolo swamp the perfect destination for bird watching and the iconic annual Turkana Tourist and Cultural Festival that attracts a huge crowd across East Africa, Kenya and overseas.
Eliye Springs