Ethnic and photo expedition to the 7 traditional tribes of Great Rift Valley and banks of Lake Turkana
NORTHERN KENYA
February 23 — March 5, 2024
Kenya
Kenya
tour northern kenya expedition turkana late rendille pokot samburu masai tribe
The picturesque lands of Northern Kenya are home to many tribes, each with its own unique culture. These indigenous peoples have managed to preserve their customs and values for centuries.
In our ethnic and photo expedition we will visit 7 traditional tribes of Great Rift Valley and banks of Lake Turkana.
Njemps are known for their art of making ornaments and colorful fabrics, Samburu and Pokot differ by their huge round collars, the Rendille men decorate intricately themselves and perform a dance with bulls. Kikuyu have a rich tradition of ritual dance, and Turkana women wear massive sets of beads around their necks.
Northern Kenya is a place where the past and the present are intertwined, creating a unique atmosphere that one day is worth seeing!
In our ethnic and photo expedition we will visit 7 traditional tribes of Great Rift Valley and banks of Lake Turkana.
Njemps are known for their art of making ornaments and colorful fabrics, Samburu and Pokot differ by their huge round collars, the Rendille men decorate intricately themselves and perform a dance with bulls. Kikuyu have a rich tradition of ritual dance, and Turkana women wear massive sets of beads around their necks.
Northern Kenya is a place where the past and the present are intertwined, creating a unique atmosphere that one day is worth seeing!
tour northern kenya expedition turkana late rendille pokot samburu masai tribe
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: February 23 — March 5, 2024
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Number of participants: 7 – 12
Cost per person:
• 2 690 USD subject to 11 — 12 participants,
• 2 990 USD subject to 9 — 10 participants,
• 3 290 USD subject to 7 — 8 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before October 23, 2023)
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Nairobi roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- Kenyan visa (e-visa at 50 USD, cost may change), to be arranged on your own.
Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Nairobi – Moscow: USD 1100 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Istanbul – Nairobi – Istanbul: USD 1000 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Dubai – Nairobi – Istanbul: USD 950 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Kenya
Day 1. February 23, 2024 (Friday). NAIROBI
Any time arrival in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, located nearby Equator and with population of 5 million appearing the biggest city in East Africa. Meet the guide and transfer to the hotel Heron Court.
Rest or free time in Nairobi. Dinner and overnight at Heron Court.
Recommended flight:
- with Air Arabia with stopover in Sharjah, departure from Moscow on February 23 at 00:20, arrival in Nairobi on February 23 at 13:10,
- with Turkish Airlines, departure from Istanbul on February 23 at 20:30, arrival in Nairobi on February 24 at 03:20,
- with Kenya Airways, departure from Dubai on February 23 at 02:20, arrival in Nairobi on February 23 at 06:25,
- any other flight arriving in Nairobi at any time on 23 February or the night of 23 to 24 February.
Accommodation included: Heron Court Hotel or similar
Meals included: dinner
Day 2. February 24, 2024 (Saturday). NAIROBI – BARINGO COUNTY
Breakfast in the hotel. Pickup up from the hotel and by our long Land Cruisers drive 278 km (6 hrs drive) to Baringo. If we arrive before lunch, we can do visit of Njemps tribal village also this day, even if main visit is reserved for tomorrow.
Dinner and overnight at Roberts Camp Baringo.
Accommodation included: Roberts Camp Baringo or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3. February 25, 2024 (Sunday). BARINGO – NJEMPS TRIBE
Breakfast and visit the Njemps tribe. The Njemps, also known as Ilchamus, are a Maa-speaking people living south and southeast of Lake Baringo. They number approximately 33 000 people and are closely related to the Samburu living more to the north-east in the Rift Valley Province. They are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Kenya.
In their oral traditions, the Njemps economy underwent a succession of elaborations: from foraging and fishing to a sophisticated system of irrigation, and then this was mixed with pastoralism under the influence of Samburu immigrants and neighboring Maasai.
We will roam round the village and see the way of living of Njemps people. Women will give us a greeting dance.
Dinner and overnight at Roberts Camp Baringo.
Accommodation included: Roberts Camp Baringo or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4. February 26, 2024 (Monday). POKOT TRIBE
Early breakfast at Baringo and drive to the Pokot tribe around the Baringo area.
The Pokot people, famous with their huge round bead collars, also live in Uganda. They form a section of the Kalenjin ethnic group and speak the Pokoot language. Socially, Pokot men were divided into three groupings; Karachona or boys, Muren or circumcised men and Poi or old men. Boys once circumcised would join an age-set.
The Pokot and Turkana ethnic groups have organized cattle raids against each other. The two groups have been through numerous periods of war and peace.
We will explore the village, looking into the houses and getting in touch with their activities, as well as with traditional culture and witness the dance by Pokot women. Photography session.
Dinner and overnight at Roberts Camp Baringo
Accommodation included: Roberts Camp Baringo or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5. February 27, 2024 (Tuesday). BARINGO – SAGANA – KIKUYU TRIBE
Early breakfast and depart to Sagana (Central Kenya) for the Kikuyu tribe which is in 176 km (5 hrs) drive distance. Lunch upon arrival in Jangwani Camp.
The Kikuyu are a Bantu ethnic group native to Central Kenya. The exact place that the Northeast Bantu speakers migrated from after the initial Bantu expansion is uncertain. Some authorities suggest that the Kikuyu arrived in their present Mount Kenya area of habitation from earlier settlements further to the north and east, while others argue that the Kikuyu, along with their closely related Eastern Bantu neighbours moved into Kenya from points further north.
The Kikuyu was divided into nine clans. Each clan traced its lineage to a single female ancestor and a daughter of Mumbi The clans were not restricted to any particular geographical area, they lived side by side.
The Kikuyu were – and still are – monotheists believing in an omnipotent Creator whom they refer to as Ngai.
Photo session, traditional dance, getting into acquaintance with the village. Back in camp. Dinner and overnight at Jangwani Camp.
Accommodation included: Jangwani Camp or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. February 28, 2024 (Wednesday). SAMBURU TRIBE
Early breakfast and drive 230 km (4 hours drive) to Samburu tribe.
The Samburu are a Nilotic people of north-central Kenya. Samburu are semi- nomadic pastoralists who herd mainly cattle but also keep sheep, goats and camels. The name they use for themselves is Lokop, a term which may have a variety of meanings. Many assert that it refers to them as "owners of the land" ("lo" refers to ownership, "nkop" is land).
Men wear a cloth which is often pink or black and is wrapped around their waist in a manner similar to a Scottish kilt. They adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets and anklets, like other sub tribes of the Maasai community.
Members of the moran age grade (i.e. "warriors") typically wear their hair in long braids, which they shave off when they become elders. It may be colored using red ochre. Their bodies are sometimes decorated with ochre, as well. Women wear two pieces of blue or purple cloth, one piece wrapped around the waist, the second wrapped over the chest. Women keep their hair shaved and wear numerous necklaces and bracelets. In the past decade, traditional clothing styles have changed.
We will explore the village, looking into the houses and getting in touch with their activities, as well as with traditional culture and dance by Samburu. Photography session.
Dinner and overnight at Carmels Gate lodge.
Accommodation included: Carmels Gate lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7. February 29, 2024 (Thursday). SAMBURU TRIBE
Morning visit to Samburu village before sunrise. 9:30 am back to the camp for breakfast.
Take ease and enjoy the camp. From 3:00 to 6:00 pm visit a different village located at the foot of Mt. Ololokwe, a highest peak in the area (2200 meters ASL)
The Samburu are a gerontocracy. The power of elders is linked to the belief in their curse, underpinning their monopoly over arranging marriages and taking on further wives. This is at the expense of unmarried younger men, whose development up to the age of thirty is in a state of social suspension, prolonging their adolescent status.
Samburu practice male circumcision and female genital mutilation, even if the latter is illegal in Kenya.
Boys get circumcised in their teenage years, most girls are subjected to mutilation before marriage. Girls who have not undergone female genital mutilation will be raped as part of a practice referred to as "beading", and are not allowed to have children.
We will get into acquaintance with Samburu lifestyle: see traditional procedure of getting blood from alive goat or cow, also see the way of applying the body painting by morans (youngsters) and also making fire by traditional way.
Dinner and overnight at Carmels Gate lodge.
Accommodation included: Carmels Gate lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8. March 1, 2024 (Friday). RENDILLE TRIBE
We depart Samburu after breakfast with picnic lunch. Drive 3 hours northwardly into Kaisut Desert to Ngurunit, where we meet the Rendille tribe in the afternoon.
Rendille are a Cushitic speaking ethnic group inhabiting the northern Eastern Province. Also known as the "holders of the stick of God" (this is the translation of their name "Rendille"), the Rendille community is formed by a group of camel herders who are also generally considered to be an indigenous community in Marsabit County.
The Rendille are believed to have originally migrated down into the Great Lakes after splitting off from the Somali people in the Horn region, following a southward population expansions by the Oromo and the Somalis.
Traditionally, they are nomadic pastoralists, tending camels, sheep, goats and cattle. The camels are generally kept in the northern part of their territory and the cattle in the southern section. Additionally, the Rendille traditionally practice infibulation. This practice has its origins in Ancient Egypt which is well documented. Also, some believe the custom was first brought to the Horn region from the Arabian Pepinsula during antiquity, and was originally intended to protect sheperd girls from attacks by wild animals during menstruation. The tradition subsequently dispersed from there.
We will explore the village, looking into the houses and getting in touch with their activities, as well as with traditional culture and witness the dance by Rendille women. Photography session.
Dinner and overnight at Golbo hotel.
Accommodation included: Golbo hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9. March 2, 2024 (Saturday). RENDILLE TRIBE – TURKANA TRIBE
Visit Rendille tribe for earlier morning photography and back to Golbo hotel for breakfast. Leave after breakfast to Loiyangalani. 3 hours drive and arrive in time for lunch.
Visit the Turkana village around Loiyangalani vicinity in the afternoon. We have unlimited tour and interaction with Turkana tribe, also includes unlimited photography.
The Turkana are the third largest Nilotic ethnic group in Kenya, slightly more numerous than the Maasai, and the tenth largest ethnicity in all of Kenya. Together with Karamajong in Uganda, Toposa in South Sudan and Nyangatom in Ethiopia, Turkana belong to the same language cluster called Karamajong, or Ateker.
The Turkana entered Turkana lake basin from the north as one unit of the Ateker confederation. This cluster split as a result of internal differences, leading to the emergence of distinct independent groups. The Turkana people emerged as a victorious group in the subsequent conflict, which led to enmity between the Turkana and other Ateker cluster groups, who formed military alliances against the Turkana. The Turkana emerged victorious again by co-opting young people from conquered groups. The military power and wealth of the Turkana increased in what is now the northern plains of Turkana.
Traditionally, both men and women wear wraps made of rectangular woven materials and animal skins. Today, these clothes are normally purchased, having been manufactured in Nairobi or elsewhere in Kenya.
Often, men wear their wraps similar to tunics, with one end connected with the other end over the right shoulder, and carry wrist knives made of steel and goat hide. Men also carry stools (known as ekicholong) and will use these for simple chairs rather than sitting on the hot midday sand. These stools also double as headrests, keeping one's head elevated from the sand, and protecting any ceremonial head decorations from being damaged. It is also not uncommon for men to carry several staves; one is used for walking and balance when carrying loads; the other, usually slimmer and longer, is used to prod livestock during herding activities.
Women will customarily wear necklaces and will shave their hair completely which often has beads attached to the loose ends of hair. Men wear their hair shaved. Women wear two pieces of cloth, one wrapped around the waist while the other covers the top. Traditionally leather wraps covered with ostrich eggshell beads were the norm for women's undergarments, though these are now uncommon in many areas.
The Turkana people have elaborate clothing and adornment styles. Clothing is used to distinguish between age groups, development stages, occasions, and the status of individuals or groups in the Turkana community. Today, many Turkana have adopted western-style clothing. This is especially prominent among both men and women who live in town centers throughout Turkana.
We explore the village and get into acquaintance with the features of tribal lifestyle and culture. Traditional dance and photo session. Dinner and overnight at Golbo hotel.
Accommodation included: Golbo hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10. March 3, 2024 (Sunday). TURKANA TRIBE – SAND DUNES – GABBRA TRIBE
We leave the camp before sunrise to capture spectacular images of the Turkana tribe against the sun and with mild sunrise light. After finishing our morning photography, we went back to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we drive for 3 hrs north across the Chalbi desert to a place called North Horr, with picnic lunch. We will also get a chance to visit a famous Sandwich – a sand dune in that area.
Evening spent for photography with the Gabbra community.
The Gabbra are related to the wider Oromo people and Garre in the Horn of Africa, they mainly inhabit northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, they mostly practice Islam and Christianity as religion.
Dinner and accommodations in Catholic mission hostels.
Accommodation included: Catholic mission hostels or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11. March 4, 2024 (Monday). SAMBURU TRIBE
After breakfast, we continue driving back. Today we drive for 5 hours up to Samburu tribe. We visit to Samburu tribel village in the evening. Photography session. Dinner and overnight at Steto Lodge.
Accommodation included: Steto Lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12. March 5, 2024 (Tuesday). SAMBURU – NAIROBI
Early breakfast and drive back to Nairobi (5 hrs) directly to the airport. Catch the flight back home.
Recommended flight:
- with Air Arabia with stopover in Sharjah, departure from Nairobi on March 6 at 14:00, arrival in Moscow on March 7 at 03:55 (you need to book additional night at the hotel in Nairobi),
- with Turkish Airlines, departure from Nairobi on March 6 at 05:05, arriving in Istanbul on March 6 at 12:20 (you need to book additional night at the hotel in Nairobi),
- with Kenya Airways, departure from Nairobi on March 5 at 18:15, arrival in Dubai on March 6 at 00:30,
- any other flight from Nairobi no earlier than 17:00 hours on March 5.
Accommodation included: no
Meals included: breakfast
* The order of visits and excursions can be modified according to local conditions, i.e. market days, state of roads, security situation in tribes etc. If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.
** The participant of expedition to Northern Kenya must be motivated to be respectful to the culture of local tribes and cultures, be aware of the objectives of the trip and possible program changes depending on weather conditions, security conditions and any other reasons, be in a good shape and morally stable, as well as be able to adapt to the new environment and culture.
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Number of participants: 7 – 12
Cost per person:
• 2 690 USD subject to 11 — 12 participants,
• 2 990 USD subject to 9 — 10 participants,
• 3 290 USD subject to 7 — 8 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before October 23, 2023)
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Nairobi roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- Kenyan visa (e-visa at 50 USD, cost may change), to be arranged on your own.
Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Nairobi – Moscow: USD 1100 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Istanbul – Nairobi – Istanbul: USD 1000 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Dubai – Nairobi – Istanbul: USD 950 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Kenya
Day 1. February 23, 2024 (Friday). NAIROBI
Any time arrival in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, located nearby Equator and with population of 5 million appearing the biggest city in East Africa. Meet the guide and transfer to the hotel Heron Court.
Rest or free time in Nairobi. Dinner and overnight at Heron Court.
Recommended flight:
- with Air Arabia with stopover in Sharjah, departure from Moscow on February 23 at 00:20, arrival in Nairobi on February 23 at 13:10,
- with Turkish Airlines, departure from Istanbul on February 23 at 20:30, arrival in Nairobi on February 24 at 03:20,
- with Kenya Airways, departure from Dubai on February 23 at 02:20, arrival in Nairobi on February 23 at 06:25,
- any other flight arriving in Nairobi at any time on 23 February or the night of 23 to 24 February.
Accommodation included: Heron Court Hotel or similar
Meals included: dinner
Day 2. February 24, 2024 (Saturday). NAIROBI – BARINGO COUNTY
Breakfast in the hotel. Pickup up from the hotel and by our long Land Cruisers drive 278 km (6 hrs drive) to Baringo. If we arrive before lunch, we can do visit of Njemps tribal village also this day, even if main visit is reserved for tomorrow.
Dinner and overnight at Roberts Camp Baringo.
Accommodation included: Roberts Camp Baringo or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3. February 25, 2024 (Sunday). BARINGO – NJEMPS TRIBE
Breakfast and visit the Njemps tribe. The Njemps, also known as Ilchamus, are a Maa-speaking people living south and southeast of Lake Baringo. They number approximately 33 000 people and are closely related to the Samburu living more to the north-east in the Rift Valley Province. They are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Kenya.
In their oral traditions, the Njemps economy underwent a succession of elaborations: from foraging and fishing to a sophisticated system of irrigation, and then this was mixed with pastoralism under the influence of Samburu immigrants and neighboring Maasai.
We will roam round the village and see the way of living of Njemps people. Women will give us a greeting dance.
Dinner and overnight at Roberts Camp Baringo.
Accommodation included: Roberts Camp Baringo or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4. February 26, 2024 (Monday). POKOT TRIBE
Early breakfast at Baringo and drive to the Pokot tribe around the Baringo area.
The Pokot people, famous with their huge round bead collars, also live in Uganda. They form a section of the Kalenjin ethnic group and speak the Pokoot language. Socially, Pokot men were divided into three groupings; Karachona or boys, Muren or circumcised men and Poi or old men. Boys once circumcised would join an age-set.
The Pokot and Turkana ethnic groups have organized cattle raids against each other. The two groups have been through numerous periods of war and peace.
We will explore the village, looking into the houses and getting in touch with their activities, as well as with traditional culture and witness the dance by Pokot women. Photography session.
Dinner and overnight at Roberts Camp Baringo
Accommodation included: Roberts Camp Baringo or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5. February 27, 2024 (Tuesday). BARINGO – SAGANA – KIKUYU TRIBE
Early breakfast and depart to Sagana (Central Kenya) for the Kikuyu tribe which is in 176 km (5 hrs) drive distance. Lunch upon arrival in Jangwani Camp.
The Kikuyu are a Bantu ethnic group native to Central Kenya. The exact place that the Northeast Bantu speakers migrated from after the initial Bantu expansion is uncertain. Some authorities suggest that the Kikuyu arrived in their present Mount Kenya area of habitation from earlier settlements further to the north and east, while others argue that the Kikuyu, along with their closely related Eastern Bantu neighbours moved into Kenya from points further north.
The Kikuyu was divided into nine clans. Each clan traced its lineage to a single female ancestor and a daughter of Mumbi The clans were not restricted to any particular geographical area, they lived side by side.
The Kikuyu were – and still are – monotheists believing in an omnipotent Creator whom they refer to as Ngai.
Photo session, traditional dance, getting into acquaintance with the village. Back in camp. Dinner and overnight at Jangwani Camp.
Accommodation included: Jangwani Camp or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. February 28, 2024 (Wednesday). SAMBURU TRIBE
Early breakfast and drive 230 km (4 hours drive) to Samburu tribe.
The Samburu are a Nilotic people of north-central Kenya. Samburu are semi- nomadic pastoralists who herd mainly cattle but also keep sheep, goats and camels. The name they use for themselves is Lokop, a term which may have a variety of meanings. Many assert that it refers to them as "owners of the land" ("lo" refers to ownership, "nkop" is land).
Men wear a cloth which is often pink or black and is wrapped around their waist in a manner similar to a Scottish kilt. They adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets and anklets, like other sub tribes of the Maasai community.
Members of the moran age grade (i.e. "warriors") typically wear their hair in long braids, which they shave off when they become elders. It may be colored using red ochre. Their bodies are sometimes decorated with ochre, as well. Women wear two pieces of blue or purple cloth, one piece wrapped around the waist, the second wrapped over the chest. Women keep their hair shaved and wear numerous necklaces and bracelets. In the past decade, traditional clothing styles have changed.
We will explore the village, looking into the houses and getting in touch with their activities, as well as with traditional culture and dance by Samburu. Photography session.
Dinner and overnight at Carmels Gate lodge.
Accommodation included: Carmels Gate lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7. February 29, 2024 (Thursday). SAMBURU TRIBE
Morning visit to Samburu village before sunrise. 9:30 am back to the camp for breakfast.
Take ease and enjoy the camp. From 3:00 to 6:00 pm visit a different village located at the foot of Mt. Ololokwe, a highest peak in the area (2200 meters ASL)
The Samburu are a gerontocracy. The power of elders is linked to the belief in their curse, underpinning their monopoly over arranging marriages and taking on further wives. This is at the expense of unmarried younger men, whose development up to the age of thirty is in a state of social suspension, prolonging their adolescent status.
Samburu practice male circumcision and female genital mutilation, even if the latter is illegal in Kenya.
Boys get circumcised in their teenage years, most girls are subjected to mutilation before marriage. Girls who have not undergone female genital mutilation will be raped as part of a practice referred to as "beading", and are not allowed to have children.
We will get into acquaintance with Samburu lifestyle: see traditional procedure of getting blood from alive goat or cow, also see the way of applying the body painting by morans (youngsters) and also making fire by traditional way.
Dinner and overnight at Carmels Gate lodge.
Accommodation included: Carmels Gate lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8. March 1, 2024 (Friday). RENDILLE TRIBE
We depart Samburu after breakfast with picnic lunch. Drive 3 hours northwardly into Kaisut Desert to Ngurunit, where we meet the Rendille tribe in the afternoon.
Rendille are a Cushitic speaking ethnic group inhabiting the northern Eastern Province. Also known as the "holders of the stick of God" (this is the translation of their name "Rendille"), the Rendille community is formed by a group of camel herders who are also generally considered to be an indigenous community in Marsabit County.
The Rendille are believed to have originally migrated down into the Great Lakes after splitting off from the Somali people in the Horn region, following a southward population expansions by the Oromo and the Somalis.
Traditionally, they are nomadic pastoralists, tending camels, sheep, goats and cattle. The camels are generally kept in the northern part of their territory and the cattle in the southern section. Additionally, the Rendille traditionally practice infibulation. This practice has its origins in Ancient Egypt which is well documented. Also, some believe the custom was first brought to the Horn region from the Arabian Pepinsula during antiquity, and was originally intended to protect sheperd girls from attacks by wild animals during menstruation. The tradition subsequently dispersed from there.
We will explore the village, looking into the houses and getting in touch with their activities, as well as with traditional culture and witness the dance by Rendille women. Photography session.
Dinner and overnight at Golbo hotel.
Accommodation included: Golbo hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9. March 2, 2024 (Saturday). RENDILLE TRIBE – TURKANA TRIBE
Visit Rendille tribe for earlier morning photography and back to Golbo hotel for breakfast. Leave after breakfast to Loiyangalani. 3 hours drive and arrive in time for lunch.
Visit the Turkana village around Loiyangalani vicinity in the afternoon. We have unlimited tour and interaction with Turkana tribe, also includes unlimited photography.
The Turkana are the third largest Nilotic ethnic group in Kenya, slightly more numerous than the Maasai, and the tenth largest ethnicity in all of Kenya. Together with Karamajong in Uganda, Toposa in South Sudan and Nyangatom in Ethiopia, Turkana belong to the same language cluster called Karamajong, or Ateker.
The Turkana entered Turkana lake basin from the north as one unit of the Ateker confederation. This cluster split as a result of internal differences, leading to the emergence of distinct independent groups. The Turkana people emerged as a victorious group in the subsequent conflict, which led to enmity between the Turkana and other Ateker cluster groups, who formed military alliances against the Turkana. The Turkana emerged victorious again by co-opting young people from conquered groups. The military power and wealth of the Turkana increased in what is now the northern plains of Turkana.
Traditionally, both men and women wear wraps made of rectangular woven materials and animal skins. Today, these clothes are normally purchased, having been manufactured in Nairobi or elsewhere in Kenya.
Often, men wear their wraps similar to tunics, with one end connected with the other end over the right shoulder, and carry wrist knives made of steel and goat hide. Men also carry stools (known as ekicholong) and will use these for simple chairs rather than sitting on the hot midday sand. These stools also double as headrests, keeping one's head elevated from the sand, and protecting any ceremonial head decorations from being damaged. It is also not uncommon for men to carry several staves; one is used for walking and balance when carrying loads; the other, usually slimmer and longer, is used to prod livestock during herding activities.
Women will customarily wear necklaces and will shave their hair completely which often has beads attached to the loose ends of hair. Men wear their hair shaved. Women wear two pieces of cloth, one wrapped around the waist while the other covers the top. Traditionally leather wraps covered with ostrich eggshell beads were the norm for women's undergarments, though these are now uncommon in many areas.
The Turkana people have elaborate clothing and adornment styles. Clothing is used to distinguish between age groups, development stages, occasions, and the status of individuals or groups in the Turkana community. Today, many Turkana have adopted western-style clothing. This is especially prominent among both men and women who live in town centers throughout Turkana.
We explore the village and get into acquaintance with the features of tribal lifestyle and culture. Traditional dance and photo session. Dinner and overnight at Golbo hotel.
Accommodation included: Golbo hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10. March 3, 2024 (Sunday). TURKANA TRIBE – SAND DUNES – GABBRA TRIBE
We leave the camp before sunrise to capture spectacular images of the Turkana tribe against the sun and with mild sunrise light. After finishing our morning photography, we went back to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we drive for 3 hrs north across the Chalbi desert to a place called North Horr, with picnic lunch. We will also get a chance to visit a famous Sandwich – a sand dune in that area.
Evening spent for photography with the Gabbra community.
The Gabbra are related to the wider Oromo people and Garre in the Horn of Africa, they mainly inhabit northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, they mostly practice Islam and Christianity as religion.
Dinner and accommodations in Catholic mission hostels.
Accommodation included: Catholic mission hostels or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11. March 4, 2024 (Monday). SAMBURU TRIBE
After breakfast, we continue driving back. Today we drive for 5 hours up to Samburu tribe. We visit to Samburu tribel village in the evening. Photography session. Dinner and overnight at Steto Lodge.
Accommodation included: Steto Lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12. March 5, 2024 (Tuesday). SAMBURU – NAIROBI
Early breakfast and drive back to Nairobi (5 hrs) directly to the airport. Catch the flight back home.
Recommended flight:
- with Air Arabia with stopover in Sharjah, departure from Nairobi on March 6 at 14:00, arrival in Moscow on March 7 at 03:55 (you need to book additional night at the hotel in Nairobi),
- with Turkish Airlines, departure from Nairobi on March 6 at 05:05, arriving in Istanbul on March 6 at 12:20 (you need to book additional night at the hotel in Nairobi),
- with Kenya Airways, departure from Nairobi on March 5 at 18:15, arrival in Dubai on March 6 at 00:30,
- any other flight from Nairobi no earlier than 17:00 hours on March 5.
Accommodation included: no
Meals included: breakfast
* The order of visits and excursions can be modified according to local conditions, i.e. market days, state of roads, security situation in tribes etc. If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.
** The participant of expedition to Northern Kenya must be motivated to be respectful to the culture of local tribes and cultures, be aware of the objectives of the trip and possible program changes depending on weather conditions, security conditions and any other reasons, be in a good shape and morally stable, as well as be able to adapt to the new environment and culture.
Cost includes:
• Accommodation in lodges, hotels based on twin/double accommodation (the name of the lodges as agreed in the program or similar),
• All transport as per program: 4WD Long Landcruiser (7 seater) with working AC and experienced drivers (7 clients in 1 car max, including 6 in the rare salon and 1 in front, each passenger has access to the window)
• 3 times a day meals throughout all trip
• Drinking water and soft drinks throughout all trip
• All entrance fees, all activities and events according to the program
• All permissions
• Tribal fees and tribal guides
• Photography fees
• Experienced English speaking local guide
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
• International air tickets to Nairobi (roundtrip),
• Medical Insurance
• Visa of Kenya (e-visa at 50 USD, cost may change), to be arranged on your own.
• Alcohol beverages,
• Items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc.
• Tips
• Single supplement
To take with:
- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and warm clothes (hoody, light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking/walking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net
- sunglasses
- big backpack (or travel bag, or small suitcase) for the luggage
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 L)
- headlamp
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- repellents
- personal hygiene items
- individual medical kit (analgetic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you but recommended)
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, batteries
• Accommodation in lodges, hotels based on twin/double accommodation (the name of the lodges as agreed in the program or similar),
• All transport as per program: 4WD Long Landcruiser (7 seater) with working AC and experienced drivers (7 clients in 1 car max, including 6 in the rare salon and 1 in front, each passenger has access to the window)
• 3 times a day meals throughout all trip
• Drinking water and soft drinks throughout all trip
• All entrance fees, all activities and events according to the program
• All permissions
• Tribal fees and tribal guides
• Photography fees
• Experienced English speaking local guide
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
• International air tickets to Nairobi (roundtrip),
• Medical Insurance
• Visa of Kenya (e-visa at 50 USD, cost may change), to be arranged on your own.
• Alcohol beverages,
• Items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc.
• Tips
• Single supplement
To take with:
- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and warm clothes (hoody, light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking/walking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net
- sunglasses
- big backpack (or travel bag, or small suitcase) for the luggage
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 L)
- headlamp
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- repellents
- personal hygiene items
- individual medical kit (analgetic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you but recommended)
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, batteries
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. In our expeditions, exciting traveling and your comfort is guaranteed.
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