7-Day Chalbi Desert Circuit is the ultimate rugged adventure and is mainly a camping expedition run in 4X4s or overland trucks. It traverses along some of Africa’s harsh habitats and roads. See wildlife endemic to the north of Kenya, beautiful mountain forests surrounded by hot, dusty deserts (Chalbi, the only true desert in Kenya). Eventually arriving at the shores of the beautiful Jade Sea (Lake Turkana).

Apart from the spectacular scenery, it is the cultural diversity consisting of 14 tribes of northern Kenya. It makes the most lasting impression.  The nomadic pastoralists such as the Gabbra, Turkana, and Samburu, whose adherence to a strictly traditional lifestyle and dress is practically unique in modern East Africa. This trip has been matched with the desert safari in Dubai by many. It is for those true explorers and travellers who want to get off the tourist-beaten track.

Day 1: Nairobi to Sabache

You will be picked up from your hotel and depart for Nanyuki, with a stopover at the Equator. Proceed to Isiolo and continue to Sabache camp at the foot of Mt. Ololokwe.

Day 2: Sabache to Marsabit

After breakfast, we leave Sabache and head further north along the Trans-African highway to Marsabit. The extinct volcano is heavily forested on its upper slopes. After setting up camp, we will visit the lodge inside Marsabit National Park. You may see elephants, buffalos, and the Greater Kudu as the lodge is situated on the edge of a water-filled crater. All meals are served, followed by overnight at the campsite.

Day 3: Marsabit to Kalacha

On this day, we will visit Marsabit town and another volcanic crater before making our way back into the desert and lava flows. Proceed to our campsite at Kalacha, which is a small settlement on the edge of the Chalbi desert.

Day 4: Kalacha to Lake Turkana

Early in the morning, we depart, crossing the Chalbi Desert if weather permits; otherwise, we use an alternative route to a campsite near Loiyangalani, arriving in time for lunch. All meals are served, followed by dinner and overnight at the campsite.

Day 5: Lake Turkana

After breakfast, the day is spent at leisure relaxing and bathing. It is only interrupted by a short optional boat excursion to visit the surrounding areas. In addition, we visit Loiyangalani and the community settled there, and in the evening there is an option of visiting one of the El Molo or Turkana Manyattas for traditional dances under a star-studded sky. All meals are served and overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 6: Lake Turkana to Maralal

After breakfast, we continue with our journey via South Horr and Baragoi to Maralal, another forested area. You will also see the Samburu people with their red ochre. All meals are served followed by overnight at the campsite

Day 7: Maralal to Nairobi

After breakfast, continue with your safari further south via Laikipia Plains and Nyahururu. You will have a stopover to admire the scenic beauty at Thomson’s Falls. Continue driving back to Nairobi to complete the 7-Day Chalbi Desert Circuit.