Life & Work

Travel secrets of the northern wilderness

north

Lake Nakuru National Park. PHOTO | FILE

Did you know that Marsabit County is the cradle of mankind? The county is located in Northern Kenya and borders Wajir on the North East and Ethiopia to the North.

Marsabit features the 100,000 sq. km flat sandy Chalbi desert, east of Lake Turkana, Bubisa - a windy village in North Horr, Huri hills – a grassland, the magnificent Marsabit Mountain, Sibiloi National park which is one of the few parks on the edge of Lake Turkana and a rich cultural heritage from The Dazenites, Gabra, Rendille, Turkana, Samburu and Borana.

The area is also a favourite view point of the occasional natural occurrence - the solar eclipse which brings hundreds of tourists to the area.

Unique wildlife like the oryx, ostrich and the endangered Grevy’s zebra make part of the rich tourist experience in the extensive Northern County.

The popular destination in this circuit is Samburu. Loiyangalani in Laisamis, is known for its rich cultural experiences and scenic wonders of nature.

Marsabit has sizeable hotels suchas Jirime Hotel and Resort near Isiolo, Marsabit Lodge inside Marsabit National Park and reserve. The park has two campsites. The rest are small hotels set up by locals.

Unlike Marsabit, Samburu County prides itself in countless national reserves and high-end tourist accommodation.

They include Saruni Safari Lodge, a serene accommodation 7Km from Samburu National Reserve, Larsens tented camp, Samburu Serena lodge, Samburu Game Lodge, Sarova Shaba.

Saruni is located inside the Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy. Samburu Intrepids on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river and Sopa Lodge are some of the best accommodation in Samburu. Saruni has six villas while Sopa lodge has 15 cottages.

A double room at Sopa lodge goes for Sh68, 00 this Christmas period. The lodge has has facilities for guests on wheel chairs and children. Samburu also has rich birdlife with 350 bird species.

AMBOSELI

Amboseli is gem in the Rift Valley that hosts the famed Amboseli National Park. Spread across the Kenya Tanzania border in Kajiado district, it is from here that you will get spectacular views of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Most hotels in Amboseli are part of well-known hospitality brands like the Sopa, Serena and Sentrim. The Kenya Wildlife Service also offers self-catering accommodation and camping sites inside the park.

Ol Tukai Lodge, Campi ya Kanzi, Ol Donyo Lodge inside Mbirikani Group Ranch, on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills National Park, Satao Elerai Camp, Kibo Safari Camp and Porini Amboseli Camp are lodges and camps in the area.

The lodges and camp rates range from Sh10,809 per person per night to Sh42, 750 during peak seasons.

SOUTH RIFT

Away from Northern Kenya, and KAmboseli, the South Rift offers additional travel spots for the holiday season. Lake Elementaita in Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara are legendary end points that are great alternatives from the beaches of the coast.

This Christmas, why not relax on the calm shores of Lake Nakuru, the Mara River or Lake Elmentaita. Numerous hotels are found in these three locations.

Mahali Mzuri a tented camp owned by international businessman Richard Branson, Ol Seki Hemmingways, Fairmount , Keekorok Lodge, Sopa lodge, Sentrim Mara, Royal Mara, Ngerende, Mara Intrepids and Governor’s Camp are some of the hotels in the world famous Masai Mara.

In Naivasha, one can while away time at Enashipai Resort & Spa, the Great Rift valley Lodge and golf, Simba lodge, Sopa lodge, Malu, Panorama, or Camp Carnelley’s,  a small cosy camp on Moi South lake Road, Fisherman’s camp and Naivasha Country Club also located on Moi south lake road are among some of the other hotels offering great accommodation.

Panorama charges Sh6,000 per person per night which is the minimum standard rate for hotels in Naivasha. Enashipai Resort & Spa rates start from Sh18,000.

Kigio Wildlife Camp, Malewa Wildlife Lodge and Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge are other places to stay in the Naivasha-Nakuru areas.

Kigio Wildlife Camp and Malewa Wildlife Lodge cost Sh35,190 per person per night.

Lake Nakuru is one of the most visited KWS facilities in Kenya because it is home to the world famous flamingos and the big five at the Lake Nakuru National Park.

Nakuru has good accommodation within the central business district which include Waterbucks, Kunste hotel, Midland and Bontana Hotel.