Enjoy the Adventure
The Chalbi Desert is a remarkable and somewhat lesser-known desert located in northern Kenya. It's situated in the northeastern part of the country, near the border with Ethiopia. The desert is part of the larger Chalbi Basin, which is an arid and semi-arid region. The Chalbi Desert is known for its striking, sparse landscape and its challenging living conditions due to the extreme temperatures and low rainfall.
The desert's terrain is characterized by vast, flat expanses of sand and gravel plains, with occasional rocky outcrops. Despite its harsh environment, it supports a range of wildlife and is home to a number of nomadic communities who have adapted to the desert's conditions. The desert's isolation and unique landscapes make it a fascinating area for those interested in desert ecosystems and the ways in which life can adapt to extreme environments.
Included / Excluded
- Pick-up or Drop-off service
- Transfer in a custom safari tour van
- Service of a tour/driver guide
- Accommodation in the lodge/tented camp
- Bottled drinking mineral water
- Park entrance fees
- Visas and International flight fares
- Travel insurance and evacuation cover
- Tip and gratuities
- Anything else not mentioned
Trip Itinerary
Begin your safari early in the morning, departing Nairobi around 6:00 AM. The drive to Samburu National Reserve covers approximately 350 kilometers and takes around 6-8 hours. Stop for breakfast en route, potentially in Nanyuki or Isiolo. Arrive in Samburu by midday, check into your lodge or camp, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a short game drive to observe Samburu’s unique wildlife, such as the reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich. Return to your accommodation for a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart Samburu and head towards Marsabit, a drive of about 200 kilometers that will take approximately 4-6 hours. Enjoy the scenic transition from Samburu’s lush landscapes to the arid terrain of Marsabit. Arrive in Marsabit by early to mid-afternoon and check into your lodge or hotel. Take some time to relax and refresh after the drive. Explore Marsabit town briefly if time allows, or unwind at your accommodation. Enjoy dinner at your lodge or a local restaurant.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Following breakfast, leave Marsabit and head towards the Chalbi Desert. The drive covers around 200 kilometers and takes about 4-6 hours. Admire the changing scenery as you approach the desert’s stark beauty. Arrive at your base camp or lodge near the Chalbi Desert by mid-afternoon. After settling in, embark on a brief excursion to start exploring the vast and unique desert landscape. In the evening, witness a stunning desert sunset before returning to camp for dinner and a night around the campfire.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
B
Spend the morning with a guided exploration of the Chalbi Desert. Activities might include visiting salt pans, discovering unique geological features, and spotting wildlife adapted to the desert environment. In the afternoon, visit local nomadic communities to learn about their traditional lifestyles and survival strategies in the desert. Return to camp in the evening to enjoy another beautiful sunset. Have dinner and spend the night around the campfire.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Choose between further exploration of remote desert areas or a relaxed day at camp. Optional activities could include more wildlife observation, hiking, or deeper cultural interactions with local communities. Spend the afternoon leisurely, soaking in the tranquil desert atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a final desert sunset, have dinner at camp, and spend the night stargazing under the clear desert skies.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, start your journey towards Nanyuki. This drive covers approximately 400 kilometers and will take around 6-8 hours, depending on road conditions. Arrive in Nanyuki by late afternoon or early evening. Check into your accommodation, such as a lodge or hotel in Nanyuki. Take the evening to relax and enjoy dinner, reflecting on your desert adventures.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Depart Nanyuki early in the morning for the final leg of your journey back to Nairobi. The drive covers around 200 kilometers and takes approximately 3-4 hours. Arrive in Nairobi by late morning or early afternoon. Once back in Nairobi, you can spend some time visiting local attractions or relaxing before your departure. Consider having a celebratory dinner to conclude your safari adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
