Lake Turkana Festival - This May!

I am usually not a very big fan of festivals because it means loads of people in one place at once!It is almost like carnivals, people in costumes, loud music...you get the picture. However, when i first heard of the Lake Turkana Festival i must admit i was fascinated, because naturally you do not expect to hear of something like that! Not that it's strange but, if you are Kenyan and especially if you rescide in Nairobi you would know that we have never had of Turkana night at the Carnivore! Yet here is a full planned festival! And what's more...it not the first time it's being held in Kenya but the 6th!

About the Festival:

The Lake Turkana Festival will take place for the 6^th consecutive year in Loyangalani town; on the shores of the awe-inspiring Jade Sea this May 2013 from 22nd -28th. It is here where the 10 ethnic groups of the Lake Turkana region; El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dassanach, Ghabra, Borana, Konso, Wata and Burji demonstrate through song and dance their unique differences and traditions. In this remote and forgotten region; we are also made aware of the challenges faced by these minority tribes which include drought, environmental challenges, poor infrastructure and wrangling amongst each other. Thus whilst we awe at their impressive dress and ornaments and study their artifacts and way of life in the dramatic landscape that makes up the north of Kenya; the underlying goal remains and continues to be the promotion of peace and furthermore the appreciation of these fascinating tribes.


Uniglobe Let's Go Travel have a special package to attend the festival and included in the package are tours to Samburu Game Park.

A Reason To Tour Turkana... and it is not because of the Oil deposits.

If you are in East Africa, especially in Kenya, then of course this does not come as news that Turkana County is now said to have Oil deposits. This came as a shock to many because Turkana county is one of the places in Kenya where it is always characterised in the media as a poverty and drought stricken area. The news we have always received from Turkana is nothing really but sad news until now... However, I choose not to dwell on the oil issue as my interest solely lies on a different attraction in this now popular county....The touristic approach.

How many of us have ever thought of touring Turkana ? Sincerely I never did....until now (just kidding). Turkana is a place widely known for the Lake Turkana, the World's largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake. 

Turkana people have a very rich culture which I believe is something worth learning and witnessing first hand, and if we were to go by the last country census, the Turkana people are even a bigger margin  of the Kenyan people than the world known Masai People. 

I am sure your next question is, so what else would you do while in Turukana? A visit to the Central Island National Park, Fishing at Lake Turkana,Sundowner by the lake while sipping on chilled wine or a cold beer, visit the local market and get to interact with the local people and the list is endless....

So now that you have sorted what to do, comes the obvious question, where would you stay? And the answer to that is Eliye Springs Camp and Lodge. The first time I heard of Eliye Springs, I must say I thought they were crazy to have put up a lodge in Turkana, but now the more I think of it, the less the idea seems crazy!

Eliye Springs includes 6 luxury and unique Turkana bomas,a well stocked bar with cold drinks,an open dining room, the Palm tree bar,the massage corner,a swimming pool, motor boats and fishing equipment.

A boma contains a main house (the biggest ever built Turkana hut) with double bed and some furniture, a veranda facing the Lake, a tiled bathroom and a space for relaxing, sunbath and pleasure. The Lodge also has a camping site, if you prefer pitching tents.

So... next time you are thinking of a holiday, try and step out of the normal Masai Mara, Mombasa or Nakuru.....Try Turkana!

My Top 5 Places in Lake Naivasha

Usually when I want to go for a short weekend getaway, the first place that comes in my mind; the Lake Naivasha Area. Mainly because Naivasha not only has very many lodges, hotels and Camp sites but it also has some of the most exciting activities that I can do to relax such us, rock climbing, cycling in Hell’s Gate Park, nature walks and so much more! It is also a very pocket friendly destination, where you will spend an average of KES 5,000 (approx US$ 65) per person per night on full board.

My Top 5 places in Lake Naivasha 

Chui Lodge

5. Chui Lodge – Besides being homely and sweet, it is also in the Oserian Sanctuary which i must say is beyond breathless, although a bit expensive, it is the perfect place for that “I want to spend my dosh  this weekend!” kind of place.

4. Elsamere – Truth be told i have always had a soft spot for Elsamere.  Maybe it is because I am a sucker for history and truth be told, Joy Adamson had a lovely life story with Elsa the lion and spending time in Elsamere, only makes me feel like I knew Joy and George and their conservation work..hehehe! I know, you must be thinking “of course you feel like you knew her because of the movie – Born Free” lol

Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort

3. Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort - Ok...I enjoy watching people play golf and even though I do not play myself, this is the perfect escapade to do just that. From the unbelievable neat moaned lawns to the serenity green grass and the breathtaking cottages, this is the perfect family getaway.

2. Enashipai – This place was an instant hit the moment their launched into the market, probably it has to do with their awesome spa or perhaps it is the excellent service offered , this place does live up to the 5 star category!

Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp

1. Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp – I know...you must think this is my number one simply because it is new....which is partly true but this place has its true form of connecting with nature. It is simple, way too pocket friendly and has amazing views!! I think it is the tents that give me a Maasai Mara feeling or it is the waking up to birds singing that makes me know this place is amazing. It is not overly exaggerated or overly priced too and of course with the current economy...let’s just say you will be getting your money’s worth and so, so much more!  

So, which are your quick getaway destinations and why are they you preferred getaways?