I know loyangalani is in the far north alongside Lake Turkana ,but how difficult is it to get there and indeed once there is it worth the effort .I am retired and have about 5 weeks to spend in Kenya so time is not such a problem .I am happy using buses or whatever type transport is available and will take whatever accom is available . My interests are cultural and photography if I see wildlife all the better but I doubt I would do a "Safari", I have no need or desire for many of the trappings of rich european tourism ,which I gather may be an advantage in this area .How is safety in this area Please let me know your thoughts
Chris P
chrispateman
1
richardtrillo
I haven't heard of any recent problems in Loiyangalani or by the lakeshore. The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival takes place there without incident every May/June. Getting there is straiaghtforward enough as far as Maralal, but it's Maralal and for a few hours drive to the north which have occasional banditry problems. There's not much in the way of regular transport north of Maralal, but if you have plenty of time, as you do, you'll make it easily enough. Palm Shade Camp is a reliable, simple place in Loiyangalani, with camping and bandas.
It's an amazing area.
Safari njema!
2
Advenafricaexp
Its now safe to go up northern as there are events going on unlike early days when the place was deserted, it all depends how you want to travel up north, one either hiring a car, or joining groups going up, initially Game trackers used to have organized groups but now am not sure if they still do it but you can check with them. The challenge with public means is from Maralal to Loiyanalani if using public means, but the best way either rent a car, join a group or fly there.
its worthy a visit. I used to visit up north sometimes back in Elmolo tribe but nowardys we dont unless attending festivals
3
chrispateman
thanks for the info .I note you are a regular source of reliable info Richard . I could stay a few days in Maralal and try to see what goes north ,I guess there would be things to do in Maralal for a few days anyway .I am easily pleased with places and my own company . Thanks again *
4
richardtrillo
Chris, that's what I would do. So long as you have time, you'll be fine. I did just hear today of a nasty highway robbery incident between Nyahururu and Maralal in the past few weeks, but I have no details. Unfortunately such things aren't uncommon in Kenya. You can take comfort from the sheer volume of vehicles moving around, that it's incredibly unlikely to be yours. An accident or drunken drivers is less uncommon!
5
sonyain
Hello.
We were in Maralal last may, travelled there from Nyahururu by public truck-bus. 500 sh (back 400 sh), 5 h. They just started doing a new road. Now still bumpy.
We loved that area, with Samburu people and saw wild animals from the road.
Cheap accommodation avalaible in Maralal, local lodges.
There have been problems of cattla robbberies in northern Kenya... but it should be ok for travellers...
This is what they told us in Maralal:
"Maralal- Lake Turkana area (north): more than 200 km and around 10 hours to Loiyangalani (1.000 sh), less to Baragoi, 6 hours (600 sh). But this road has some very bad sections. "
People in Maralal Curios Shop are friendly and can inform you about transport.
Details of our trip... 8 months independent low-cost travellers in eastern and southern Africa... on our blog.
You will enjoy there. Real Kenya and Africa without mzungus.
Safe trip.
6
Thorn Tree
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