As the road to Marsabit approaches completion, I expect there will be more visitors to this area. Since I've been here about 3 weeks now, I thought I would provide a bit of information I've found helpful. This is not comprehensive, of course--just some things that travelers to the area might need to know.
A. The road from Isiolo is more than half tarmac now. Honestly, you can make it in a saloon car, but there's a lot of corrugation so it would not be ideal. The roads around Marsabit Town are far worse than the highway.
B. There are guest lodges in most of the towns in the area, though many don't have electricity beyond phone charging and a single light. Merille has one, Laisamis has one with lots of electricity, there are also lodges in Maikona, Kalacha, North Horr, Loiyangalani, etc. There is a very cool lodge in Korr called Ebenezer. Cheap and very comfortable. Worth a stop if you are there.
C. JeyJey Center is a good place to stay. Their prices have gone up since the Lonely Planet guide I have; 1,500 for a single room now.
D. Next to JeyJey is a cafe called Nice Cafe that serves great tea. Al-Subra is around but is NOT right on the A2. It is about two blocks off A2, near the building painted in bright Safaricom green. If you are sick of beef, Cool Breeze hotel north on the A2 does tilapia filets.
E. The best mechanic in town is on the east side of the road just before reaching Abuhuro Cool Breeze Hotel. Honest, friendly, very good.
F. If you need parts for your vehicle, you'll have to hunt. Mangia is the best place, kind of near the mosque in town. They have the biggest selection.
G. Prices for some things are a bit higher than in Nairobi. The general rule is: if it has to be trucked in, it's more expensive. Which means almost everything is more expensive, but usually not by much. (Cadbury chocolate = 10/- more than Nakumatt; bread = Nakumatt, etc).
Hope someone finds this useful and that no one ever needs a mechanic, but you never know. Safe travels.
