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Nomad: "Nomadic people are wanderers. The word nomad comes from the Greek
nomados, which means 'wandering around in search of fresh pasture'".
<p>The philosophy behind 'Wandering Nomads' is just this; a means for people to
take leave of the more conventional methods of exploring Africa by way of 'packaged
safaris' or 'overlanding expeditions', to branch off this well beaten track,
to step out of their motor vehicles, loose their inhibitions, put on a pair
of walking sandals and experience Africa in the raw. To find fresh pasture so
to speak, in both a cerebral and physical sense. In short we encourage people
to go walk about in one of the most beautiful and remote regions of Africa where
roads, as we know them, simply don't exist.</p>
<p>This region is the Lake Turkana district of North West Kenya (or what used
to be called in colonial times the 'Northern Frontier District'). It is a place
of wild beauty and bewildering contrasts, accessible only to those of a self-sufficient
independent predisposition, as the indigenous people who sparsely populate the
area so readily demonstrate. </p>
<p>It is to these nomadic people that this website and accompanying photo gallery
are dedicated, for it is they that hold the key to the limitless canyons, volcanic
mountains, soda lakes, open savannahs, deserts and endemic wildlife that epitomise
the area. It thus follows that it is with these people you will share your journey
and upon whose camels or donkeys you will place your packs. They will guide
you through a terrain that would otherwise be un-negotiable. Along the way,
hopefully, if your mind is open, you will gain an insight into the culture of
a people whose customs have remained intact, barely touched by the passage of
time or effected by external influence/contamination.<br>
Please bear this in mind if you wish to proceed. </p>
<p>WELCOME TO WANDERING NOMADS </p>
<p></p>
'Wandering Nomads' is fundamentally a cooperative. It has been set up with the
intention of paving the way for the indigenous people of the Lake Turkana district
to benefit directly from the passage of a few visitors through their territory.
At the same time it will provide those visitors who possibly would otherwise be
unable to afford such an expedition the opportunity to do so independently and
relatively cheaply by removing the middle man (i.e. the tour operator).
<p>What we can offer you?</p>
<p>a) A means of transport to take you up country i.e. out of Nairobi and up to
your preferred setting off point.</p>
<p>b) Assistance in arranging local lodging to stay during the interim. </p>
<p>c) Necessary advice regarding itinerary and suitable routes. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>When planning a trek the following considerations should be taken into account:</p>
<p>Weather<br>
In northern Kenya weather follows the essentially equatorial pattern consisting
of two rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) and two dry seasons
(June to September and December to February). Though rainfall can be infrequent
and sometimes non existent during the 'rainy seasons', when it does arrive,
it can come with such destructive force to wash away the few roads and tracks
that exist. These roads and tracks ultimately facilitate your arrival to, and
collection from, the start and finishing stages of your trek, thus the preferred
time to travel is during dry seasons when the potential of being marooned is
significantly reduced. In addition to this, planning a walk during the dry season
eliminates the need to bring along a tent. Sleeping under the stars is highly
recommended especially in the many arid areas where mosquitoes don't exist.
</p>
<p>Water<br>
Turkana/Samburu district is distinguished by its extreme aridity. Vast swathes
of land dominating the region can best be described as either scrub, semi-desert
or pure desert with only the upper reaches of the volcanic mountains providing
release. As a consequence, knowing where your next source of water lies is of
immense importance. The course followed by most of the routes detailed are dictated
by their proximity to sources of water along the way, whether they be ancient
wells, oasis, mountain springs, or merely deep holes sunk in dried river courses.
These are essential, because although a camel or donkey can carry say, 60 litres
of water, one must remember that they too need their own supply of water (donkeys
more so than camels) to sustain themselves in the extreme heat. The law of diminishing
returns then becomes relevant when deciding how many pack animals to employ
on a trek. </p>
<p>Tribal Boundaries<br>
Cattle rustling between tribes in the Turkana/Samburu district is endemic and
is exacerbated during times of drought which are frequent. As a consequence
of this, during the longer treks, when passing from one territory into another,
it is sometimes necessary to change your retinue of travelling companions if
they belong to the opposing tribe, to reflect the territory you are now moving
in. Either that, or plan your trek so that it stays within the confines of one
particular territory. In particularly sensitive areas the authorities stipulate
the requirement to travel with an armed home guard as a precaution. That said,
it is very rare that westerners are at risk because essentially they pose no
threat to the local nomads with regards to the acquisition of their cattle.
Westerners in general are regarded with hospitable curiosity. </p>
<p>Setting off Points<br>
Trekking per se is an alien concept to most of the local inhabitants in Turkana/Samburu
district. In this respect you can consider yourself somewhat as a pioneer. However,
because no established trekking infrastructure exists, the setting off points
are limited to the communities where reliable contacts have been established.</p>
<p>Local Contacts<br>
The good will of the local elders is of paramount importance in conducting a
successful trek. Without their blessing difficulties can occur when trying to
recruit your travelling companions. These travelling companions should essentially
consist of: an experienced guide with full knowledge of the outlying area which
you are to traverse, an accomplished headman (camel or donkey handler) and,
of course, the animals themselves, donkeys or camels, the choosing of which
will depend entirely on the terrain you are to cover.</p>
<p>During a period of over 10 years trekking experience in the district, the author,
with initial assistance from the renowned explorer Wilfred Thesiger (who lived
for 30 years in Maralal and conducted frequent expeditions in the area) has
established and fostered a trust with the many nomadic people who have accompanied
him on his walks. This trust is an essential element to make real the concept
of 'Wandering Nomads', for it is these people based in Loyangalani, South Horr,
Baragoi and Wamba who will be called upon to assist yourselves. <br>
</p>
<p>d) Provision of equipment and food stuffs required for your trek.</p>
<p>e) Contacts with the local nomadic people who will provide you with safe passage
in terms of supplying the necessary pack animals, drivers and guides.</p>
<p>It will be entirely up to you how much you wish us to become involved in your
trip. We can solely provide you with advice and contact names before you set
out and let you do the rest. Or we can accompany you the whole way. </p>
<p>It's your journey, it's your choice. </p>
<p>For further information contact the following:<br>
<br>
Country Address Telephone <br>
UK: Daniel Holloway<br>
150 Basevi Way<br>
London<br>
SE8 3JT<br>
U.K.<br>
Tel: 0044 7971 269784</p>
<p>UK: 07971 269784 <br>
<br>
Click here for profile <br>
Kenya: Carls Waineina<br>
PO Box 25<br>
Naivasha<br>
Kenya.<br>
Tel: 00254 7337 15294</p>
<p>Kenya: 07337 15294 <br>
<br>
Click here for profile<br>
<br>
email: info@wanderingnomads.com <br>
<br>
</p>
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