The following routes are only suggestions (all have been undertaken by the author). They can be combined, extended or reduced to suit the specific objectives of the individual. For example, if time is limited, a two or three day trek can be arranged up to the peaks of either Mount Nyiru, Mount Kulal or the N'doto Range. From these vantage points, the views of the surrounding wilderness are spectacular; an extraordinary polyphony of landscapes, horizons and colours bear witness in distinguishing this remote region of Africa from any other.

As a compliment to these smaller treks, for those with a more ambitious agenda (and stamina), two month expeditions can be considered by combining any number of the routes detailed below, allowing the trekker to experience first hand those horizons seen from above.

ROUTE SYNOPSIS

1. Baragoi to Loyangalani (Via Mount Nyiru and Lake Turkana)
Distance/Duration: 160 km/8-11 days (Return loop 300 km/14-20 days via the Kibrot Pass and South Horr).
Terrain: Scrub, semi desert, volcanic mountain, lava fields, desert lake.
Tribal Territory: Turkana and Samburu.
Pack Animals: Donkeys.
Wildlife: Lion, Kudu, Oryx, Zebra, Hyena, Gazelle, Crocodile.
Outline: An inspiring walk following the western flank of Mount Nyiru, providing a variety of landscapes, flora and fauna along the way. This trek is also an ideal introduction to tribal culture, because you will, out of necessity, be passing through Turkana and Samburu settlements requesting water and sometimes sustenance for your journey. Two geographical trophies each within grasp of each other, the volcanic Samburu holy mountain; Mount Nyiru, and the 'Jade Sea' of Lake Turkana (a vast body of water constituting the largest desert lake in the world) will be your constant companions for you will never be out of sight of either one or the other for the duration of the walk.
For a more detailed account click here

2. Loyangalani to South Horr (Via Mount Kulal and the Kibrot Plain)
Distance/Duration: 110 km/6-8 days (Return loop 200 km/11-16 days via the Kibrot Pass).
Terrain: Desiccated scrub, evergreen forest, mountain top pasture, savannah.
Tribal Territory: Samburu.
Pack Animals: Donkeys.
Wildlife: Baboon, Oryx, Hyena, Gazelle, Dik-dik.
Outline: A trek of great contrasts. Initial scrubland giving way to a landscape of volcanic rock formations and scattered boulders as you near the base of Mount Kulal. A steep ascent to the north peak leads you through evergreen forest and verdant pasture land on the higher levels, after which you are confronted by the El Kajarata gorge which in effect splits the mountain in two, requiring a second ascent to reach Gatab. This small Samburu settlement nestled high up near the southern peak of Kulal affords extraordinary panoramic views of the desiccated landscape below, which ultimately you will have to traverse in order to finally reach South Horr.
For a more detailed account click here

3. South Horr to Marsabit (Via the Koranti Plain and Koroli Desert)
Distance/Duration: 120 km/6-8 days (Return loop 250 km/12-18 days via Kaisut Plateau and Ilaut).
Terrain: Scrub, dried river course, desert, volcanic mountain, rain forest, pasture.
Tribal Territory: Samburu and Rendilli.
Pack Animals: Camels.
Wildlife: Lion, Gazelle, Dik-dik, Vervet Monkey, Baboon, Elephant, Hyena.
Outline: A challenging route traversing unpopulated terrain constituting initially scrubland and then pure desert. Mount Marsabit, the final goal forever in sight, at first a mere pin prick on the horizon, looming larger and larger as the days role by. A comparable experience to being out at sea, except in this instance rather than water, a boundless expanse of sand and cracked earth ringed by far away horizons. The heat becomes extremely intense, and in areas the terrain difficult for the camels to manoeuvre (large tussocks of dried grass appear where rivers have once flowed and then evaporated). Mount Marsabit is a rewarding final destination with its rain forest belt and fresh pasture lands above.
For a more detailed account click here

4. Baragoi to Lokori (Via Lake Logipi and the Suguta Valley)
Distance/Duration: 145 km/6-9 days (Return loop 260 km/11-16 days via a more direct southerly course).
Terrain: Scrub, lava fields, canyons, desert, soda lake, mountain plateau.
Tribal Territory: Turkana.
Pack Animals: Donkies.
Wildlife: Flamingo, hyena, gazelle, oryx, zebra.
Outline: An extremely demanding trek traversing mostly unpopulated country. The heat is at its most intense in the middle of the Suguta (with temperatures reaching over 140 deg. F, it is considered one of the hottest places on earth). An abundance of flamingos are encountered here along reaches of the Suguta river and Lake Logipi. These birds seem to thrive where no other creature is able to survive. Respite from this cauldron is achieved on reaching the western side of the valley and ascending the Loriu Plateau, after which a relatively pleasant two day trek leads you to Lokori a small Turkana outpost.
For a more detailed account click here

5. South Horr to Wamba (Via the N'doto and Mathews mountain ranges)
Distance/Duration: 135 km/8-11 days (Return loop 280 km/14-18 days via Ilaut along the eastern flank).
Terrain: Scrub, mountain precipices, savannah.
Tribal Territory: Samburu and Rendilli.
Pack Animals: Camels.
Wildlife: Elephant, Oryx, Kudu, Gazelle, Zebra, Lion, Baboon, Jackal.
Outline: A walk amongst the mountains with camels in tow best sums up this trek. The long uneven spines of the N'doto range and further south (separated by the Milgis river) the Mathews range, help to plot your course. Large tracks of scrub interspersed by savannah characterise the route over sometimes uneven ground dissected by dried river courses. It follows for the most part the base of the mountains, but intermittently along precipitous tracks over the mountain flanks. The now extinct volcanic ranges dominate the surrounding landscape, their outlines forming a dark blue back cloth to the miles of desolate scrub. This you become increasingly aware of as you head south to Wamba where eventually their omnipresence dissolves into the horizon. The journey's end.

6. Wamba to Lokori (Via the Karisia Hills, Poro escarpment, Southern Suguta Valley and the Loriyu Plateau)
Distance/Duration: 220 km/12-16 days (Return loop - none).
Terrain: Savannah, scrub, forested hills, lavafields, semi desert.
Tribal Territory: Samburu and Turkana.
Pack Animals: Donkeys.
Wildlife: Elephant, Hyrax, Gazelle, Zebra, Kudu, Oryx, Baboon, Giraffe.
Outline: A long extremely varied trek with many ups and downs affording incredible vistas of the surrounding landscape. Initially the walk takes in the 'Il Ponyeki Plain' constituting a vast expanse of scrub and savannah leading west to the forested slopes of the Karisia Hills, the heart of Samburu land. Gaining in elevation you are able to find respite from the oppressive heat of the plains and adequate rest in preparation for the even harsher trek down into the Suguta Valley. This final extended leg takes you through a heat blasted landscape of great beauty, before rising up again onto the Loriyu plateau and then Lokori.