7 DAYS LAKE TURKANA CULTURAL FESTIVAL MAY 2015 The Lake Turkana cultural Festival will take place for the 8th consecutive year in Loyangalani town; on the shores of the awe-inspiring Jade Sea in June 2015 (actual festival dates 29-31st May 2014). This year’s event is co-organized by the County Government of Marsabit, Local Community Festival Committee, Kenya Tourism Board, National Museums of Kenya and Kenya Wildlife Service. 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. This is an adventurous 7 day camping tour with emphasis on the festival event in Loyangalani as well as culture and scenery throughout. ITINERARY Day 1 (Wed 27 May) – Nairobi to Archers post (approx 7 hrs) Early morning departure from Nairobi towards the central highlands and Kenya’s Northern Frontier. We enjoy a picnic lunch en route before arriving at Archers post for camp set up at Umoja women’s campsite located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Archers post is the home of the Samburu people who abound in their colorful and distinctive garb. Meal plan – Lunch, dinner. Day 2 (Thurs 28 May) – Archers post to Marsabit (approx 4-5hrs) Early breakfast before departing Archers post to Marsabit. The town of Marsabit is an outpost of urban civilization in the vast desert of northern Kenya. The town is situated on an isolated extinct volcano, Mount Marsabit, which rises almost a kilometer above the desert. The hills here are heavily forested, in contrast to the desert beyond, with their own insular eco-system. The town is inhabited by the [Cushitic] Rendille and Turkana, as well as the Cushitic-speaking Gabbra, Burji, Borana. It is also home to some Somali and Ameru traders and migrants. We visit Marsabit national park; the seasonal lake paradise and Marsabit lodge for a refreshing drink. Overnight camping at the base of Marsabit (cold night). Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Day 3 (Fri 29 May) – Marsabit to Loyangalani via kargi (approx 6 hrs) We break camp and depart early, crossing the outskirts of the Chalbi Desert transiting North Horr before arriving at Loyangalani town; the base of Lake Turkana. (It is the largest desert lake in the world and extends for 288 kilometers up to the Ethiopian / Kenyan border surrounded by volcanic rock and desert). We set up camp in and around Loyangalani settlement in anticipation for the next day’s festival events. Registration will take place as and when participants arrive. Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Day 4 & 5 (sat 30 & sun 31 May) – Loyangani (cultural festival) The next 2 days will be spent with the local communities exhibiting their culture and you will get a chance to interact with them as well as learn about their culture. The program will include: boat racing, Moran race, wresting; displays of traditional foods as well as dances by the various tribes. There is the option of hiring a boat to visit the surrounding area as well as visit the desert museum (payable direct). Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Day 6 (Mon 1 June) – Loyangalani to Maralal (approx. 8-9 hrs) Very early breakfast in anticipation of a long but scenic drive via South Horr and Baragoi finally arriving Maralal in the early evening. Set up camp for overnight Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Day 7 (Tues 2 June) – Maralal to Nairobi (approx. 8-9 hrs) Early morning breakfast before we break up camp to depart back towards Nairobi with picnic lunch en route. There is the option to visit Thomson Falls (payable direct). Arrive Nairobi in the early evening. End of services. Meal plan – Breakfast & lunch. SERVICE PER PERSON SHARING 7 DAYS TURKANA CULTURAL SAFARI USD 870 Included in the rate: Transport in a safari vehicle Services of professional English speaking driver/ guide and cook All campsite fees Cooking and camping equipment including use of our three-person tents (each tent shared by 2 people), stools, foam mattresses except sleeping bags/ pillows Meals safari whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian prepared by our safari cook as indicated (includes tea & coffee) Flying doctors emergency evacuation cover Participation in the festival activities in Loyangalani Marsabit park entrance fees Security person on duration of tour Government taxes Not included in the rate: Optional activities as indicated e.g. boat rides on lake turkana, entry fee to Desert museum, Thomson falls etc Personal travel/ Medical insurance Sleeping bags/ blankets/ pillows All airport/hotel/airport transfers [but can be arranged at extra cost] All airport taxes and visas All personal expenses and toiletries; e.g. mineral water, beverages & toiletries Any other extras not stated as included above Accommodation in Nairobi(available on request) N.B) The above tour is a basic camping group tour with transport in land cruisers or expedition trucks (capacity 25) depending on final group size. The group size is open and there are no restrictions to number within the group. Children younger than 7 years are not permitted on group tours. For smaller, private group sizes and upgraded accommodations; please contact us – the costs will differ. Participants are requested to keep time with regards to camp set up/ pack up as instructed by tour guides. The above tour is adventurous ‘no-frills’ and should be viewed as such. As such, the route may be subject to change as per ground conditions on the day regarding weather, security
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 08:00:06 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015