Moyale-Isiolo Kenya

[Mike K.]

Hello,

how are the road conditions from Moyale to Isiolo?It is earth road or paved?And do have to go in convoy allready?

Thanks

Mike

[Habari]

The "road" from Moyale to Marsabit is very bad, mainly due to heavy stony corrugations, it gets worse after Marsabit and finally at about 100 km before Isiolo is paved nice and smooth...
You are supposed/recommended to join the convoy from Marsabit but it is a joke as you will never be able to keep up with the speed of the police truck.
If you want to try there are two convoys, one at 6:30 and one at 15:00 leaving from just outside Marsabit.
I strongly suggest you take the 6:30 one not to risk driving at night.
If you need other infos just ask.
Safari njema!

[Mike K.]

Thanks a lot for the info.
We are two persons on a GS1200.I think it is better to transport the bike and us with a lorry or pick up.Do you know how much i have to pay for this?

Mike

[Habari]

I think it may be a good idea but I do not know how much it could cost.
I know a catholic mission located at about 80 km south of Moyale, they have a few pickups and might, (just a supposition) help you out or give you an indication where to find a lift with a truck, if you cannot find a solution let me know and I will dig out their phone number.
You could also wait at the border for a truck going back to Kenya unloaded but that would require patience and a good dose of luck.
Safari njema!

[Bossies]

In January 2008 the road was 3km out of Isiolo and the Chinese has again started in earnest (must have been new funding).

So at a rate of 20km/year (100km/5 years) there is still 10 odd years to rattle, roll, buckle, bounce you way down the eatern passage!

Any bike can do it, just take it excruciatingly slowly and you and your bike will get through in once piece

[motofoto]

Dont be worried about the road. Its tough but I ( GS 100) did it 2 month ago with a guy on a Vespa scooter. Without any problems. And its an interesting ride, do not miss it.

[McCrankpin]

Originally Posted by motofoto

Dont be worried about the road. Its tough but I ( GS 100) did it 2 month ago with a guy on a Vespa scooter. Without any problems. And its an interesting ride, do not miss it.

+1 for that.

I've heard, I think here on the HUBB, of riders having their bikes damaged on the back of trucks on this road.
And I met two cyclists who put their bicycles on a truck, which were also damaged, needing repair work in Isiolo.

So, ride the road. When you see one of these trucks or buses approaching (easy to spot from the huge accompanying dust cloud), stop and watch it go by.
The speed and noise is astounding (in the dry season), and you'll see exactly why your bike will come off worse on board one of them!

We took 5 days over it and looking back, I would have liked to have taken even longer.

Enjoy!

[Habari]

I think you have avery good point here, the bike could suffer more damage on the bed of a local truck than actually croosing the Marsabit.
Besides, what would be an overland trip without the Lake Nasser and the Marsabit crossing?
: )

Safari njema!

[Mike K.]

Hello,

thanks a lot for all the replys.I will consider it.Me i have crossed allready the Sahara with a GS 100 PD same years ago.But this time i travel with a girlfriend,so i have to take care about her.Travelling alone its a other thing.

Mike