Lake Turkana heading North
 

Hi,

Has anyone got any experience of travelling up Lake Turkana from Kenya to Ethiopia? We can only find reports of people going the other way. Also has anyone travelled that way around the beginning of June? We figure it's not the best time of year to do it but it's when we're going to be there! If anyone fancies meeting up then the more the merrier, there's just the two of us and our Crusier at the moment.

Ollie and Cat

Hi I went down lake turkana (north to south) last year on motorbike, pretty hard. if you have a 4wd then I think it would be fine so long as it is dry, what season is it? I have heared that it is not possable in the rainy season, what will it be? for you it will be, first bad roads, then rocks then more rocks and then sand. then more rocks then sand, more sand then Eithoipa! just joking its not that bad, certainly not in a 4x4 generally you are driving/riding in ruts all day. The tribes in the area are amazing! There are however bandits in the area, however they are generally more intrested in cattle in than travelers.

I would also recomend G.P.S. There are detailed maps avaliable at the park gates, might be a good idea of picking one up as there are quite a few tracks in the area. Have a great time!

George

Hi I went up that route 2 months ago. I have the tracks on Garmin GPS if you want and can email them to you. makes it easier. Overall no problem. Just get your Ethiopian Visa in Nairobi, get stamped out from Kenya in Nairobi (takes 10min) and get your carnet stamped out at Jungle Junction. also get your photocopy of carnet and IDP stamped at the Ethiopian embassy and you're on your way. BTW: get good tires!!!

JP

jpgaillard@gmail.com if you want any more specifics.

Cheers for the info guys! :)

JP: we'll be in touch...

Ollie and Cat

Lake Turkana
 

We are thinking of doing this trip as well, only North to South we will be 2up on a V-Strom, do you think it will be OK as I find it very hard to ride in sand with the handbrake on the back seat, is there much sand and also is it that much better than the traditional route thru Mayole etc. :smartass:
Thanks
Paul

Turkana
 

2 up on a bike ?? I would not do that without car back-up !!

This is serious remote desert area, no fuel, no infrastructure, no people. The track is 10% sandy, the rest very rough stones, not gravel, stones! the size of golf balls up to tennis balls and bigger! Very rough on the tires.

We did south to north in august 2006, 700 km, 5 days, brutally hot, in a Cruiser. Added challenge in 2006; between Maralal and South Horr there was serious armed gang thread. Might not be the case now but check. Don't be spooked if it is still the case but just be more cautious. Do not take breaks in that part of the trip. The gangs are usually after cattle of rival tribes.

It was an awesome trip though, well worth the detour.

cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl

Yeh, taken your advice:smartass: on board, we will not be alone there are 4 Confirmed Bikes and 2 4x4s on this trip so if the going gets tough the ball and chain can jump ship and dive into a vehicle, also we may not be 2 up anymore as the other half has just got her open bike lic. and is talking of riding a F650 GS. Noel any other tips you can deliver will be greatly appreciated.

Paul