Kenya is globally renowned for its iconic safari destinations in the South, such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. These tourist destinations are known to attract thousands of tourists each year. However, beyond the famous Southern safari routes lies Northern Kenya, a rugged, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful region that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. This vast wilderness is part of the Northern Kenya Tourist Circuit, which is described by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) as an "adventure-filled" circuit. The Northern Kenya Tourist Circuit is a hidden gem that offers unmatched adventure, cultural immersion, and mesmerizing landscapes that truly redefine African safari experiences.

Did you know that Northern Kenya is a host of undiscovered treasures, where you can experience a desert safari, swim in natural springs, witness rare animals, and enjoy the expansive land of stark beauty and remarkable biodiversity? In this blog post, we will explore why the Northern Kenya Tourist Circuit deserves a top spot on every traveler's bucket list,  showcasing its attractions, unique culture, wildlife, and travel tips to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Top Attractions in the Northern Kenya Tourist Circuit

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is regarded as the crown jewel of Northern Kenya, approximately 310 km from Nairobi. The reserve offers exceptional wildlife viewing along the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River. Samburu National Reserve is the home to the “Samburu Special Five” – including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. Among the famous stories of Samburu National Park is the story of Kamunyak, a famous Lioness that adopted a baby Oryx. This reserve is home to approximately 900 elephants and has over 450 recorded bird species.  This reserve assures you of getting encounters with species not found in other parts of the country.

Courtesy of: @AirKenyaExpress

Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana, also referred to as "Jade Sea," is renowned as the world's largest permanent desert lake that extends over 250 kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Areas around Lake Turkana are often regarded as the "Cradle of Mankind," due to the abundance of hominin fossil discoveries. One such park is the Sibilio National Park, where important archaeological sites such as Koobi Fora are located, renowned for helping understand human evolution. Lake Turkana is also identified as a breeding site for the largest Nile crocodile colonies globally and is an important Bird Area (IBA) with many globally threatened and migratory birds.

Aerial view of Nabuyatom Crater, south of Lake Turkana.Kenya

Photo by: Martin Harvey

Chalbi Desert

The Chalbi Desert, located in Marsabit County, is Kenya's true desert, characterized by a windswept expanse of dunes and salt pans. Visitors get to enjoy driving the off-road vehicles on the expansive lands and attempting to make it to the top of the dunes. Within the desert is the Kalacha oasis, which is a natural oasis and offers a contrasting landscape between the dry areas and the groves of palm trees at the oasis.

Photo credit: @bonitaonsafari

Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve is a protected area located in Isiolo County in Northern Kenya. This reserve is the home to the endangered Grevy's Zebra and the rare William's lark. Shaba National Reserve is famous for serving as the setting for the book and film Born Free, for the film Out of Africa, and the reality show Survivor: Africa. The reserve has distinctive volcanic rocks and palms that provide a striking landscape depicting Northern Kenya's rugged beauty.

Mt. Ololokwe

Rising dramatically from the Samburu plains, Mount Ololokwe is one of Northern Kenya's most iconic landmarks, located approximately 340 kilometres from Nairobi and 170 km from Nanyuki town. This mountain, regarded by the Samburu community as the Sacred Mountain, offers a challenging but rewarding hike. The mountain has a table-top summit that offers panoramic views of endless savannahs, rocky escarpments, and distant hills.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a protected area in Isiolo County and part of the Northern Kenya Tourism Circuit. This is part of the extensive Samburu ecosystem, which has an oasis of crystal-clear springs bubbling from the underground sources. These permanent water sources provide part of a green belt that attracts a rich diversity of wildlife throughout the year. The reserve's close proximity to the Samburu National Reserve provides an opportunity for extended game viewing circuits.

Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve

Located within Laikipia County, Ngare Ndare Forest is a hidden paradise of turquoise pools, waterfalls, and indigenous trees. A very famous feature in the forest is the canopy walk through the indigenous forest. This place provides excellent opportunities for spotting elephants, buffalo, and diverse bird species. The contrast between the lush forest and the surrounding drylands creates a truly magical experience.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The conservancy is famous for its pioneering model for community-based conservation. The conservancy has attained remarkable success in protecting endangered species and, at the same time, supporting the local community. Lewa is known to be home to the largest population of Grevy’s zebras in Kenya. It also includes a thriving black rhino sanctuary. The conservancy provides exclusive game drives, horseback safaris, and camel treks. Visitors also get a chance to take part in the anti-poaching patrol rides.

Matthews Range

This range within the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy offers amazing hiking trails and serves as a crucial elephant corridor. The community conservancies around the range offer authentic cultural experiences with Samburu communities while supporting their conservation efforts.

Unique Cultural Experiences in Northern Kenya Tourist Circuit

Northern Kenya is home to vibrant nomadic communities, whose traditions have stood the test of time. Among these communities are:

• Samburu People: Known for their beaded adornments and semi-nomadic lifestyle.
• Turkana People: Famous for their resilience in desert life and striking traditional attire.
• Rendille & Gabra: Camel herders who navigate the Chalbi Desert.
• Borana: Cattle herders with a rich cultural heritage in Marsabit.

A famous cultural festival to enjoy while in your Northern Kenya Vacation is the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival. This is an indigenous cultural celebration also known as Tobong'u Lore that seeks to promote cultural exchange, peace, and tourism by showcasing the traditions, music, dance, and crafts of these communities. The festival is held at Loiyangalani Town in Marsabit County, Kenya.

Why the Northern Kenya Tourism Circuit is a Must-Visit?

• Northern Kenya offers everything travelers seek in modern safari experiences. The best part is that it provides these experiences in less crowded parks, with no long caravans of tour vans. This guarantees you an authentic and personalized experience.
• When seeking transformative experiences beyond conventional tourism, Northern Kenya's vast landscapes and welcoming communities provide adventures that help create lifelong memories while supporting conservation and community development initiatives that benefit both visitors and residents.
• The Northern Frontier has rich diversity, ranging from deserts, forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes.  

Practical Travel Tips for Your Northern Kenya Tourism Circuit Vacation

1. Best Time to Visit: June-October and December-March allow for dry, pleasant weather.
2. Getting There: You can take road trips from Nairobi or flights to Samburu, Marsabit, or Turkana.
3. Where to Stay: Accommodation options include luxury eco-lodges, luxury hotels, or budget guesthouses.
4. What to Pack: Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hiking boots, hats, insect repellent, and cameras.
5. Safety: Travel with reputable tour operators and stay updated on local advisories.

Conclusion

The Northern Kenya Tourism Circuit is more than a destination; it is a journey into Africa's wild soul. For anyone seeking to step away from crowded safari trails, Northern Kenya is a tourism hidden gem that will guarantee you raw, authentic, and unforgettable moments.

Ready for a truly authentic tourism experience in Northern Kenya? Reach out to Explore Masters, and we will make your vacation one of a kind.