Lake Turkana motorcycle expedition
A 2,000 km desert expedition through northern Kenya: from the Indian Ocean to Lake Turkana and back through the green slopes of Mount Kenya.
- 15 days · 12 in Africa
- Kenya
- 2,000 km · 60% dirt
- Max. 7 riders
- Category 4 — tough
- Price on request
This expedition brings us to the Northern Territories: another world with other people. The north of Kenya is a large desert area where people depend on their goats and camels.
This expedition brings us to the Northern Territories: another world with other people. The north of Kenya is a large desert area where people depend on their goats and camels.
We ride through the green area of Mount Kenya before we literally descend into the desert. Kenya is a very diverse country: rocky deserts, green hills, blue lakes, savannah and the ocean. On this trip you see that diversity in one go.
One imposing project has been realised along the way: a gigantic 310 MW wind farm at Lake Turkana, enough for 20% of Kenya’s electricity needs. We pass it on the route. Because of security we may change the route if needed — the area is well protected and development is ongoing.
Highlights
- Lake Turkana, the Jade Sea
- Marsabit and the northern desert
- The new highway towards Ethiopia
- Lake Baringo and Lake Naivasha
- The Turkana wind farm
- The Indian Ocean at the start
Day by day
Day 0 · Departure from Europe
Departure from your country.
Day 1 · Mombasa → Msambweni
A driver takes you from Mombasa airport to SawaSawa Beach House in Msambweni in about two hours. Test ride in the Shimba Hills, cash and last shopping.
Day 2 · Msambweni → Garsen · 289 km
Breakfast looking at the Indian Ocean — we will see it again in Zanzibar after ten days. Through Mombasa town and up the north coast to Garsen in the Tana delta. Development is about to start here.
Day 3 · Garsen → Garissa · 258 km
A long dirt road today. Most traffic moves in convoys, which makes it safe. Garissa on the Tana River has 120,000 inhabitants and several hotels.
Day 4 · Garissa → Embu · 328 km
The long, straight road west towards Nairobi for 250 km, then north towards Embu on the slopes of Mount Kenya. A big dam for power and water along the way.
Day 5 · Embu → Isiolo · 150 km
A short day with time to stop and experience Mount Kenya. The last 30 km we see the desert below us and descend into the heat. In Isiolo the world changes: camels, goats and herdsmen.
Day 6 · Isiolo → Marsabit · 258 km
The newly tarmacked A2 runs straight north towards Ethiopia and brings us to Marsabit. Desert landscapes along the highway, impressive nature. We leave civilisation and enter another world.
Day 7 · Marsabit · rest day
A day for yourself while the crew maintains the motorcycles.
Day 8 · Marsabit → Loiyangalani · 233 km
A tough day: 233 km of gravel takes at least seven to eight hours. Little shade, no villages, so we rely on the service car and each other. We leave at daybreak with enough petrol and water. The reward is the view of Lake Turkana.
Day 9 · Loiyangalani → Maralal · 233 km
Another tough desert day — leave early, carry water and fuel. We pass the gigantic wind farm in the desert; yes, there really is strong wind in the mornings.
Day 10 · Maralal → Marigat · 172 km
The last day in the desert. We stay at a camp on the shore of Lake Baringo.
Day 11 · Marigat → Naivasha · 160 km
A boat ride in the morning before we set off to Lake Naivasha. Back in civilisation means cappuccino in Nakuru and traffic on the road south.
Day 12 · Departure
Transfer to Nairobi International Airport for the flight home.
What is included
Included
- Maximum 7 riders per group
- Service car and mechanic
- Two passengers in the support car
- Hotels and tented camps
- About 60% dirt road
- English-speaking guides
Not included
- International flights
- Travel and motorcycle insurance
- Visa and border fees
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Personal travel gear for the desert stages
Dates and availability
We run this route on request. The old departure lists are no longer current, so ask us for the latest dates, availability and the price for your group size.
Photos from the route
Good to know
How difficult is the tour?
Category 4 — the toughest trip we run. Long distances, 60% dirt road, desert heat and stages without shade or villages. Good fitness and solid off-road experience are essential.
Is it safe?
The area is well protected and traffic moves in convoys where needed. We monitor the situation and may change the route for security reasons; your safety decides.
How much dirt road is there?
About 60% of the 2,000 km, including two desert stages of more than 230 km on gravel.
Can non-riders join?
Yes, there are two seats in the support car — but the desert stages are long and hot for passengers too.
When does this expedition run?
On request and outside the rainy seasons. Ask us for the next window and the current price.