Chalbi Desert

Chalbi Desert, Welcome to the Chalbi Desert, a fascinating and one-of-a-kind place in northern Kenya close to the border with Ethiopia. This small desert, which is east of Lake Turkana and includes North Horr, has a strange scenery and many interesting natural features. The name “Chalbi” comes from the language of the Gabbra people and means “empty, salty land.” This name perfectly describes this amazing desert.

Over 1,000 square kilometers in size, the Chalbi Desert has rocky landscapes, lava hills, and the remains of an old lakebed that stand out sharply against the plains that surround it. The ground is made up of dried mud and salt. When it rains, which doesn’t happen very often in this desert, the ground turns into a wet, sticky surface.

As an important geological site in Kenya, the Chalbi Desert has kept fossils of interesting aquatic animals like the Nile perch that help us learn about the area’s Quaternary climate. The environment is dry, and it only rains about 150 mm a year. However, the desert sometimes gets heavy rains that create temporary lakes that support a wide range of animals and plants. Get ready to be enchanted by the Chalbi Desert’s stunning beauty, strong winds, and occasional sandstorms. This remote and awe-inspiring desert scenery will make your trip unforgettable.

The best time to go

The most interesting times to visit the Chalbi Desert are during the dry seasons, which last from July to October and again in January and February. The desert is at its most beautiful during these months. The dry land is perfect for exciting game drives and energizing outdoor walks of all kinds. Also, animals gather around the few water sources at this time, which is a great chance to see how they have changed to live in the desert and how they behave.

Due to the lack of rain during these months, the skies are clearer and the weather is more predictable, so tourists can fully enjoy the Chalbi Desert’s stunning beauty and peace. You will have a memorable experience if you visit during the dry seasons, whether you want to see how life survives in this harsh environment or take beautiful pictures of the desert’s dramatic landscapes.

Chalbi Desert Things to Do in the Chalbi Desert Desert Safari

Start an exciting desert journey that will take you through beautiful landscapes and peaceful oasis. You can rent a land cruiser and go for an exciting drive through the sandy area. You can also go sand dune races and surfing. Explore the huge desert. It will be exciting and thrilling to see what you can find.

Ride on a camel
A camel ride is a great way to see the desert like people did in the past and in current communities that live in the desert. Through this traditional method of transportation, you can enjoy the peacefulness of the desert while listening to the camel’s steady stride. It is a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable way to see the desert and learn about its past. It takes about Kshs.1000 per person to ride a camel.

Tour of Culture
A desert tour in the Chalbi Desert is a great way to get to know people from the area, like the Rendille, Turkana, Samburu, and others. Take a culture trip to learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life. Learn about their rich cultural history, watch traditional dances, and get an idea of how they live in peace with the desert environment.

Looking at the stars
Because it is so far away and doesn’t have much light pollution, the Chalbi Desert has a beautiful show of stars at night. Be amazed by how big the night sky is and see the stars in all their glory. Stargazing in the desert is a beautiful experience that makes you think and feel more connected to the world.

Picture taking
Take pictures of the Chalbi Desert to remember how beautiful it is. There are many chances to take beautiful pictures of the unique scenery, shifting sand dunes, and bright colors. Whether you are a skilled photographer or a passionate amateur, the dramatic landscapes of the desert will spark your imagination and keep you there.

Plants and animals in the Chalbi Desert
Because the dirt is so salty, there isn’t much plant life in the Chalbi Desert. A lot of the desert is empty and has no plants. But there are some places where plants can be found, like near the mouths of small streams after it rains during certain times of the year. In the area around Chalbi’s drainage system, plants like Salvadora persica, Acacia tortilis, and Cordia sinensis can grow.

Most of the plants in the desert are annuals, and Drakebrockmania somalensis is one of the most interesting types. When it rains a lot, plants like Aristida adscensionis and A. mutabilis can grow over these spots. The plant Lagenantha nogalensis grows in the area that used to be a lake bed. Other plants, like Dasysphaera prostrata and Hyphaene coriacea, do well near the edges of the desert.

The Chalbi Desert is home to many animals, such as oryx, African elephants, Somali ostriches, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. It is important to remember, though, that hunting has wiped out the black rhinoceroses that used to live in the area.

Even though it is very dry, the area is home to a population of African lions, which are a big predator that lives in deserts. These different animal types make the Chalbi Desert more ecologically significant and diverse. This makes it a one-of-a-kind and interesting place to visit for wildlife and nature lovers.

Places to stay near the Chalbi Desert

Anyone who wants to visit the Chalbi Desert in Kenya’s Turkana region can find a place to stay that fits their price and style. There are basic camps and lodges that are comfortable in this harsh environment. Some choices that stand out are:

Malabo Resort Loyangalani Lake Turkana Kenya: This oasis is surrounded by doum trees and has cabins with big beds, bush showers, and mosquito nets. The 10 bungalow-style rooms have beautiful views of the sunset, and the lodge is known for its great food and friendly staff.
Allia Bay hotel Turkana Kenya: This hotel is in a beautiful spot, right on the shores of Lake Turkana in the Marsabit District. The park is 800 kilometers north of Nairobi and is a peaceful place to relax close to the lake.
El Molo Camp Site Lake Turkana Kenya: This campsite is on the shores of Lake Turkana and is in the far northern area of Kenya. In addition to being peaceful and away from everything else, it lets you enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Kristine Camp Lake Turkana Kenya: This campsite has tents for guests and is on the shore of Lake Turkana, just one kilometer south of Eliye Springs. There are clean bathrooms and showers at the campsite, and people can enjoy a unique eating experience while the famous evening winds off the lake blow.
Lobolo Tented Camp Western Shores of Lake Turkana Kenya: This tented camp is on the western side of Lake Turkana, north of Kalokol. It has six high-end tents for guests to stay in. Full-board meals are included, and because it’s only available during certain times of the year, it’s best to book ahead of time.
These places to stay give guests a variety of ways to unwind and recharge while they enjoy the beauty and peace of the Chalbi Desert and Lake Turkana.

What to bring on your tour of the Chalbi Desert: If you want to have a comfortable and good time on your tour of the Chalbi Desert in Kenya, you should be smart about what you bring. Here are some important things to think about bringing on your tour of the Chalbi Desert:

Clothing that is light and airy: Bring clothes that are loose-fitting, light, and made of materials that let air pass through, like cotton or linen. This will shield you from the sun and help you stay cool during the day. To protect yourself from the harsh desert sun, you should also wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

To protect yourself from the sun, don’t forget to bring sunscreen with a high SPF, shades, and hats or caps with wide brims. It’s important to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays because the desert sun can be very strong.

Strong shoes: Choose closed-toe shoes or boots that are comfortable and strong, and that can be worn on rocky and sandy surfaces. To get around in the desert, you need shoes that cover and support your feet.
Water and tools to stay hydrated: Make sure you stay refreshed by bringing enough water. You might want to bring a hydration pack or a water bottle that you can use again and again to make sure you have clean water to drink during your trip.

Insect protection: The desert can be home to bugs and insects, so bring a good insect repellent with you to keep them away.
Personal first aid tools and medications: If you need to bring certain medicines or medical supplies, make sure you do. Also, keep a simple first aid kit with you at all times. It should have bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain killers, and anything else you might need.

Wear extra clothes and safety gear. It can get very cold at night in the desert, even though it can be hot during the day. For cool nights, bring light layers and a jacket or sweater to stay warm. You might also want to bring a scarf or blanket to keep the dust and sand off your face and neck.
Things you must have: Bring small items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a travel towel. For easy hygiene upkeep, you should also bring wet wipes or hand sanitizer with you.

Camera and binoculars: Bring a camera or a smartphone with a good camera to capture the beautiful scenery and unique wildlife experiences. You can also use binoculars to look at faraway animals or enjoy beautiful views.

Pay cash and show ID: Make sure you have enough cash in the local currency to pay for things and cover costs during your tour. Bring your papers with you, like your passport, so that you can be checked.
Make sure you don’t bring too much on your Chalbi Desert tour by packing light and only bringing what you need. Keep in mind that there aren’t many services and facilities in the desert, and always put comfort, safety, and ease of use first.

It’s like nothing else to step into the Chalbi Desert. Awe and wonder are stirred by the landscape’s vastness, the never-ending stretch of sand and rock. The only sounds that break the silence are the wind whispering and the sand rustling beneath every once in a while. The hot sun beats down, making patterns of light and shadow that are hypnotic. It feels like time has stopped there, and the world is at its most basic and raw. As a tourist in the Chalbi Desert, you’ll feel both energized and calm. You’ll also feel a strong link to nature and a deep respect for its strength.

Being alone in the desert can be both humble and energizing. It can help you think about yourself and give you a new perspective on how beautiful and fragile our world is. Each step on this journey of discovery brings a new wonder, a hidden oasis, or a glimpse of the distant past. Being at Chalbi Desert is a magical experience that stirs the soul and leaves a mark that can’t be erased, sparking a love for the wild beauty and mystery of these dry lands.