Attractions in Marsabit County
1. Losai National Reserve
Losai National Reserve is situated 190 kms north of Isiolo Town along the A2 Nairobi-Isiolo-Moyale Road. The recently completed section of the A2 Road with a glorious two-lane strip of blacktop linking Archer’s Post and Moyale 500 kms away is a joy to drive on. As you cross the area between Nanyuki and Isiolo Towns the land quickly drops, the hillocks extending from Mount Kenya fast disappearing, and the out and out horizons of scrub and bushland associated with the arid Northern Region of Kenya marches on the surfeit of memorable landscapes. The stretch of road between Archer’s Post and Merille (104 kms) travels across the two protected areas of Namunyak Conservancy (west) and Sera Conservancy (east). Past Namunyak and Sera Conservancies, the A2 cuts through the 1,806 km2 Losai National Reserve between Merille and Laisamis. Gazetted in 1979 this has little to distinguish it from the surrounding landscape and it’s totally untamed. The little-known valley of patchy flora enveloped by a striking chain of hills is in the truest sense an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Losai National Reserve is one of the obscure National Reserves in Kenya and probably the most underdeveloped. The park can be accessed by 4X4 vehicles on a rocky, hard to navigate, 50 kms path from Marsabit Town which is mostly used by livestock. There is no accommodation in Losai National Reserve and trippers must be self reliant and self catering. Callers to area must inform KWS.
2. Ndoto Mountains
Past Namunyak and Sera Conservancies, and passing through Losai National Reserve between the centers of Merille and Laisamis (104 kms from Archer’s Post along the A2), the southern region of Marsabit County is marked by great alluvial inland peaks that downslope from 2752 ms declining to crests of 400 ms as you near Lake Turkana. “These are a chain of mountains consisting of old crystalline basement rocks, mainly of extremely durable gneisses and granites”. The steep Ndoto and Nyiru Ranges, reaching up to 2752 ms in southern area of Marsabit County are the highest. Next to these, a series of volcanic peaks like Mount Kulal (2285 ms), Mount Marsabit (1707 m) and Hurri Hills (1479 m) in the mid-west Marsabit County tower over the inland plains. Set at the southern boundary, north of Namunyak Conservancy and west of Losai National Reserve, Ndoto Mountains overlook the broad Kaisut Desert separating it from Mount Marsabit. A dense forest clads the upper reaches although much of the deeply-gullied sides and rocky peaks of remain exposed. This contrast pieces together a striking landscape. The tallest peak – Mount Poi – rises over 700 ms over the surrounding range. There are about a dozen or more cliffs rising over 500 m in height, many of these reaching as high as 300 ms and 1 kms in width. Ndoto Mountains are best seen at Ngurunit 71 kms west of Laisamis through Namarei.
3. Mount Nyiru
The C77 Baragoi-Loiyangalani Road to the southern edge of Lake Turkana goes though Ngurunit, South Horr and along the eastern flanks of Mount Nyiru. From Ngurunit it’s a 161 kms journey northerly to Loiyangalani across an arid bushland and is approachable from both north and south with accommodation options on both ends. Rising to 2,752 ms, Mount Nyiru is one of the highest mountains in the Northern Kenya. The western face of Mount Nyiru is topped with dark forests and some waterfalls, filled with the outpourings of the heavy clouds which often cap the summit; the eastern side much drier with more rock exposure. Due to its importance as a water tower, the 45 km2 forest around Mount Nyiru of which about 8 km2 is covered with true forest was gazetted, in 1956, as a forest reserve. A total of 448 plant species belonging to 104 families have been recorded on Mount Nyiru. The Samburu of Nyiru attribute a use to 249 species (56%) of the local flora. The adventure-lovers who hike up Mount Nyiru, in company of local Samburu guides, are rewarded with peerless cultural insights and mind-blowing vistas; Suguta Valley in the background, the Mowango Sowan Plains in the foreground, and in the middle distance sits the land that slopes towards the flat Rift Valley floor partly filled by Lake Logipi. The rhapsodized over Desert Rose Lodge is set-up on the south-western slopes.
4. Desert Rose Lodge
The delightful and secluded eco-friendly Desert Rose Lodge situated on the foot slopes of Mount Nyiro has been described as a little wilderness paradise. Built with care and attention that respects both the environment and the cultures of the communities living around it, the lodge intimately fuses to the magnificent forest landscape. Set in a beautifully-appointed side of a hill which opens up to the views of the Elbarta Plains and the Sacred Mount Nyiro, Desert Rose Lodge focuses on providing a heart-warming and memorable experience of the rarely-visited northern wilderness of Kenya. “The lodge consists of five unique houses accommodating up to twelve people, two cottages with double beds, two twins and a family house. The houses are entirely secluded, which guarantees comfort and intimacy. All are hand-made and individually designed around multiple natural features. Each suite has its own private flush toilet and an open air en-suite bathroom with a bath. Each house has a private patio” Desert Rose Lodge.
Much talked about but less often visited, Desert Rose has almost mythical status in Kenya for its unique beauty and location. We were knocked out by the location and the sheer elation of climbing up into this stunning environment. Our visit was a highlight of a recent trip to Kenya and we’ve stored the lodge away as a place we will absolutely return to. We also think it’s perfect for adventurous children and teens, with its pool, local walks and natural waterslide. EA
5. Koros Camp
This equally impressive rustic and luxury lodge sits on the northeastern side of Mount Nyiru, about 22 kms northeast of Desert Rose Lodge. It is reached via the C77 Baragoi-Loiyangalani Road just 16 kms north of South Horr (157 kms northwest from Laisamis and 74 kms south from Loiyangalani). “Set up on the 250,000-acre Ol Donyo Mara Conservancy, the self-catering Koros Camp is the inspired creation of a Nairobi family who have been involved for many years with the nearby Lake Turkana Wind Power Project” – EA Retreats. Here too, the landscape is that of extremes and unfamiliar horizons – the green belt and precipitous backdrop comprised of Mount Nyiru and the Mount Ol Donyo Mara Range contrasting beautifully with the wait-a-bit bush and Acacia woodland in the immediate front and outwith to the parched plain. It is its unique location almost encircled by craggy hills that captures the imagination of this fairyland. The camp itself, with 5 safari-style tented camps, is not over much in modern touches, keeping to simple local materials and designs; but surprisingly cozy. “Hot showers are alfresco, along with lavatories in a separate bathroom block”. The common areas are modestly furnished with restrain of over-styling and with a well-poised burst of colours. One of the camps highlight, and there are many, is the natural rock-pool overlooking the wild county. Nicknamed as the “cuddle puddle” this has top-rate views, a poolside dining area and barbecue pit. Some of the outdoor activities include walking excursions Mount Nyiro, Ol Donyo Mara, Lake Turkana, Lake Turkana Wind Project, and the Chalbi Desert.
Abiri Kenya 