Ethnic photo expedition to 6 traditional tribes of Great Rift Valley and Turkana lake, with professional anthropologist from Barcelona University

NORTHERN KENYA

February 21 — March 2, 2026
Kenya
tour to Kenya

tour northern kenya expedition turkana late rendille pokot samburu masai tribe

Nestled in northern Kenya, Lake Turkana—also known as Lake Rudolf—is a fading realm of extraordinary anthropological treasures. Its shores and surrounding deserts are home to the resilient people of the "Jade Sea," each community preserving a way of life as ancient as the lake itself.

Meet the Rendille, nomadic wanderers of the Chalbi Desert; the Samburu herders, guardians of the Laisamis mountain foothills; and the Pokot women, adorned in breathtaking beadwork. Discover the El Molo, among Africa’s smallest tribes, famed for their ancestral crocodile hunting, and the Gabra, pastoralists who thrive in the harshest of lands. And at the heart of it all, the Turkana people, whose identity is woven into this vast, life-sustaining waterway that stretches across the Kenyan-Ethiopian border.

This is an expedition into Kenya’s most remote and untamed frontier—a journey that will defy your expectations and leave you in awe. Led by amateur ethnographer and photographer Dmitry Yankovsky and guided by Barcelona University anthropologist Eva Colomer, this voyage offers a rare glimpse into cultures untouched by time.

tour northern kenya expedition turkana late rendille pokot samburu masai tribe

SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: February 21 — March 2, 2026

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Number of participants: 8 – 12

Cost per person:
– 3 990 EUR subject to 12 participants, or
– 4 250 EUR subject to 11 participants, or
– 4 490 EUR subject to 10 participants, or
– 4 790 EUR subject to 8 — 9 participants.

Early booking discount 10 % provided in case you book before September 21, 2025

Everything is included (also full board meals), except for:
- International flight to Nairobi roundtrip,
- International medical insurance,
- Visa of Kenya (e-visa at 50 USD, cost may change, to be arranged on your own).

Estimated cost of the international flight Moscow – Nairobi – Moscow: about 1000 EUR.
Estimated cost of the international flight Istanbul – Nairobi – Istanbul: about 900 EUR.
Estimated cost of the international flight Dubai – Nairobi – Dubai: about 850 EUR.

Single supplement: 440 EUR (single supplement provided throughout the entire itinerary, both in tents and hotels)


TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Kenya

Day 1. February 21, 2026 (Saturday). ARRIVAL TO NAIROBI

Early morning arrival in Nairobi. After landing at Jomo Kenyatta airport in Kenya and completing the entry formalities to the country, we will meet our guide who will be waiting with our logo.
Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, originated in the late 1890s as a colonial railway settlement. It took its name from a water spring known to the Maasai people as Enkare Nairobi ("Cold Water").
Situated at 1700 meters above sea level, this town was established as an intermediate station for the railroad linking Mombasa to Kampala in Uganda at the turn of the century. The pleasant climate and abundance of water contributed to its rapid growth as an important population center and, from around 1900, it also became a commercial center.

Accommodation included: Nairobi Safari Club Swissbel 4*
Meals included: -

Recommended flight:
— any flight arriving in Nairobi from any city after 12:00 pm on February 21.


Day 2. February 22, 2026 (Sunday). NAIROBI - SAMBURU (6 hours driving)

We will leave Nairobi and head toward the Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya, in the heart of the Samburu ethnic group. Although it will be a long journey, it is interesting to observe how the landscape changes as we travel through Kenya.
Safari at Samburu National Park. Samburu National Park is a wild and scenic reserve in northern Kenya, known for its rugged landscapes and unique wildlife. Located along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, it's home to rare species like the "Samburu Special Five": Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
The park offers excellent game drives, cultural encounters with the Samburu people, and stunning views of arid plains, acacia forests, and riverine ecosystems. Elephants, lions, and leopards are also commonly spotted.

Accommodation included: Lions Campsite
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 3. February 23, 2026 (Monday). SAMBURU — NGURUNIT (RENDILLE)

We will continue our journey until we reach the village of Ngurunit. This settlement is located at the base of Mount Ndotto, in a cold and mountainous environment, composed of impressive rock walls and some springs.

Accommodation included: Camp Ndotto
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 4. February 24, 2026 (Tuesday). NGURUNIT (RENDILLE)-NORTH HORR (3 hours driving)

After the breakfast, we will take a walk through the village where the Rendille ethnic group coexists with the Samburu ethnic group. This will be our first encounter with the tribal communities, and time permitting, we will meet and get acquainted with them.
The Rendille are inhabitants of the arid lands of northern Kenya, a nomadic people whose subsistence depends mainly on the products obtained from their herds of camels and goats.
The fine facial features, characteristic of the Cushitic groups, distinguish the Rendille from the Nilotic and Bantu peoples of Africa. Linguistically, their closest connection is with Somali. Culturally, they share similarities in ceremonies with the Gabra, another related ethnic group.
We will be looking for the best spots among the rocky terrain to photograph this amazing group in their traditional attire. A nearby beautiful natural area to visit is the rock pools, a place where locals and tourists alike can have an amazing experience sliding down the water slides. For those more conservative, a nice swim will do.
In the afternoon, we visit the Gabra tribe.

Accommodation included: North Horr
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 5. February 25, 2026 (Wednesday). NORTH HORR – LOIYANGALANI (TURKANA) (3 hours driving)

After early breakfast, we will depart to reach Loiyangalani on the shores of Lake Turkana. From North Horr to Loiyangalaniit’s a three-hour ride, leaving time to reach the lake by sunset. If light and time allows, we can have our first photo session with the Turkana.
The Turkana are perhaps the most iconic group of the area. Their beautiful enormous beaded necklaces worn by their women will fascinate us. They are also Nilotic semi-nomadic pastoralists, though due to many factors, they also rely now on fishing on the lake. This is a very rash area, and the Turkana are really a type of people used to enduring adversity. This is visible in their fierce looks. But contrary to what they look like, meeting the Turkana is an experience in itself.

Accommodation included: Palm Shade Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 6. February 26, 2026 (Thursday). LOIYANGALANI (TURKANA AND EL MOLO)

Before sunrise, we will prepare to explore one of the El Molo settlements and sail to Roto Island, a sacred enclave for this ethnic group. The El Molo is divided into two main settlements: the Laieni and Komote villages, and on Roto Island are the Gantes shrines. These shrines symbolize the seven clans of the ethnic group, each with its own specific purpose.
Marle: Used in ceremonies, curses to enemies, prayers for rain and protection against snakes.
Orikala: Intended for sacrifices to improve luck in hippopotamus hunting.
Origaltite: Offers blessings to infertile women to conceive.
Orisole: Prayers for protection from diseases and disturbances in the community.
These shrines not only represent significant rituals for the El Molo clans, but also reflect their deep connection to nature and their deep-rooted beliefs in protection and fertility.
Later we will return to the hotel for breakfast and drive to the Desert Museum. Located on a hilltop, with the picturesque Lake Turkana as a backdrop, the Loiyangalani Desert Museum opened its doors in June 2008. This museum focuses on portraying the lives of the six fascinating communities that inhabit the area: Turkana, El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Gabra and Dassanech.
Transfer to the hotel for lunch and rest. In the afternoon we will visit one of the Turkana villages near the lake. Sunset photo session by the lake.

Accommodation included: Palm Shade Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 7. February 27, 2026 (Friday). LOIYANGALANI — SOUTH HORR (3 hours driving) — OLDONYO NYIRU (SAMBURU) (4–5 hours driving)

After breakfast, we will start our journey to South Horr. As we move away from Lake Turkana, the landscape transforms, introducing us to the territory of the Samburu ethnic group.
Our camp will be set up in the valley of the Samburu's sacred mountain, Oldonyo Nyiru. Historically, this ethnic group has practiced nomadic cattle herding in an arid environment, stretching from Mount Kulal to the south of the Samburu Reserve.
The Samburu, known for their hospitality, will welcome us in their villages. The women, in particular, will showcase their beautiful beaded jewelry, while the young men, known as “moran”, willdisplay impressive aesthetics and decorations. This indeed is another moment of delight for photographers and non-photographers alike.
The afternoon will be spent exploring the interesting Samburu villages around South Horr looking for the best spots to capture their daily life.

Accommodation included: Camping in tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 8. February 28, 2026 (Saturday). SOUTH HORR - CHURO (5-6 hours driving)

In the morning, we will head to Churo to visit Pokot community. This ethnic group extends from the plains of eastern Uganda to the highlands of northwestern Kenya, eventually encompassing the plains surrounding Lake Baringo.
The traditional architecture of Pokot dwellings is unique and they are usually circular constructions with mud walls and roofs of vegetable materials. In semi-nomadic areas, the Pokot erect lightweight huts using sticks, straws and mats, giving them the mobility needed to forage for fresh pasture.
It is interesting to note how these women, especially married women, adorn their attire with metal necklaces and earrings that include various decorations, indicating their marital status. This rich attire is not only aesthetically beautiful, but also reflects the deep-rooted cultural and social identity of Pokot women.
We will camp in a Pokot village, immersing ourselves in their daily life and allowing us to appreciate their rich cultural heritage. Depending on our time of arrival, we will enjoy their welcoming dances.

Accommodation included: Camping in tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 9. March 1, 2026 (Sunday). CHURO - NAIROBI (6 hours driving)

We will wake up in a unique scenery to later travel to Nairobi for lunch at a local restaurant on the way or at Nairobi itself (not included).
Free afternoon. Farewell dinner to round off our trip.

Accommodation included: Nairobi Safari Club Swissbel 4*
Meals included: breakfast, dinner


Day 10. March 2, 2026 (Monday). NAIROBI

Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

Accommodation included: -
Meals included: breakfast

Recommended flight:
— any flight departing from Nairobi to any city any time on March 2.


* The order of visits and excursions can be modified according to local conditions, i.e. market days, state of roads, security situation in tribes etc. If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.

** The participant of expedition to Northern Kenya must be motivated to be respectful to the culture of local tribes and cultures, be aware of the objectives of the trip and possible program changes depending on weather conditions, security conditions and any other reasons, be in a good shape and morally stable, as well as be able to adapt to the new environment and culture

COST INCLUDES:
● Accommodation in hotels in TWIN rooms (or DBL rooms upon request for family couples).
● Accommodation in tents on the SINGLE basis (or DBL tents upon request for family couples).
● All arrival and departure transfers to and from the airport.
● Transport throughout the entire itinerary: 4x4 cars well prepared for safari, with working AC and experienced drivers (comfort accommodation in the cars, each client has access to the window).
● Driver - professional English speaking guide during the whole safari.
● Full board during all safari days.
● Mineral and bottled water during the safari (unlimited).
● Entrance fees.
● Anthropologist guide during the entire route.
● Russian and English speaking Teamleader throughout the entire itinerary.
● 24-hour telephone assistance in English
● Air evacuation insurance to Nairobi for medical reasons during the safari.


COST EXCLUDES (TO BE PAID ADDITIONALLY):

● International flight to Nairobi roundtrip
● Kenya visa (any type)
● basic medical insurance for traveling abroad
● 1 Lunch or dinne in Nairobi
● Tips and personal expenses
● Lunches and dinners in Nairobi
● Any extra service not specified as included


TO TAKE WITH:

- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and warm clothes (hoody, light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net
- sunglasses
- big backpack (or travel bag, or small suitcase) for the luggage
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 L)
- headlamp
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- repellents
- personal hygiene items
- individual medical kit (analgetic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you but recommended)
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, extra batteries
KEY FEATURES:
● Staying with different ethnic groups of northern Kenya: Pokot, Rendille, Samburu, El Molo, Gabra and Turkana

● Chalbi Desert

● Explore the communities and environment of Lake Turkana, the so-called Jade Sea

● Anthropologist guide during the entire itinerary
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
  • UNIQUENESS
    We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears.
  • ADVENTURISM
    Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again.
  • SAFETY
    In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features.
  • EXPERIENCE
    We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. In our expeditions, exciting traveling and your comfort is guaranteed.

    ©️ Photo: Eva Colomer, Dmitry Yankovsky

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