Northern Kenya is a region of deserts, mountains, and lakes that create some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. Here you will find the Chalbi Desert with its endless salt plains, volcanic craters like Nabuyatom, and the wide waters of Lake Turkana, often called the Jade Sea. Forested highlands such as Marsabit rise out of the dry land, bringing cool air and wildlife to the middle of the desert.
It is also a place of rich culture. Communities such as the Turkana, Samburu, Rendille, and Gabbra call this land home. Their traditions, herding lifestyle, and colorful ceremonies are closely tied to the land around them. Together, the landscapes and cultures make Northern Kenya a region full of beauty, history, and living heritage.
Parks in Northern Kenya
Northern Kenya is home to some of the most unique and remote national parks in the country. These parks may not be as famous as Maasai Mara or Amboseli, but they offer rare wildlife, dramatic scenery, and a feeling of untouched wilderness.
Marsabit National Park
Marsabit sits like a green mountain in the middle of the desert. The park is covered with dense forest, crater lakes, and misty hills that trap moisture from passing clouds. It is famous for its large elephants, some carrying the heaviest tusks ever recorded. Other wildlife includes buffalos, leopards, hyenas, and over 350 bird species. At the heart of the park is Lake Paradise, a crater lake surrounded by thick forest that feels hidden away from the rest of the world. Marsabit is also linked to local legends, making it both a natural and cultural treasure.
Sibiloi National Park
Located on the northeastern shores of Lake Turkana, Sibiloi is known as the “Cradle of Mankind.” It is one of the world’s most important fossil sites, where scientists discovered remains of early humans and animals millions of years old. The park is not just about history, it also has wildlife such as Grevy’s zebra, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Its volcanic hills, petrified forests, and lakeside views make it one of the most unique parks in Kenya.
Central Island National Park
In the middle of Lake Turkana sits Central Island, a small volcanic island made up of black lava and three crater lakes. From the air, it looks like something from another planet. The crater lakes are filled with flamingos, crocodiles, and fish, making it an exciting stop for boat rides or helicopter landings. Central Island is remote, but its combination of dramatic landscape and wildlife makes it unforgettable.
South Island National Park
South Island, also located on Lake Turkana, is covered in volcanic ash and dark lava rock. It is a breeding ground for large colonies of crocodiles and a nesting site for many bird species. The contrast between the black volcanic rock and the bright turquoise waters of Lake Turkana makes it a spectacular sight.
Cultures of Northern Kenya
Northern Kenya is not only about wide deserts and dramatic mountains, it is also home to communities whose traditions are closely connected to the land. These cultures have lived in the region for centuries, surviving in one of the toughest environments in Africa while keeping their heritage alive.
Turkana
The Turkana people live around Lake Turkana and the dry lands nearby. They are mainly pastoralists, herding camels, goats, and cattle, but fishing in the Jade Sea is also an important part of life. The Turkana are known for their beaded jewelry, colorful neckpieces, and hairstyles decorated with clay and beads. Ceremonies, songs, and dances are central to their community, and many traditions are still practiced today.
Samburu
The Samburu live in the grasslands and valleys of northern Kenya. Closely related to the Maasai, they are also pastoralists, depending on cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. The Samburu are famous for their brightly colored shukas (cloth) and detailed beadwork. Age-set ceremonies mark important stages in life, and their dances are graceful and rhythmic, often performed in groups.
Rendille
The Rendille live near the Chalbi Desert, where camels are central to survival. They are sometimes called the “camel people of Kenya.” The Rendille are semi-nomadic, moving with their herds in search of pasture. Their beadwork is distinctive, often mixing red, white, and black colors. Traditional songs and prayers often reflect their deep connection to the desert and to camels, which are considered sacred animals.
Gabbra
The Gabbra are nomadic herders who live in the dry lands between Marsabit and the Chalbi Desert. They rely mainly on camels and goats, moving frequently to find water and pasture. Known for their resilience, the Gabbra have a strong sense of community and tradition. They practice ceremonies that involve storytelling, songs, and dances, passing knowledge and history from one generation to the next.
Activities in Northern Kenya
Helicopter rides often include stopovers where visitors can step out and explore the ground. The region offers more than just landscapes, it is also a cultural crossroads, an adventure playground, and a place of surprising wildlife. Some of the activities you can enjoy include:
Camel Treks
In the deserts and dry plains, camels are the traditional way of transport. Guided camel treks allow you to move slowly through the land and experience travel as local nomads do. These treks can last a few hours or even several days, often combined with camping.
Camping Under the Stars
Northern Kenya offers some of the clearest night skies in Africa. With very little light pollution, the desert turns into a natural planetarium. Visitors camping here can see the Milky Way with the naked eye, along with countless stars and sometimes even meteor showers. The silence of the desert at night makes the experience unforgettable.
Rock Climbing and Hiking
Mountains like Mt. Poi and Mt. Nyiro attract adventurers looking for challenging climbs. Mt. Poi, for example, is a granite dome rising sharply from the plains, offering technical climbing routes and panoramic views from the summit. Hiking in these ranges also reveals springs, forests, and small communities living in the highlands.
Exploring Marsabit National Park
Marsabit is a green forested area in the middle of the desert, created by volcanic highlands that trap moisture. It feels like a hidden oasis. The park is home to elephants (including the famous large tusked bulls), buffalos, leopards, and over 350 species of birds. Lake Paradise, a crater lake within the park, is one of its most scenic spots.
Boat Rides on Lake Turkana
For those who reach the Jade Sea, boat rides offer a closer look at its volcanic islands and fishing villages. Lake Turkana is known for having one of the largest populations of Nile crocodiles in the world, as well as diverse birdlife. The fishing communities here still rely on traditional dugout canoes, giving visitors a glimpse into a lifestyle deeply tied to the lake.
Helicopter Excursions in Northern Kenya
Northern Kenya is vast, remote, and sometimes hard to reach by road. That’s why helicopter excursions are one of the best ways to explore the region. A flight gives you a bird’s eye view of landscapes that stretch endlessly in every direction, and it also allows you to land in places that would take days to reach by vehicle. Most trips start from Laikipia, Nanyuki, or Samburu airstrips, and within a few hours, you can cover deserts, lakes, and mountains all in one journey.
Here are some of the highlights:
Suguta Valley
Often called the “Valley of Death” because of its extreme heat and harsh conditions, Suguta Valley is one of Kenya’s most dramatic landscapes. From above, you see dry riverbeds winding through rocky cliffs, red hills glowing in the sun, and golden sand dunes stretching across the valley floor. During the rainy season, the temporary Suguta River forms lakes that shine like mirrors in the desert. Helicopter excursions usually take about an hour from Laikipia or Samburu, making it one of the most accessible yet unforgettable stops.
Lake Turkana (The Jade Sea)
At more than 250 kilometers long, Lake Turkana is the largest desert lake in the world. From the air, its turquoise waters look like a jewel set against the barren desert. Helicopters often land on Central Island or South Island, volcanic islands where visitors can explore craters, bird colonies, and crocodile nesting sites. A trip here by road could take days, but by helicopter, you can experience the vastness of the lake in just a few hours.
Nabuyatom Crater
At the southern tip of Lake Turkana lies Nabuyatom, a near-perfect round volcanic crater. From above, it looks like a bowl carved into the earth, with steep walls that drop into the center. Helicopters can land near the rim, giving visitors the rare chance to walk around and take in views of the Jade Sea stretching endlessly into the horizon.
Chalbi Desert
North of Marsabit, the Chalbi Desert is an endless salt pan. From the air, it looks like a giant white sheet, broken only by black lava ridges and the occasional cluster of palm trees around oases. At certain times of the year, mirages make it appear as though lakes have formed on the surface. Helicopter trips here often include a landing, giving visitors the chance to step out onto the vast emptiness and watch camel caravans crossing the horizon.
Sacred Mountains and Ranges
Helicopters make it possible to reach remote mountains like Mt. Kulal and Mt. Nyiro. Rising green and forested out of the desert, these mountains create cool microclimates with springs and unique wildlife. They are considered sacred by local communities, and some of them, like Mount Kulal, are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Landing here allows you to hike, meet local communities, and enjoy a side of the north that feels hidden and untouched.
Conclusion
Northern Kenya is not an easy place to reach, but that is what makes it so special. Its deserts, lakes, mountains, and forests remain wild and untouched, offering views and experiences that are truly rare. From the air in a helicopter or on the ground with local guides, every part of the journey feels like a discovery.
Whether it is meeting communities who keep their traditions alive, camping under a sky full of stars, or exploring hidden landscapes, Northern Kenya offers moments that stay with you long after the trip is over. It is a region for those who want to see a different side of Kenya, one that is raw, beautiful, and unforgettable.
