Turkanaland – Wangechi Gitahi Travels

Africa

Life as a traditional Turkana lady

By Wangechi Gitahi

I saw him from across the room and I smiled at him, even though I had only seen him from a far on my last visit to Turkanaland. He seemed to sense my gaze and looked in my direction, a beautiful smile breaking from his lips, revealing white sparkling teeth. He rose and walked towards me, eyes locked on mine as if daring me to turn away. The last time I saw him, I didn’t get adequate time to look at him, learn his features, see him in his element or learn who he really is. No way was I going to let this chance pass me by and so I gawked, unashamedly. When he stood before me, I was impressed by his firm strong handshake, his confident gaze, his pronounced physical features and I noted he had a cute parting between the teeth on his lower gum. He greeted…

Africa

Cradle Tented Camps, A haven in Lodwar

By Wangechi Gitahi

Lodwar town is the capital of Turkana County, better known as Turkanaland. Turkana Land is located in Northern Kenya, a region that is greatly misunderstood by outsiders mainly due to misguided, negative stereotyping. As I ventured into Turkanaland, with Lodwar being my first stop, I was anxious about so many things, one being where I would sleep. I can hereby confirm that yes, there is quite a variety of accommodation options in Lodwar. My highlight though is Cradle Tented Camp which offers luxury accommodation and became my home for a few days. I stumbled upon it as I was exploring Lodwar and indeed, it seduced me at first glance and that is how I ended up being a guest. They have various unique facilities that do indeed make it a “haven in Lodwar”. It is home to the only swimming pool in Lodwar which I assure you, is a major seduction noting…

Africa

Eliye Springs Resort- The pearl of Eliye Springs

By Wangechi Gitahi

Eliye Springs Resort is located in Eliye Springs also known as Ille Springs in Turkana county, Kenya. When I ventured into Turkanaland as part of a solo backpacking mission, I was overwhelmed by how beautiful it is. I think I can best liken the area to an oyster. From the outer shell, it seems to be made of hard bare rock, that has been exposed to harsh conditions for a long time. If you are bold enough to touch it, rub its shell and be bold enough to open it up via exploration, you will be met with beautiful pearls in various forms, shapes and sizes. For more on my “Oyster” experience, check out: http://wangechigitahitravels.com/the-best-kept-secret-that-is-eliye-springs-turkana/ and http://wangechigitahitravels.com/my-homecoming-to-turkanaland/ As I hardly knew much about the area, I was psychologically prepared to sleep in the open space, as I had done in my younger years-the joys of youth :-). However, as we drove…

Africa

The best kept secret that is Eliye Springs, Turkana

By Wangechi Gitahi

I am elated to say that the beauty that is Turkana, is one of the best kept secrets I have ever discovered. I shared part one of my “Homecoming to Turkana” http://wangechigitahitravels.com/my-homecoming-to-turkanaland/ and yet, Turkana continued to unravel more of its secrets to me. Move closer, and let me share with you part two of my “Homecoming to Turkana” which was experienced in Eliye Springs. Eliye springs is best described as a beach paradise. Turkana is home to part of Lake Turkana and unlike the Marsabit side which is rocky, Eliye Springs side is all sandy beaches by its shores. A visit to Turkana Land would be incomplete without venturing there so go on, visit. There is so much to experience and engage in. 1: Boat rides I discovered that Lake Turkana has Central Island NationaI Park found on it, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. It has three active…

Africa

My homecoming to Turkanaland

By Wangechi Gitahi

Turkana county also referred to as Turkanaland and is believed to be the “Cradle of Mankind”, due to it being home to the remains of the most complete, early human skeleton ever found in the world. The skeleton is believed to be between 1.5 to 1.6 million years and is referred to as “Turkana Boy” or “Nariokotome Boy”, after the location it was found in. Growing up, I heard so many negative things about my “home” -drought, poverty, bandits, cattle rustling, food aid-the list is endless. Instead of scaring me off, it left me with a burning desire to “one day visit”, see, explore and experience the region for myself. Surely I told myself, it can’t be all dark and gloom, there must be something nice, beautiful, a silver lining in the cloud and I was going to go in search of it. First forward to 2018, and for some reason, Turkana sprung to…