We knew this stretch of our planned journey could potentially end our trip.
“There are two routes from Kenya to Ethiopia or vice versa. The main road through Marsabit which is about interesting as watching paint dry and the most popular with travellers. And then there is the route which is the road less travelled via Lake Turkana.
This route is more a track and can take days to traverse but much more fun and with incredible dramatic landscapes. Lake Turkana is the worlds biggest desert lake and Africa’s most saline. Fondly called the Jade Sea because of its breathtaking colour. It is surrounded by an arid, seemingly extraterrestrial landscape that is often devoid of life.”
Upshift Issue 32 – April 2019
“We got told at Jungle Junction, an overlanders oasis in Nairobi, Kenya, about the route from a few overlanders and with fair warning that they did not advice riding the route unsupported. Especially on motorcycles.
What makes the route so dangerous, yet interesting is that overlanders need to carry their own fuel and water for the nearly 900km of the route.”
Most travellers team up with 4×4’s trucks to carry their fuel and water, and for added support, when things go wrong. Just to add some more zest to the mix for this adventure, the route follows the lava rocks and sand that is also crossing into Marsabit, making riding slow, dangerous and potentially a killer of tyres.
It is extremely remote and you can not just summons a helicopter or rescue effort if things go wrong. This is desolation valley! You are on your own!”
