Turkana odyssey-2025
Kenya’s Wild Frontiers: From Prehistoric Landscapes to Cutting-Edge Conservation
Explore Kenya’s wild frontiers, from the ancient fossil sites of Turkana Basin to Mpala’s cutting-edge conservation research. Fly over Suguta Valley, Lake Logipi, and the Jade Sea, then discover how science is shaping wildlife and ecosystem protection. A journey through time, nature, and innovation.
Suguta Valley & Turkana Basin
Once an extension of Lake Turkana, Suguta Valley is now a stunning desert landscape of towering sand dunes, volcanic formations, and seasonal lakes. A helicopter safari unveils its wonders, including the flamingo-filled Lake Logipi, Painted Valley, and ancient volcanoes.
Nearby, the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI), founded by Dr. Richard Leakey, is a global hub for fossil research, home to discoveries like Turkana Boy. Visitors can explore prehistoric fossil beds, climate evolution studies, and groundbreaking paleoanthropology research.
This journey blends breathtaking landscapes with the story of human origins, making it an unforgettable adventure through nature and history.
Mpala Research Center
Located in Laikipia, Kenya, Mpala Research Centre is a leading hub for savannah ecology, One Health, and conservation research. Scientists study how climate, grazing, and wildlife interactions shape the landscape, while the One Health initiative explores the links between wildlife, livestock, and human health.
Using AI tracking, GPS collars, and camera traps, Mpala monitors species like Grevy’s zebras and wild dogs, while also working with local communities on sustainable grazing and water conservation. Their research drives real-world conservation solutions across Africa’s savannahs.
ITINERARY
Day 1
03.21
Koros Camp & the Suguta Valley
Your journey commences in Nanyuki where your Helicopter pick you at 0615hrs carrying a picnic breakfast. Fly across to the southern side of the Mathews Mountains and then over the northen end of the Karisia hills cutting down into the Suguta Valley.
From here you will slowly make your way up the Suguta stopping numerous times along the way to explore areas of interest such as the painted and hoodoe valleys, the fresh water pools, the sand dunes and Lake Logipe before cutting east towards Koros Camp. Arrive in time to settle in to the lodge, have lunch and some time to relax.
The afternoon will be spent driving to and exploring the Jade sea.
Lake Turkana, also known as "The Jade Sea" for its striking hues of blue and green, is the world's largest permanent desert and alkaline lake, stretching 290 km and fed by the Omo River from Ethiopia. It's also the fourth-largest salt lake globally by volume. Renowned as the "cradle of humankind" due to numerous hominid fossils, Lake Turkana is a must-see destination located about 50 km from the camp.
Day 2
03.22
Turkana Basin Institute (TBI); Human Origins
Depart Koros and fly directly up the eastern side of the lake perhaps with a stop at the petrified forest at Sibiloi and then on to TBI for the visit.
At TBI, we will meet Ellen Miller, a researcher at TBI for a tour of the fossil collection and breof on the various projects they are working on. We mayvisit one of their live digging sites if time allows.
From there we would cross to Central Island. We always organise a stop here and it could be a good place for a picnic lunch.
Then from here we will cross to the western edge of the lake over Ferguson’s gulf and then down to Lothagum to stop here and then back to Koros.
This will be a long hot day indeed.
Day 3
03.23
Mpala Research Center
After breakfast, your private charter will pick you up and transfer you to Mpala Research Center in Laikipia.
This is a 2hrs 15mins transfer. From here, it's a 20 minutes transfer to the research center.
You will be based here for the next one and half days.
Mpala Research Centre hosts the REDI-NET Silver Laboratory, dedicated to field surveillance and testing to better understand pathogens found in Kenya’s tropical grasslands.
As a guest, you will have the opportunity to meet with the Silver Lab team and gain insight into their critical research.
Day 4
03.24
Nairobi,
Say your goodbyes to Mpala Research Centre and board your scheduled one-hour flight to Nairobi.
Upon arrival, your concierge will be waiting to transfer you to The Norfolk Hotel for a relaxing evening.
Should you wish to extend your safari, we’d be happy to organize the rest of your journey.
If you're heading home, your driver will transfer you to JKIA in time for your international flight. Safe travels!