As mentioned in the Northern Kenya section, there is the danger of encountering bandits, or shiftas in the desert anywhere north of Samburu National Reserve. Unless you want to get left in the middle of nowhere by Somali, Ethiopian, or Sudanese shiftas with absolutely nothing by your underwear, you need to travel in a convoy system with an armed escort.

Gametrackers in Nairobi (# (02) 338927) offers an excellent 8-day trip that covers much of the desert east of the lake. Starting in Nairobi, you’ll pass Mt. Kenya and head north to Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. From there they connect with an armed convoy and continue north to Marsabit National Reserve. They then cut west towards Lake Turkana, passing the beautiful Chalbi Desert. They camp at Loyangalani on the shore of Lake Turkana, then return to Nairobi hitting a few other sites on the way down. Gametrackers’ rates are negotiable, if you’re willing to bring your own food and beverages.