Travel & holidays
Northern Kenya travel guide: Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu and Isiolo
Lake Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Sibiloi and the Chalbi Desert: what to see in Northern Kenya, and what to plan before you go.
Northern Kenya covers 7 counties: Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera. Highlights include Lake Turkana, Marsabit National Park, Samburu National Reserve.
About the region
Northern Kenya is vast, dry and spectacular. Lake Turkana is the world's largest permanent desert lake, and its national parks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves offer arid-country wildlife, and Marsabit rises as a forested mountain from the desert.
Getting there and around
Distances are long and services are few. Isiolo is the gateway town, with a tarmac road north to Marsabit and Moyale. Many visitors fly to Lodwar or to lodge airstrips. If you drive, plan fuel, water and overnight stops, and check local guidance and travel advice before you go.
County by county
Turkana
County 23 · headquarters: Lodwar
- Lake Turkana: The world's largest permanent desert lake.
- Eliye Springs: Palm-fringed springs on the lake's western shore.
- Central Island National Park: Volcanic island in Lake Turkana, part of a UNESCO site.
Long distances and limited services. Plan fuel, water and accommodation carefully, and check local guidance.
Marsabit
County 10 · headquarters: Marsabit
- Marsabit National Park: A forested mountain and crater lakes in the desert.
- Sibiloi National Park and Koobi Fora: Fossil sites on Lake Turkana's eastern shore.
- Loiyangalani and the Chalbi Desert: Lake Turkana's eastern shore and desert landscapes.
Long distances and limited services. Plan fuel, water and accommodation carefully, and check local guidance.
Samburu
County 25 · headquarters: Maralal
- Samburu National Reserve: The Ewaso Nyiro river and the Samburu special five.
- Maralal: A highland town and gateway to the north.
Isiolo
County 11 · headquarters: Isiolo
- Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves: Arid-country wildlife next to Samburu National Reserve.
- Isiolo town: Gateway to Northern Kenya.
Garissa
County 7 · headquarters: Garissa
- Tana River at Garissa: The river town on Kenya's longest river.
Several foreign governments advise against travel to parts of this county, especially areas near the Somalia border. Check your government's travel advice and local guidance before you go.
Wajir
County 8 · headquarters: Wajir
- Wajir town: A historic trading town in the north-east.
Several foreign governments advise against travel to parts of this county, especially areas near the Somalia border. Check your government's travel advice and local guidance before you go.
Mandera
County 9 · headquarters: Mandera
- Mandera town: Kenya's north-eastern corner, near Ethiopia and Somalia.
Several foreign governments advise against travel to parts of this county, especially areas near the Somalia border. Check your government's travel advice and local guidance before you go.
Before you go
Opening hours, entry fees and event dates change, so check them with the operator, the Kenya Wildlife Service or the county government before you travel. Places in this guide were last checked on 19 Oct 2026. If something has changed, tell us.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Lake Turkana?
Fly to Lodwar for the western shore, or drive via Marsabit or Maralal to Loiyangalani on the eastern shore, which takes several days.
What are the Samburu special five?
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk, all found in Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves.
Is it safe to travel in Northern Kenya?
Many visitors travel to Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit and Lake Turkana each year, but conditions vary by area. Check your government's travel advice and local guidance before you go, especially for areas near the Somalia border.
Sources
- Kenya Wildlife Service — park entry fees
- National Museums of Kenya
- Magical Kenya — Kenya Tourism Board
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Last reviewed 19 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.