KENYA: LAKE TURKANA FESTIVAL & GORILLAS IN UGANDA
10 DAYS // MAY 15 - 26, 2016
ABOUT LAKE TURKANA
Lake Turkana, formerly known as Lake Rudolf, is a lake in the Kenyan Rift Valley, with its far northern end crossing into Ethiopia. It is the world's largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake. The Lake is also known as the "Jade Sea" because of its remarkable blue – green colour. The Lake Turkana area is regarded by many anthropologists as the cradle of humankind due to the abundance of hominid fossils.
The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival has become an important element of Kenya's annual events. The festival encapsulates the traditional knowledge, beliefs and values of the area's communities. This annual event provides an opportunity to explore Northern Kenya and enjoy a myriad of colorful cultures while discovering the treasures of the region. The event features the unique performances and cultural traditions of at least twelve ethnic communities who live in Marsabit County: El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dassanatch, Gabra, Burji, Borana, Konso, Sakuye, Garee,and Waata. The presentation of the customs and living conditions of the twelve tribes, their spectacular traditional costumes, arts and crafts, dances and music is a unique and fascinating experience – particularly in light of the stunning geographical characteristics of the region.
Climate
Temperatures will be between 80-90 degrees.
Clothing
Dress should be casual and comfortable. Breathable fabrics such as cottons are preferable and no bright colors. Pack light-you can do laundry at the lodges.
Sunblock with SPF 50, Large-brim hats & UV protected sunglasses, comfortable/waterproof hiking shoes and a light jacket/windbreaker.
The evenings can be cooler and you may need some warm clothing: sweatshirt, long sleeve fleece, and long pants.
VACCINATIONS
If you haven’t had your vaccinations please do so ASAP. Yellow fever vaccination is required
to enter the country. We recommend that you get a Hepatitis A and Thyphoid shot and make
sure your Tetanus vaccination is current. You must take Malaria
pills. Typically you begin taking the pills 2 days prior/post trip and once a day while in Kenya.
Please speak with your doctor for his/her dosage recommendations.
Visit www.cdc.gov for additional information.
It is advisable to try and avoid mosquito bites by using repellent and by wearing suitable cover-up clothes in the evening.
Food
All meals at the camp are included.
Additionally, nutritious meals catering to guests with specific diet-dependent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and gluten-free, as well as unique dietary preferences including, macrobiotic, raw and vegan diets are available upon request.
Only bottled mineral water, that will be available in our safari camp, is drinkable.
PASSPORT & Visa
Kenya: You must have a passport valid for at least six months after your return date, with at least three blank pages. You must apply for an E- visa in advance prior to arrival in Kenya. The website www. immigration.ecitizen.go.ke/index.php?id=5
You are required to carry your certificates of vaccination against YELLOW FEVER in order to enter both Kenya and Uganda.Bring your passport and a copy of your passport kept in different place. For Uganda you can buy a visa on arrival for $100 USD. Passports must be valid for at least 12 months.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
You are required to show proof of Travel Insurance.
Luggage Restrictions & SUGGESTIONS
Your check in luggage MUST be a duffel bag. You can have 15kg for your check in bag plus a camera bag. Make sure to check the weight restrictions for your international flights.
Additional items to consider packing:
- Electrical multiple outlet strip (For charging your batteries & electrical accessories)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Power bars and favorite travel snacks
Money Matters
The currency is the Kenya shilling.
Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted, a commission charge is normally added to any transactions using a credit card.
Any US dollars that you bring with you must be crisp and dated 2003-present. Bills older than 2003 will not be accepted by the banks or merchants.
Common Swahili Phrases
Jambo! - Hello, welcome!
Karibu Kenya! - Welcome to Kenya!
Hakuna matata! - No problem/No worries
Kwaheri! - Goodbye
Asante Sana - Thank you very much.
Jina lako ni nani? - What is your name?
Jina langu ni _____ - My name is _____.
Twende - Let's go!
Lala salama - Sleep well/Good night.