In this article, we look at a list of deserts found in Kenya. Kenya is a land of contrasts, with lush savannahs and arid deserts. While most visitors come to Kenya to experience the rich wildlife and natural beauty of its national parks, many miss out on the unique landscapes and adventures that the country’s deserts have to offer.
What many people don’t tell you is that you can experience Dubai’s sand dune thrill right here in Kenya. Desert safaris are becoming more popular among both domestic and international tourists. Below is a quick exploration of deserts in Kenya, with the best time to visit and activities you can do.
List Of Best Deserts In Kenya
1. Chalbi Desert
The Chalbi Desert in Marsabit County is one of Kenya’s most well-known desert areas. Marsabit is located in Kenya’s northwestern region. To be honest, it’s experiencing unprecedented levels of visitor interest right now. It encompasses the entire North Horr sub-county and shares borders with Ethiopia to the south and Lake Turkana to the east. It is one of Kenya’s most visited deserts.
Although Marsabit and the rest of northern Kenya are extremely hot due to their arid nature, the temperatures in the Chalbi Desert are much higher. It’s the hottest place in the country. This, however, does not diminish its beauty. It is covered in the breathtaking scenery of volcanoes and the ruins of ancient lava flows. The population is small, but over time, people have discovered its beauty. This desert’s main inhabitants are the Rendille and Gabbra tribes. The volcanic mountains that tower over the desert from afar have thousands of kilometres of sand dunes. They are very appealing to visitors in and out of Kenya. Coarse sand covers pure rocks from millions of years of volcanic activity from the desert’s horizon.
The Chalbi Desert, like the Kalahari and Namib Deserts in Southern Africa, has several salt pans. They benefit the pastoralist community in the surrounding area. They use it as a natural salt lick for their cattle. According to history, there was a lake that dried up and formed what is now known as the Chalbi Desert millions of years ago. Thousands of animals are quenched by the desert oasis known as Kalacha. The oasis, however, is a few days’ journey away.
The best months to visit one of Kenya’s popular deserts are July to October and January to February. You can explore it on a desert drive or the back of a camel.
2. Nyiri Desert
Nyiri is Kenya’s largest desert, located in the country’s south-central region. It is about 50 miles east of Lake Magadi and close to the Tanzanian border in the north. The desert encompasses Amboseli National Park and the northern portion of Lake Amboseli. Nairobi National Park is located at its northernmost tip, and Tsavo West National Park is located at its southernmost tip.
There are areas of the desert that are densely forested with small trees, many of which are thorny and contain poison. Among them are signs indicating game trails. During the brief wet season, the trees’ leaves and blossoms are green. During the dry season, however, they are covered in greyish-green creepers and hornlike fronds of thorny euphorbia, leaving them naked and twisted. This is common in Kenyan deserts.
Water is scarce because there are only a few major springs and riverbeds scattered across the landscape. The plain is dotted with rocky hills, some of which are built on even older rock. The desert is home to a variety of baobab trees, some of which are more than 2,000 years old. They have grey trunks that can grow to be 3 metres wide. Elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, lions, leopards, lesser kudu, and impalas are common in the surrounding parks.
3. Kaisut Desert
The Kaisut Desert is a hidden gem that is frequently overlooked by tourists and is one of Kenya’s lesser-known deserts. It is a vast expanse of sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and thorny bushes located in the northern part of the country. The Kaisut Desert is known for its rough terrain, which includes sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and dry riverbeds. Hiking through the desert allows visitors to discover the region’s unique flora and fauna, including Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, and lesser kudu.
The presence of the Turkana people, who have lived in this region for thousands of years, is one of the most striking features of the Kaisut Desert. The Turkana are nomadic herders who have adapted to desert conditions while maintaining their traditional way of life. The desert can be explored on foot or by camel, with breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and the unique flora and fauna. Visitors can interact with Turkanas and learn about their distinctive culture and traditions.
4. Mambrui Desert
The Mambrui Desert, located on Kenya’s coast, is a unique and fascinating destination for any traveller interested in exploring the country’s deserts. This vast expanse of sandy terrain is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including acacia trees, thorny bushes, and palm trees. Visitors can see some of Kenya’s most incredible wildlife, including the powerful lion and the swift cheetah.
The Sabaki River, which flows through the heart of the Mambrui Desert and empties into the Indian Ocean, is one of the desert’s distinguishing features. The river is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, and serves as an important water source for the animals that live in this area. The Mambrui Desert is well-known for its wildlife as well as its historical significance. The ruins of Gedi, located just a few kilometres from the desert, provide an intriguing glimpse into the region’s rich history. The city was founded in the 13th century and served as an important trading centre until the 17th century when it was abandoned.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable adventure in Kenya, the Mambrui Desert is a must-see. The Mambrui Desert has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind experience. Visitors to the Mambrui Desert can explore the desert on foot or by camelback, taking in the unique landscapes and coastal scenery. They can also visit the nearby towns of Malindi and Watamu, where they can immerse themselves in the vibrant Swahili culture, sample the local cuisine, and explore the ruins and learn about the city’s history.
