Kalacha Camp, North Horr

Location

Situated in the Chalbi Desert, North Eastern Kenya, Kalacha Camp sits on the edge of a permanent oasis, fed by a natural artesian well. The Gabbra people of this area are a hardy race, and adaptation to a nomadic way of life ensures their survival. The Kalacha oasis is an assured watering point - several days’ walk from suitable grazing areas, and camels, cattle, donkeys and goats gather here en-masse.

Description

Kalacha Camp, established in 1999, is a community based project. This simple, unique and surreal camp is built using local materials, including doum palm trunks for the poles, and woven doum palm leaves. The Camp is simple - comfortably furnished with a colourful profusion of hand printed cushions.

Accommodation/Facilities: The camp consists of four bandas with huge convex thatched roofs – keeping the rooms cool, twin beds and en-suite bathroom with flush toilet. The bandas have a small verandah on the front, and overlook the oasis. The mess area is an open-plan circular building. A kidney shaped swimming/plunge pool partly enters into the mess area – and is an extremely refreshing escape from the hot, dry desert weather.

Hosted By: The camp is run by a team of Gabbra men and women.

Activities:

• Walking around the oasis and in the town. Photographic opportunities are fantastic, with the beautiful and unusual desert scenery and constantly changing lights and colours.
• Rock art in near-by desert areas has been aged between 500 and 3000 years.
• Insights in to the Gabbra traditional lifestyle..
• Sundowners in the desert on the edge of the lava flows.
• The area is famous for Sandgrouse. Early in the morning huge flights of Sandgrouse arrive at water holes, providing unmatched opportunities for shooting (seasonal).

Optional Extras: Hire of vehicle and sandgrouse shooting. Scenic flights to Lake Turkana (Jade Sea) for fishing, visit to the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ at Koobi Fora, and Oasis Lodge (pre booking required). Catering option available.

Closed Season: Open all year round.

Access: Private charter mainly, but road access is possible (min 2 days.)

Rates and Booking Info: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.kalacha.org