About the Big North

The closer you are to Nanyuki, the higher the altitude.  So you can expect hot sunny days and cold chilly nights but as you move further North you can expect warmer temperatures. Whilst it is normally a dry heat, one can expect the temperatures to move into the high 30s so make sure you have plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen with you.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a set of warm clothes, jumper and jeans as you never know what the weather will do and don’t forget your waterproofs.

When visiting the Big North you will most likely start your trip from Nanyuki Town which is found approximately 196km from Nairobi. Nestling on the slopes of Mt Kenya, Nanyuki is a bustling town with several supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, fuel stations etc. If you are heading into the bush for a few nights we would suggest doing all your final bits and pieces i.e. shopping, fuel stops, and water collection in Nanyuki.

If you are heading north towards Marsabit then you will come across Isiolo Town. This is a good final reliable spot for filling up with fuel. You will also be able to get some basics such as fruit, vegetables, bread and a few other staples.

The final places to get reliable fuel is in Nanyuki or Isiolo Town. If you are doing a long trip with a lot of driving around the north then we would strongly recommend carrying all the fuel you will need with you,

Each campsite is different; some provide water and others don’t. Please check the facilities available at your campsite as there may be water available for washing etc.

If you aren’t sure what to expect we would recommend carrying the water you need with you. Water is scarce in the North.

As you disappear into the bush so does your signal! Amazing! When you book a campsite in one of the NRT member community conservancies we will provide you with a list of emergency numbers to contact should you have an issue – please keep them handy. You will also be expected to have a community scout with you – they will have a radio on them for communication purposes should there be a problem.
If you have a satelite phone, then we would recommend travelling with it if you are heading completely off the beaten track.

We would also recommend letting a family member or a friend when to expect your return.

The Big North landscape varies hugely! With lots of sandy luggas, rocky Kopje’s and lava flows you won’t get bored of this stunning terrain. However, the Northern landscape is hot and harsh, so be prepared for thorny bushes, not a lot of shade and a few bugs.

Make sure you have appropriate walking shoes and clothing with you for exploring this beautiful but wild landscape.

You will most likely come across wildlife whilst exploring The Big North, please remember these are wild animals and they need space. Do not approach wildlife, do not feed wildlife and please do treat them with respect.

If you are lucky enough you may come across one of the five species that are endemic to the Northern Kenya area; these are Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, Rothschild Giraffe, the Somali Ostrich and Beisa Oryx.

It is worth noting that the Northern landscape is extremely different to the wide-open grasslands of the Maasai Mara. The wildlife found in this area have massive territories to roam sometimes making you work harder to find wildlife.

Community Conservancy rangers will be provided for an additional 1000 KES per scout per day. We recommend taking 2x scouts so as one can help show you roads or walks while the other can look after your campsite. rangers will be completely self-sufficient during their time with you.