About The Big North
The Big North is unlike any other destination on earth. This is a once-in-a-lifetime destination; where wilderness and culture meets epic adventure. And the icing an the cake? It is responsible tourism at its very best.
The collective name for Northern Kenya, The Big North refers primarily to the counties of Samburu, Isiolo,Baringo, Meru, Laikipia and Marsabit. The reputation of Northern Kenya has been transformed in the past few years by a community-driven determination to promote and maintain peace, protect the region’s unique wildlife and habitats, and preserve diverse and historic cultures.
This area is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. To the honeymooners, the happy campers, and the adrenaline junkies, the safari and sundowner types, the pampered princesses and the adventure families- we say KARIBU.
Culture
Northern Kenya is home to diverse cultures and colourful traditions. community life revolves around livestock, and many of the ethnic groups still maintain the same semi-nomadic way of life that their ancestors did. There are more than fourteen different ethnic groups in northern Kenya, including Laikipiak Maasai, Samburu, Borana, Rendille, Gabra and Turkana.
Intimate access to the cultures of Northern Kenya is a rare opportunity. Through community conservation, people now have a platform to share their traditions with visitors and earn valuable revenue for their families in doing so. Experience traditional homesteads, treat your ears to the ‘singing wells’ and learn about handcrafted instruments and jewelry. Immersing yourself in the people that make The Big North so special is an experience you’ll never forget.


Wilderness
Northern Kenya is said to be one of the last true wilderness areas of East Africa. This is a landscape characterized with mountain peaks, rolling hills, vast grasslands, deserts and indigenous forests.
Iconic mountains of the region include Mt. Ololokwe(sacred mountain to the Samburu community), Mt. Marsabit, Mt. Poi and Mt. Kulal.
Through community conservation, The Big North is seeing wildlife return to areas they haven’t been seen in years. Here, we have our own version of The Big Five, known as the Northern five. Only in this part of Kenya can you find the Reticulated Giraffe, the Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich and Beisa Oryx.
Adventure
Mountain bike over epic ridges, hook up your ropes to iconic rock faces, ride a horse past a herd of elephants, and fallow the tracks of leopard and wild dog on foot. Whatever gives you adrenaline rush -The Big North has something for you.
Activities include:
- Camel treks
- Game viewing
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Mountain biking
- Rhino-tracking
- Rock climbing
- Camping
