“As experienced kite surfers who share a passion for East Africa's amazing wildlife and distinct bio-diversity, the 'Kite- Safari' expeditions that my wife, Francesca, and I undertake often lead us off the beaten track on a quest to discover new and remote locations.
I had the opportunity to kitesurf on Lake Turkana back in 2011. Heavily loaded with all our camping and kitesurfing equipment, the morning of the 12th of November 2019 finally arrived, signaling the start to our next big adventure! After 2,500 km round trip across some of Kenya's most beautiful and rugged landscape, we arrive in Lake Turkana.
Lake Turkana is located in the northern frontier district of Kenya, in the Great Rift Valley bordering South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia and is famous for being the world's largest permanent desert lake and largest alkaline lake. Archaeologically, Turkana is also renowned for its 'Turkana Boy' discovery and is often referred to as the 'Cradle of Mankind'.
After 4 days of intense driving through the distant and mountainous central and northern regions of Kenya, we arrived at Eliye Springs just as the sun was setting on the afternoon of the 15th. To be greeted by the greenish-blue haze of the 'Jade Sea' was a very welcome sight indeed.
Nestled into the western shore of the lake, Eliye Springs is an oasis in what would otherwise be hot and arid landscape. Healthy Doum palms scatter the lodge grounds and lakeside camping areas, offering much needed shade during the hotter parts of the day. The early morning rustling of their leaves would often signify the arrival of the wind from the east, and we would know it was time to start pumping up our kites and get ready for a session on the water. The wind lived up to its reputation at the spot and we rode together for 2 of the 3 days spent at the lake.
The entire experience was amazing. The landscape and nature are wild and feral, offering both harsh desert conditions and uninhabited crater lakes abundant in crocodile and birds of prey. The Turkana tribe remain true to their cultural ancestry and a visit to one of the local communities is definitely a must for any passing traveler. The trip was a complete success and there is no doubt that in the future we will return together to re-visit the 'Cradle of Mankind'.
With special thanks to 'Kaka Shabani' and African Bush & Beach Adventures Ltd for supporting this journey and getting us safety there and back home again.”