Road from Moyale (Ethipia) to Marsabit and Isiolo (Kenya)
 

Hi there,
I read that this road was really bad, but the discussions were very old.
Does anyone has fresher infos on the state of that road?
And more, what about to try it on a road motorcycle? (not an enduro, I mean)
These are 250 km from Moyale to Marsabit, and further 260 from Marsabit to Isiolo.
I could manage in a couple of days, am I right?
Thanks
roberto

It is nearly four years since I rode it but believe it has not changed much in that time. It is quite hard going but if dry should be doable on a road bike, check all nuts and bolts before you leave and have something for repairing a puncture.
There was a Swiss chap in Marsabit who allowed camping in his garden and had some helpful information about the road ahead, check your bike over again there.
Just start off early and take it steady.

Tough Road
 

I did it in Nov. & wasn't that bad ! I think all the hype around it is out of
proportion ! As for a road bike clearance could be an issue but you can't go fast anyway so I think it would be alright, i have a BMW 650 twin and the clearance isn't that great on those either, had more drama on potholed roads and sleeping policeman are a real pain in the arse. The road is long and hard on your hands tho, but I would not shy away from it, in fact I enjoyed it now I look back. Don't
be put off by what happened with the recent attempted hold up either, as the saying goes 1 swallow doesn't make a Summer !
You will enjoy !:scooter::mchappy:
Cheers
Paulbier

tks
 

many thanks to both of you, guys!

what about security on that road, famous bandits groups operating there? is it true nowdays?

how about traffic on the road? High? Lo? Nobody? if my car will be broken there, in the middle of nowhere, I'll have to wait few days before somone will take me in tow? :)

As far as I know, there is a convoy starting every day from Moyale down to Marsabit (and Isiolo?).
They would certainly help someone having truble with his car/bike, I guess...

Hi,
I did the Moyale - Marsabit last December on a Defender, yes, the road is very bad, it is mainly rocks and hard, deep corrugations where you cannot find a right 'floating' speed.
It has been the worst stretch in my whole overland trip. Is it doable? Yes, indeed, just be prepared. I left a track of assorted , parts, and rubber bushings along the way...
I met a Spanish guy on a road bike so I think it should be doable with some caution. In case you may need it there is a catholic mission at Sololo, some 12 km off the main road 90 km from Moyale (N3 33.302 E38 38.482) where you can find a mechanic (John) and a well equipped workshop, I should have his cell number, if you want it send me a PM and will pass it to you.
You can stop for the night at the first road block (Urbi village), just park in front of the 'lodge' (1 euro), do not even bother to look inside the rooms...
Once in Marsabit you will probably be asked to join a convoy to continue south, the convoys leave in the afternoon (not recommended) and at 6.30 in the morning from the road block south of Marsabit. Please note that the convoys are a joke as you will not be able to keep up with the riduculous speed at which the vehicle with the escort (one guy with a gun) will bolt on the road.
I did not have any security problems but keep in mind that the area is subject to tribal frictions made worse by the recent drought, so keep an eye.
A good place to stay in Marsabit is the Christian Congregation, right on the road to the campsite that you will find on T4A, for 5 euros you will get a very clean room, hot showers and cooking facilities, you will appreciate these comforts after a long day...
There are only two roadblocks before Marsabit and I did not have any problem whatsoever. The brand new tar road begins before Isiolo, I remember kissing it once I got to it.... : )
Let me know if you need more info.
Ciao and... Safari Njema!

Isiolo-Marsabit-Moyale Road
 

Did the road to hell yesterday.
It is bad and cannot be recommend to be driven on after rain. We did it with two motorcycles and can give you the following information:
Isiolo-Marsabet: about 70 kms perfectly tarred, the rest a piste in good condition.
Marsabet-Moyale: Corrugated stretches, sandholes, acceptable stretches, potholes, all mixed. Took us with the bikes about 7hrs, but we didn't have a breakdown.
Lots of police and army on the street after the clashes, but no trouble.

Video of Moyale Road
 

Here is a short movie from the worse parts of the road:
Dr. Mulle - Mud Roads www.facebook.com/doktormulle www.dr-mulle.de - YouTube