Moyale-Marsabit road
 

Hi

Does anyone out there have any up-to-date info on the situation in northern Kenya, particularly this stretch of road? We're in Addis Ababa at the moment and should be crossing into Kenya in about 3-4 weeks, and have heard lots of nasty rumours.

We really don't want to get on a truck but have to bear in mind that we're more exposed on bikes than we would be in a vehicle... but also possibly less attractive to bandits?

Any advice much appreciated!

Thanks

Luke & Anna

I did that road about seven months ago. I went without the convoy and it was fine. I did hear a lot of bad stoies from people I talked to on the way. There is inter tribal fighting but there had been two instances of forigners getting into trouble in the previous month as well. It was a facinating place and it was great to check out the Turkana or whoever they are out there.

Wouldn't be as much fun with the convoy, but it would be safe. Get some Kenyan Shillings the day before you leave. The exchange rate is aweful at the border so bargain hard- not sure but I don't think you can change money in Marsabit. Get to customs early or the convoy will leave with out you.

Enjoy

give the convoy a wide berth! if the road is dry (should be) the convoy will kick up dust. and if its wet, it'll plough the mud. either way, stay ahead of the convoy so it can help you if you get stuck. I've done the road twice on enduro/rally-type bikes. its 500km of chaos and, while fun in a day on those bikes, its got to be 2 tough days on eg an Africa Twin.

I went through a month or so ago on the day of the latest problems. Everyone (official and non-official) gave me different opinions of the safety level at the time. So, as ever in these parts, advice (even from us travellers) is not as good as just getting on with it and playing it by ear. The road may have been fine for some, but at other times it's unsafe. There's a hotel on the left hand side (big building) as you enter Marsabit, they'll let you put the bike inside and it's a friendly place. In my opinion the first half of the road is the worst, though the second half is almost as bad.

You should really consider the Lake Turkana Route. See recent posts on this page for Fort Banya. Its a fantastic ride!