That is a little concerning as the remote road north via lake Turkana is dirt !

Arrived into Nairobi 2 days ago and time was spent having our passports and carnet stamped in the centre of town as where we are crossing into Ethiopia there is no border post. Yes it is that remote!

Also spent time replacing bushes in the front leaf springs.

K223:  Thompson Falls Lodge-camping - Nyahururu

Cost: Ksh 1,000/person (A$10)

Altitude: 2370 metres

Today: 168 Kms

Kenya to Ethiopia: 168 Kms

Africa Total: 41,586 Kms

Vehicle Total: 187,752 Kms

Saturday 5th August 2017:

Today it is north to the town of Maralal and by pure chance the annual Camel Derby happening this weekend.

Adventure is along the way.

The road changes from good seal to a muddy track.

We stop to help this local who is carting stock feed.

Apparently lots just drove past including the locals !

The truck was down to the axle both front and rear.

The Samburu are related to , but distinct from the Massai tribe. They are semi-nomadic pastoralists who heard mainly cattle, but also sheep, goats and camels.

They stay very true to their original traditions.

Their main food is maize, milk and blood. They do not kill their cattle and the meat is only eaten on very special occasions such as births, marriages and death.

Successfully out.

He was very thankful.

We were more than happy with a picture with the Samburu guys.

We are very lucky to just chance arriving in Maralal when the yearly Camel Races are happening.

That evening we joined in the dancing! That whole crowd  20+ deep in a big circle just rhythmic

dancing, and we were in the mix !

Occasionally the movement would be that jumping the Massai do, yes we jumped too.

These were our dance ‘partners’  holding hands and moving with the beat and the crowd.

Everyone smiling and I think getting high on the beat of the music.

Actually it was contagious !

Although today we missed the start of the Camel races, we had front row seats at the presentation of the winners in the semi-finals.

All these beautiful children migrated to Nan !

They called her Muuum.

The evening was full of tribal dancing.

Must have been 30+ different tribal groups in varying colourful dress doing the same rhythmic movement as we were earlier.

A great day. More tomorrow with the Camel  final race which we plan to see.

K224:  Maralal Sanctuary

Cost: Ksh 1,000/person (US$10)

Altitude: 1990metres

Today: 155 Kms

Kenya to Ethiopia: 323 Kms

Sunday 6th August 2017:...A day at the Races

It is a big event here, and there is quite a fair ground appearance, be it what we think it would some 50 years ago.

No sure what these BRIGHT pavilions were, maybe just a photograph as some had luxury houses or the Kenya president as a backdrop.

Then there was the worlds smallest woman, 

and a Mermaid

and in this case a Real Cave Man !

Cost to see Ks20 or A$0.20, however we did not venture into that dark cave.

While we were watching them, they were watching us !

Down on the main street the Race was about to start.

Everyone was there all dressed in their Sunday best.

.......And they are are racing.

This is the finals and it is around 42Kms in total which will take about 2 hours.

Back to the show grounds for a few ‘people’ photographs.

This afternoon a 6 hour drive to cover the 150Kms from Maralal to South Horr.

A rough stoney road through very changing country.

First rainforest, then dry flat Savanna, and finally mountainous terrain.

K225:  Samburu Sports Centre - South Horr

Cost: Ksh 500/person (US$5)

Altitude: 978metres

Today: 151 Kms

Kenya to Ethiopia: 474 Kms

We are today heading further north and I am sure internet will be NIL....