Far-Flung Lodges: Desert Rose, Kenya

Road trip through Kenya’s Northern Frontier to a desert oasis near Lake Turkana’s southernmost tip

By: Christina Erb 

 

Published in Outside Magazine (online)

 

In the far northwest corner of Kenya, situated near the southernmost tip of Lake Turkana, sits the eco lodge Desert Rose. The earth-toned lodge juts out from the slopes of Mt. Nyiru and is reachable via a 10-hour road trip—pack surplus gas and precisely follow the lodge’s extensive driving instructions—or a 90-minute flight on the resort’s private Cessna 206 aircraft.

Tucked away in 62 acres of orchids, cedar, and cycad trees deep inside Kenya’s Northern Frontier, the isolated, solar-powered lodge is miles away from any other sign of human habitation. Upon arrival, you’ll move into one of the lodge’s five Samburu-built houses carved out of local rocks and timber. Each morning, you’ll wake up to a traditional cup of freshly brewed Kenyan black tea and biscuits.
Adventures from the Desert Rose include dawn bush walks; climbing Kenya’s remote crags in the Ndoto Mountains; or riding a camel to spot wild boar, wild dogs, and elusive leopards. At night, indulge in sundowners, cocktails in the bush at sunset, and eat by the river to the twilight symphony of the bush. Beginning at $540, all-inclusive; desertrosekenya.com.