Does anyone know the condition of the road to Samburu from Nairobi? We considering traveling next August and hoping it is much improved from our last trip after we spent most of the time driving in the ditch. Also any recommendations for a reasonably priced lodge in Samburu?
Thanks

Was the driving in the ditch more a function of the road or the driver?

Were you driving after torrential rains last year?

You could consider flying there. I believe there are 2 flights there a day and at least one back.

Reasonable lodge: Samburu Lodge or Samburu Serena.

How long will you be staying?

We did the flying safari to avoid the road conditions and some of the long drives last yr. At the end of the holiday we realised we had made the right decison as the roads we had to travel on were very bad.

http://www.pbase.com/monicawong/kenya_safari_2007

yi

When I drove there a number of years ago the road had two conditions.

Near Samburu the road was a stone/gravel road. The other part of the road consisted of road in between the potholes. I would say it was about 50/50 paved/potholes and I doubt if it has improved.

Mike

I drove a few years ago, and it was paved up to Mount Kenya/Lewa Downs area, and maybe a bit beyond, and then turned to stone. But, its incredibly scenic, a fun touristy stop at the equator, nice (expensive) lunch at Mount Kenya Safari Club, and you get to meet the Samburu people near Isolio (sp?). Its not a long drive, and you miss a lot if all you see of Africa is (A) from the air and (B) national parks.

Michael

We drove it in Dec 2006. I also remember it being fine past the Lewa entrance. It was really only the last hour or so that was a washboard.

I drove from Nanyuki to Samburu (Kalama)less than 2 months ago. The way up to Isiolo is perfectly fine. From Isiolo it becomes a dusty track but in a closed vehicle not so bad at all. The Chinese are building this new road up north which will be very pleasant when finished, at this point however you wil have to drive on the side and yes its dusty...but as i said in a closed vehicle not a problem.

Thanks for all the replies. We are planning for 3 nights at Samburu next August. When we drove in the ditch, it was because the ditch was smoother than the road, a few years ago! Will probably do the road one way, at least.