Lake Turkana, which lies in the Kenyan Rift Valley with its far northern end just crossing into Ethiopia, is recognized as the world’s largest permanent desert lake and the world’s largest alkaline lake.
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The lake is fed by the Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio rivers, but critically, it lacks any outflow; thus, its only water loss occurs through evaporation. The intense combination of high temperature, extreme aridity, and geographic inaccessibility ensures the lake retains its uniquely wild character, presenting itself as a discreet oasis with a special atmosphere of tranquillity and a halcyon spirit. This stark region was the focus of my attention for a few nights, as it is a little-visited part of Kenya that offers truly incredible photographic opportunities.
The local environment is extremely arid, and camels and donkeys are notably well adapted to it, coping better than cattle and goats during the drought periods that have recently and severely impacted life in northern Kenya. Traditionally, both men and women wear wraps made of rectangular woven materials and animal skins, although today these clothes are typically manufactured and purchased in Nairobi or elsewhere in Kenya. Men often wear their wraps in a manner similar to tunics, connecting one end with the other over the right shoulder, and commonly carry wrist knives crafted from steel and goat hide. Men also carry small stools known as Ekicholong, which they use as simple chairs rather than sitting on the hot midday sand. These versatile stools also double as headrests, keeping one’s head elevated from the ground and protecting any ceremonial head decorations from damage.
