Roaming Desert Ultra 2024
Location: Eliye Springs
A seashore village, located on the western side of famous Jade Sea, commonly known as Lake Turkana is our base for this edition of our Roaming Deserts Edition 2024 run.
Eliye is named after a clean water spring, which for the longest time has supplied water to the barren land surrounding it and the locals.
13kms east of Eliye, the famous mighty windy Turkwell River pours into Lake Turkana. Eliye is 50kms/1hr 20minutes drive from the main town Lodwar. Lodwar is the main administrative town of Turkana County and 675kms/12hr 13 min from the main capital Nairobi.
To the west of Eliye is Kalokol, famous for its sumptuous Nile perch and tilapia.
Eliye offers you a grand opportunity to have perfect sea sunrises and awesome landscape sunsets, as the East African sun rises and sets.
On a clear sky day, be assured of having a clear view of Central Island, famous for its crocodile breeding lake, flamingo hatching lake and tilapia breeding lake; a must spectacular visit destination in the Lake.
Eliye will be the base, start and finish of our RDU edition 2024: come experience the sea, sand and fun of Turkana land.
The Cause: Visibility to the hidden gems
This RDU edition intends to open up the North by introducing participants to this exquisite area, the culture, the people and ultimately the beauty that is Eliye. Get into the Turkana groove by engaging with the Turkana people, their culture, their meals and fun side of living by the lake. Sleep by the lake, sleep in the manyatta or sleep by the manyatta; on the sand as you stargaze. Come experience all this beauty, perched up North.
Event Summary
Date: 14th of September 2024
Location: Eliye Springs – Turkana County
Available Distances: 10Kms, 30Kms, 60kms
Assembly Time: 0615hrs
Start time: 0630Hrs
Course closure: 1400hrs
Costs: Early bird: KES 2,950
Travel & Event Program | Itinerary
Itinerary A
5 DAY LAND CRUISER OPTION
Day 1 (12th September-Thursday): Nairobi to Kitale Via Baringo
Drive from Nairobi at 0600hrs towards the Great rift Valley. After a quick shopping stop at Nakuru, proceed towards Baringo and stop by the lake. After lunch drive up the scenic escarpment road to Iten the home of Champions before driving to Eldoret and onwards to Kitale.
Arrive in Kitale, where the scenic beauty of the highlands unfolds.
Day 2 (13th September- Friday): Kitale to Turkana
Early Morning, drive through dramatic landscapes, transitioning from fertile fields of Transzoia county to the rugged terrain of West Pokot. If time allows visit the Turkwell Gorge Dam. Proceed to Lodwar town and onwards to Eliye springs Beach where the stark beauty of the arid desert meets the deep turquoise waters of Lake Turkana. Enjoy the serene views of the largest desert lake in the world.
Day 3 (14th Sept,2024-Saturday): Roaming Desert Ultra & Central Island Tour
Assemble at the start line at 0630hrs in the morning as the sun rises over the Savannah landscape. Participate in the race surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and the sparkling lake.
If the tides are favourable embark on a drive to Kalokol and take a boat to Central Island National Park. The island is famous for its 3 lakes, crocodile lake, flamingo lake and tilapia lake. Later on celebrate with a view of the sun setting over the lake’s vast expanse.
Day 4 (15th September-Sunday): Turkana to Eldoret
Depart from Turkana, crossing through diverse landscapes including desert expanses and rolling hills.Visit Saiwa Swamp National park the smallest national park in Kenya for a boardwalk. The park is famous for the rare sitatunga antelope.
Arrive in Eldoret, nestled in the green highlands, offering a fresh, lush contrast to the arid Turkana region. Enjoy the cooler climate and picturesque views of Eldoret’s verdant fields and hills.
Day 5 (16th September- Monday): Eldoret to Nairobi
Travel back to Nairobi, enjoying the diverse landscapes you’ve traversed. Arrive in Nairobi, concluding your scenic adventure with memories of Kenya’s stunning natural beauty.
Itinerary B
4 DAY FLIGHT PACKAGE
Day 1 (13th September-Friday): Nairobi to Turkana Fly with the first flight in the morning to land in Lodwar town. Head to a nearby restaurant for breakfast. After last shopping drive to Eliye springs Beach where the stark beauty of the arid desert meets the deep turquoise waters of Lake Turkana. Enjoy the serene views of the largest desert lake in the world.
Day 2 (14th September- Saturday): Roaming Desert Ultra & Central Island Tour
Assemble at the start line at 0630hrs in the morning as the sun rises over the Savannah landscape. Participate in the race surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and the sparkling lake.
Later on celebrate with a view of the sun setting over the lake’s vast expanse.
Day 3 (15th September- Sunday)
Option 1:Flight back to Nairobi
Check out early and drive to Lodwar for your 8.50am flight to wilson airport
Option 2:Eliye to Central Island to Lodwar
After breakfast check out and drive to Kalokol and take a boat to Central Island National Park. The island is famous for its 3 lakes, crocodile lake, flamingo lake and tilapia lake.
Later visit the Pillars of Truth(s) a famous site for an interesting ring of basalt stones standing over a platform of smaller, rounded stones.
Later on drive to Lodwar town. Visit the Christ the Redeemer sculpture at the top of the hill. Its an interesting depiction of the way of the cross and a perfect place to watch the sunset over the plains, Checkin to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4 (16th September-Monday): Lodwar to Nairobi
Fly out to arrive at Wilson Airport at 1035am.
N/B- Contact us for a 4 Day Flight Package Cost
How To Get There | Event Venue
Group Joining Road Transport:
We will have a group joining Land cruiser/ 4X4 Van/ overland truck travel packages departing from Nairobi. Pickup will be communicated.
Self-Drive
For those seeking to self-drive,a 4×4 vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Kindly note that a section of the road is rough terrain with limited services along the way. It is there crucial to have spare tires as well as necessary recovery tools.
Drive on the A8, from Nairobi to Eldoret. Enjoy the scenery and the beautiful lush farms by the roadside.
Past Eldoret, take the B14, Eldoret – Kitale Road.
From Kitale town, bear right towards Kapenguria, joining A1, Kapenguria – Lodwar Road.
From Lodwar, head out North, then bear right towards E1354 and arrive in Eliye .
Race Information & Guidelines
Race Entry
Early Bird- KES 2,950/-
Available Entries: 150
Race Entry Includes
- Race Logistics(Aid Stations with hydration, water and fruits)
- Finishers Medal
- Race Support, Health and Safety Logistics.
Race Support
The race will have support points every 5km or less for hydration and fruits. For environmental reasons, we will recommend runners to come with a refillable running bottle or use the recyclable paper cups that will be available at the stations.
The Race will be supported by Ground 4X4 Crews and Ambulance.
Race Guidelines
Finish Time & Cutoffs
For health and safety reasons the organizers will run a route sweep after the expiry of the planned estimated time for the marathon event.
Security
The Eliye Community is warm and welcoming and takes this opportunity to welcome us to their village as well as the neighboring villages. The organizer will also work with the County and National government organs to ensure the safety of guests.
We will also have marshals, well trained and stationed along the route. We will also have a command center, very able to handle any distress call, assistance or emergencies long and in the course.
Weather in Eliye – Lodwar
The September Eliye weather is with no days of rain expected. Temperatures range from lows of 24 °C at night to highs of 35 °C during the day. However, you are advised to prepare for any drastic changes in weather due to global warming.
Meals
If planning on self-camping, kindly carry enough supplies as shops are limited in stocks or contact the travel team to book meals with the organizer.
Travel & Accommodation Packages
The camp set-up is done in the wild with semi-luxury and luxury tents on offer. Self-camping is also allowed at a designated campsite.
Recommended Packing List
- Trail Running Shoes.
- Comfortable pair of socks(Extra pair recommended)
- GPS Sports Watch
- Proper for hot weather attire(Nights can be cold)
- Personal Effects (Wash kit, Slippers, Soap, Tissue paper, Toothbrush + paste)
- Hoodie/Warm Shuka / Shawl for evenings
- Refillable Water Bottles
- Hydration/camel bag for your run
- Headlamp /Torch for the camp
- Sunhat and Sunscreen
- Insect repellant and Anti Histamine
- Preferred drinks, rehydration tablets& Refreshments.
- Snacks
- Any personal medication / Personal first aid items.
Contacts
Race & Partnerships Enquiries
Moreen Wamucii – +254 700 38 22 27
Race Bookings & Travel Enquiries
Adventure Consultant
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