Location Marsabit National Park
Can Accommodate 8
Meal Plan Self Catering
Situated in the Chalbi Desert, North Eastern Kenya, Kalacha Camp sits on the edge of a permanent oasis. The Camp has been funded by the European Union, Farm Africa and the Estate of the late John Sutton, who used this area as a base for his bird shooting safaris. Kalacha Camp has been set up as a community based project for the Gabbra people of this area, providing them with a further source of income, and is managed by Tropic Air. Kalacha Camp was completed in mid 1999 after 5 months of building. It is a very simple camp, built using local materials, including dhom palm trunks for the poles, and leaves woven into mats which have been used for the roofs and walls. The camp consists of 4 bandas with twin beds, and each banda has its own bathroom, with flush toilet and cold shower. The bandas have a small veranda at the front, and overlook the oasis. The mess area is a circular building, and consists of the main living area and dining area. A kidney shaped swimming/plunge pool partly enters into the mess area – and is an extremely refreshing escape from the hot and dry desert weather. Kalacha Camp is run by a team of Gabbra, members of the Kalacha Camel Fund and Kalacha Self Improvement Group – both are self help groups which are working to improve the livelihood of their community. These community groups receive revenue through either bed nights or sand grouse shooting. As a visitor, it is gratifying to know that one’s money is assisting with the welfare of rural communities, while at the same time helping to conserve the environment in one of Kenya’s most remote regions. Photographic opportunities are fantastic, with the beautiful and unusual desert scenery and constantly changing lights and colours. The area is famous for Sandgrouse. In the early morning huge flights of Sandgrouse arrive at the water holes from surrounding desert areas. Shooting seasons are 1st February to 31st March and 1st July to 31st October.
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