Chalbi Desert, which in Gabbra language means 'bare and salty', is Kenya's only true desert. Surrounded by volcanoes and ancient lava flows, Chalbi Desert is the hottest and most arid region in Kenya.

Chalbi Desert, with its vast dunes and volcanic mountains is home to traditional tribes, the Rendille and Gabbra, desert nomads who maintain a camel culture (read about the camel on our blog). The discovery of fossilised fish vertebrae and snail shells is believed to be an indication that there once existed a large lake some 10,000 years ago.

Now the lake is an immense expanse of clay and white salt, where the horizon dissolves into a mirage and often you can come across herds of oryx, ostrich or even Grevys zebra galloping across this great whiteness.