At 370 meters (1,214 feet) above sea level, the Chalbi desert is located in northern Kenya, east of Lake Turkana, (otherwise called the Jade sea), the largest permanent desert lake in the world. Chalbi in the local Gabbra language means "bare and salty." It is among the hottest and most regions in Kenya, a salty pan surrounded by volcano and lava flows. The nearest big town is around 15 hours away.
The Chalbi desert has a semi-arid climate. February is the warmest month in Chalbi, rising to over 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit), while July is the coldest, with temperatures as low as 18 degrees (64F). Temperatures drop sharply during the night. getting really chilly.
The village of Kalacha stands at the northern end of the desert, in a beautiful oasis surrounded by doum palms and acacia trees, offering haven from the hot and intense sun. Kalacha's Gabbra people have very beautiful traditions, with dances and adornments that are very eye-catching. Despite all this, a lot needs to be done to raise women's status in the community. There is little or no education opportunity for girls, and much of the work is left for girls to do. Camels are the must-have animal in this region. Called the "ships of the desert," they're a sign of wealth and status.
A visit to the Chalbi desert is a worthwhile adventure. The community-owned Kalacha Camp offers accommodation for visitors, but has recently been closed for refurbishments. Visitors can instead go camping, and there is other lodging within Kalacha town, including a Catholic women's group lodge, Takuma Resort, Safari Resort, and and Mazingira Lodge.
The Kalacha Cultural Food and Music Festival is an event that helps to showcase the dances, food, art, games, and traditions of Chalbi's peoples, including the Gabbra, Rendille Orma, Turkana, El Molo, Dasanaach, and others. This year's event will be held August 24-25, 2013.
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