Mount Kulal – The Lost Oasis of the North
- maria maris
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
In the heart of Kenya’s arid north, where the desert meets the clouds, rises a green mountain that seems out of place — Mount Kulal Kenya. Lush, mist-covered, and teeming with life, this isolated highland stands as a cool oasis above the burning sands near Lake Turkana.
Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Mount Kulal remains one of Kenya’s least-explored gems — a secret world of forests, waterfalls, and mountain people living in harmony with nature.
Mount Kulal Kenya – A Mountain of Mist and Mystery
Located in Marsabit County, about 50 km east of Lake Turkana, Mount Kulal rises to 2,285 meters above sea level. This ancient volcanic massif forms part of the Eastern Rift Highlands and is often shrouded in cloud, earning its name “Kulal,” meaning “the resting place” in the local Samburu language.
The mountain’s upper slopes are covered in dense cloud forest — a green jewel surrounded by miles of barren desert.
The Landscape of Mount Kulal
The Mount Kulal landscape is breathtakingly diverse. At the base, you find dry savannah and rocky plains dotted with acacia trees. As you climb higher, the air cools, and the vegetation thickens into montane forest filled with giant figs, cedars, and lianas.
At the summit, clearings reveal sweeping views of Lake Turkana’s turquoise expanse, the Ndoto Mountains, and the vast Chalbi Desert. On misty mornings, the clouds drift like rivers between the valleys — it feels like standing above the sky.
Wildlife and Nature of Mount Kulal
Despite its remote location, wildlife in Mount Kulal Kenya is rich and surprising. The forests are home to leopards, hyenas, baboons, colobus monkeys, and a variety of antelopes.
Birdlife is abundant, with over 150 species recorded, including turacos, sunbirds, eagles, and rare forest endemics. You may even spot butterflies and small mammals found nowhere else in Kenya — remnants of an ancient, isolated ecosystem.
The People of Mount Kulal
The mountain is home to the Rendille, Samburu, and Gabbra communities, who depend on its cool slopes for water and grazing. They have long considered Mount Kulal sacred — a source of life in an otherwise harsh environment.
Visitors can experience Mount Kulal culture Kenya through homestays, traditional meals, and stories told around campfires about ancestors, spirits, and the power of the mountain’s mist.
These cultures are deeply connected to the environment — their songs and rituals celebrate nature’s balance.
Things to Do at Mount Kulal Kenya
🥾 Hiking & Trekking: Explore scenic trails from the foothills to the misty summit.
🌳 Forest Walks: Discover waterfalls, streams, and rare flora in the cloud forest.
🐦 Birdwatching: Spot colorful endemic birds and eagles soaring above the cliffs.
🏞️ Cultural Visits: Meet the Rendille and Samburu communities living around the mountain.
📸 Photography: Capture views of Lake Turkana and endless desert horizons.
The things to do at Mount Kulal Kenya combine adventure, nature, and authentic
cultural immersion — ideal for eco-travelers seeking peace and discovery.
The Mount Kulal Forest – A Living Water Tower
The Mount Kulal Forest Kenya is one of the last remaining high-altitude cloud forests in northern Kenya. It plays a vital role in capturing and releasing moisture, feeding springs that sustain both wildlife and people below.
This natural water tower supports dozens of microhabitats — moss-covered trees, orchids, and ferns thrive in its misty canopy. It’s also a refuge for threatened species, making it a priority for conservation efforts.
Best Time to Visit Mount Kulal Kenya
The best time to visit Mount Kulal Kenya is during the dry seasons (June–October and December–March) when roads are passable and hiking trails are clear. The wet season (April–May, November) brings heavy mist and rain, which transforms the mountain into a lush paradise but can make access difficult.
Morning hours are best for clear views, while evenings bring cool breezes and magical cloud formations.
How to Get to Mount Kulal Kenya
By Road: From Nairobi, drive to Marsabit, then continue north through Loiyangalani (around 12 hours total). A 4x4 vehicle is essential.
By Air: Charter flights can land at Loiyangalani Airstrip or Mount Kulal Airstrip (with prior arrangement).
By Tour: Join guided expeditions from Samburu, Marsabit, or Lake Turkana circuits.
The journey itself is an adventure — crossing lava fields, desert plains, and winding roads into green mountain air.
Where to Stay Near Mount Kulal
Mount Kulal Lodge: Small eco-lodge on the lower slopes offering guided treks and local cuisine.
Loiyangalani Lodges: Good base for visiting the mountain and Lake Turkana.
Community Homestays: Simple, warm hospitality from Rendille and Samburu families.
Camping is also allowed in designated areas — perfect for stargazers and nature lovers.
Conservation and UNESCO Biosphere Status
Mount Kulal Conservation Kenya efforts are internationally recognized. In 1978, UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its unique biodiversity and importance as a water source.
Local and global organizations are working together to combat deforestation and promote eco-tourism. By visiting responsibly, travelers help protect this “green island in the desert” for generations to come.
Conclusion – Kenya’s Mountain of Life
Mount Kulal Kenya is more than a destination — it’s a sanctuary of peace and renewal rising from the desert sands. It’s where clouds kiss lava cliffs, where ancient cultures still sing to the mountain, and where every path leads to both adventure and stillness.
Safety & Travel Tips:
Travel with guides familiar with the region.
Carry water, warm clothes, and sun protection.
Respect cultural customs and natural sites.
Avoid night travel — roads can be rough.
Mount Kulal is Kenya’s northern heart — remote, radiant, and alive with the spirit of wilderness.
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