Turkana Cultural Festival

Turkana Cultural Festival (Tobong’u Lore)

$890.00 / per peron

The Tobong’u Lore Turkana Cultural Festival is one of the largest cultural gatherings in northern Kenya. It takes place in Lodwar in Turkana County, bringing together Ateker communities such as the Turkana, Karamojong, Jie, Toposa, Nyang’atom, and others from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.  

The festival name means “Welcome Back Home” in Turkana and celebrates shared heritage, peace, and cross-border cultural exchange.  

What visitors experience

• Traditional dances and musi

• Cultural fashion and beadwork displays

• Craft markets and local food

• Trade exhibitions and tourism showcases  

The event usually lasts 3–4 days and attracts thousands of visitors from across East Africa and beyond. 

Proposed Itinerary

Turkana Cultural Festival Trip

Departure: Moroto (Uganda)

This itinerary is suitable for tourists or cultural travelers starting from Moroto in Karamoja.

Day 1 – Moroto → Lodwar (Kenya)

Route:

Moroto → Kotido → Lokichar → Lodwar

Travel time: 7–9 hours (4x4 recommended)

Activities

• Early departure from Moroto

• Cross the border into Kenya via Nadapal Border Crossing / Lokiriama Border

• Scenic drive through the dramatic Turkana landscapes

• Arrival in Lodwar and hotel check-in

• Evening walk around Lodwar town

• Introduction and cultural briefing about the Turkana people

Stay in : Eliye Springs Resort

Day 2 – Lake Turkana Excursion

Drive to Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, often called the “Jade Sea.”

Activities

• Visit Turkana fishing villages

• Lakeside walk and landscape photography

• Boat excursion on the lake (optional)

• Cultural interaction with Turkana fishermen

• Sunset view over the lake

Overnight: Cradle Tented Camp

Day 3 – Cultural Exploration

Activities

• Visit a Turkana manyatta (traditional homestead)

• Learn about pastoralist lifestyles and livestock traditions

• Traditional beadwork demonstration

• Cultural storytelling with local elders

• Visit local markets in Lodwar

• Preparation for the festival day

Stay In  : Cradle Tented Camp

Day 4 – Turkana Cultural Festival Experience

Location: Ekalees Cultural Centre

Activities

• Attend the festival celebrations

• Watch traditional dances from Ateker communities

• Camel parades and cultural sports

• Cultural fashion and beadwork exhibitions

• Explore craft markets and artisan stalls

• Taste traditional Turkana cuisine (nyama choma, sour milk, local dishes)

• Evening cultural music performances and celebrations

Overnight: The Cradle Tented Camp

Day 5 – Return to Moroto

Route:

Lodwar → Nadapal → Moroto

Arrival in Moroto in the late afternoon.

Event Tickets

Price  1 pax   2 pax 3 pax 4 pax   5 pax

B&B   $2385  $ 1490 $1450 $995    $895

Tour Inclusions

The package includes the following services for the journey from Moroto to Lodwar and festival participation:

• Transportation (Moroto – Lodwar – Moroto)

• Professional driver/guide familiar with Karamoja and Turkana regions

• Bed and Breakfast based on single occupancy

• Festival entry and participation at the Tobong’u Lore Turkana Cultural Festival

• Cultural visits and community experiences 

• Excursion to Lake Turkana

• Government taxes and tourism levies

• Drinking water during road transfers

• Local community contribution fees

Tour Exclusions

The package does not include the following:

• Personal expenses 

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

• Optional activities (boat rides on Lake Turkana, special cultural performances, etc.)

• Meals not specified in the itinerary

• Porter services for personal luggage

• Any additional accommodation before or after the tour

Visit other cultural festivals such as the Karamoja Cultural Festival in Moroto to experience the vibrant traditions, music, and heritage of the Karamoja communities.