VISITE PARMI LA COMMUNAUTÉ EL MOLO

An emblematic people of the Turkana region, the El Molo are the smallest ethnic group in Kenya. There are about 300 of them; intermarriage with other tribes and the abandonment of the nomadic way of life have contributed to increase their number. Like the Samburu, they wear bracelets and necklaces made of colored beads; only the elders dress in the traditional way. Lake fishing remains central to their lives, with fish being their main source of food. Their way of life is light years away from the Western world, but their community has adapted to tourism. Two villages remain, 6 km and 12 km north of Loiyangalani. It is usually the second one that one can visit, prepared to receive visitors. The money goes to the whole community. You can ask all the questions you want, take pictures, visit a hut... You will see a part of the "cemetery" on the way to the viewpoint on the lake. You will then understand why the village had to move recently. The lake, by the effect of evaporation, is indeed no longer sufficiently supplied with water by its Ethiopian source. This one was partly diverted to irrigate a vast surface of arable land in the south of the country. Lake Turkana is gradually becoming saline, and its level is dropping to the point where it has divided into two parts!

Support to the community. A visit fee of Ksh 2,000 per person is required. Contact Julius (✆ +254 713 252 523 - [email protected]) to be accompanied and allow you to communicate a minimum with the people of the village. Perfectly English-speaking, he will explain you all the history of his community, its way of life, its beliefs, its customs... The visit remains authentic, in the sense that the community continues its activities and does not seem to disguise anything to show itself to the visitor. At the end of the visit (count 2 hours on the spot), the women of the village will certainly present you the fruit of their handicraft production, in the hope that you will not leave empty-handed. The travelers are a source - minimal - of income, clearly identified, it is difficult to blame them. Especially since there are not many of them... And leaving with a souvenir is another way to support the community and thank them for their welcome.