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Marigat- Rift Valley- Kenya Work Camp!!

The Tugen and Jemps people occupy this land in Marigat. They have managed it for centuries as herdsmen , hunters and gatherers.

Marigat town is located about 150 kilometers from Nakuru city, the provincial capital of Rift Valley Province.

The two tribes occupy areas near L. Baringo and L. Bogoria, with the Jemps living on the islands of lake Baringo. Lake Baringo and Bogoria catchments extend close to the structural limit of the half graven of the lake. The area is about 6905km2 with 6200km2 being for Lake Baringo and 705km2 for lake Bogoria. There are about ten water inflows into lake Baringo; some are permanent while others are semi permanent. The permanent rivers include the Molo and the Parkerra rivers whereas the seasonal rivers are Dau, Araben and Mugun. These rivers bring to the lake a lot of silt and dissolved substances. The permanent rivers however contain very small amount of silt and dissolved substances compared to the semi -permanent rivers that contain a lot of silt. The source of groundwater located to the west of lake Baringo contains a high level of sodium and chlorine indicating a probable contamination of the water table. The water sources in this region are currently under threats of degradation due to unsustainable land use practices and lack of education and awareness among the community members.

Lake Baringo has 13 islands, which at times are referred to by the locals as devil islands. It encompasses four ethnic communities, the Pokot, Njemps, Turkana and the Kalenjins. These communities have a very high sense of ownership and positive attitude towards the lake. They use it as a source of food through fishing and water for domestic use. The fish production is an important activity in the basin mainly by the local fishermen. It is a source of income and food to the local community. The community acquires firewood and construction material from the bush land and forests surrounding the lake as well as thatch material from the wetland.

Lake Bogoria (10,700 hectares, 00°15’N 036°05’E), a National Reserve in Rift Valley Province. An alkaline soda lake hydrologically dominated by hot springs, located in Gregory Eastern Rift Valley, the site provides critical refuge for the lesser flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor), with a population of 1 to 1.5 million, and has high biodiversity values for more than 300 water bird species. The shoreline fringe and associated acacia woodland provide critical habitat for the endangered Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsciseros) and other mammals. The lake’s stable water level makes it doubly important during periods of drought which reduce levels in other East African lakes. Regional climate is arid to semi-arid with low rainfall reliability. Tugen and Jemps pastoralists live in the area, and livestock grazing is the main land use in the site, but tourism, attracted to the wildlife, hot springs, spectacular cliffs and escarpments, and the rich indigenous culture, brings 200,000 visitors annually; in addition, the geysers are thought by some to have medicinal value.

Lake Bogoria has hot springs found in the northern part of the lake are believed to treat skin diseases. In these shores around Loruk, the Pokot community performs some cultural practices, which have not been ascertained yet. The community expresses hostility towards strangers visiting the place. The cliffs to the west are used by Tugens to punish witches. The caves in the cliffs surrounding the lake are of geological value.

Dates: The work camp takes place between October 10 to 14 2003. The theme will be community development. Participants will be expected to contribute to building of a school classroom in one of the local schools affected by recent rainfall floods.

Ages: Only those above the age of 14 shall be entitled to the work-camp. It requires energy and participation inputting up the classroom structure. Funds contributed by the volunteers will go towards purchase of materials, accommodation, transport and meals. The camp costs US $ 300. Volunteers will be shown how the funds have been utilized.

Excursions: During afternoons or evenings, there will be discussions with local people concerning culture inform of a cultural exchange. At times, excursions will be arranged around Loboi area, or Kimalel area. We will also be able to tour the Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria National Reserves, and share with the wardens in charge. Guided tours will be organized by the East African Ecotourism, Development and Conservation Consultants.

What to Bring:

Its advisable for the participants to bring with them learning materials to share with the pupils in the school, other small gifts like pens, pencils, rubber. Please also carry your first aid tablets, anti malaria tablets and maybe some sun lotion. Toiletries are a MUST to be carried. Have good hiking gear, your African Wildlife and Birds guidebook or any other information you feel you will need in your tours or work camp. Building materials shall be provided by VFA and the local host CBO, the Friends of Nature, Bogoria.

It will be possible to stay in one of the homes, and experience real Jemps or Tugen life. A total of 10 homes are ready to host volunteers. If in need please contact us in advance. The cost is US $ 20 per night to cater for bed, dinner and breakfast.

It will also be possible to purchase local handicrafts made by women at a very low price. The women work inform of Community Associations to sustainably utilize local materials and share together in community development. You purchase directly from the makers of the products, no middlemen. The capacity for this camp is 18 persons so hurry up and book your space.

Fill in the APPLICATION now and book your lifetime chance to know more about the Tugen and the hunter gatherer Jemps, see the Crocodiles and Hippos of Baringo, see and feel the curative hot geysers of Lake Bogoria, see the rare Kudu and many more breathtaking scenarios. All at a reasonable cost.

Contact ECODECO Consult for information about cost of the park tours and other excursions not covered in this work-camp..

Call (254) 72 240 7558 for more information, or email vfa@avu.org.