Situated in the Chalbi Desert, North Eastern Kenya, Kalacha Camp sits on the edge of a permanent oasis. The Camp has been funded by the European Union, Farm Africa and the Estate of the late John Sutton, who used this area as a base for his bird shooting safaris. Kalacha Camp has been set up as a community based project for the Gabbra people of this area, providing them with a further source of income, and is managed by Tropic Air. 

Kalacha Camp was completed in mid-1999 after 5 months of building. It is a very simple camp, built using local materials, including duom palm trunks for the poles, and leaves woven into mats which have been used for the roofs and walls. 

Location

Kalacha Goda is situated on the edge of an oasis in the Chalbi Desert between Maikona and North Horr, and 40 miles south of the Ethiopian border. 

There is a runway which taxis up to the oasis, within walking distance of the camp. 

Accommodation

The camp consists of 4 bandas with twin beds, and each banda has its own bathroom, with flush toilet and cold shower. The bandas have a small veranda on the front, and overlook the oasis. 

Dining and Bars

The mess area is a circular building, and consists of the main living area and dining area. A kidney shaped swimming/plunge pool partly enters into the mess area – and is an extremely refreshing escape from the hot and dry desert weather. 

What to do and see

Photographic opportunities are fantastic, with the beautiful and unusual desert scenery and constantly changing lights and colours. At Kalacha camp one can: 

• Watch herds of livestock replenish with water at the oasis. Visit the village to gain an insight into Gabbra traditions. 
• Go to Kalacha town where there is a small Catholic church – the interior lined with biblical paintings. 
• Enjoy Gabbra dancers and plays, demonstrating traditional Gabbra marriage ceremonies. 
• Visit the ancient 'rock art' of giraffe, elephant and antelope. 
• Take sundowners in the desert on the edge of the lava flows. 
• The area is famous for Sandgrouse. In the early morning huge flights of Sandgrouse arrive at the water holes from surrounding desert areas. Shooting seasons are 1st February to 31st March and 1st July to 31st October