Inside Tubong'u Lore 2024

''A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots,'' said Marcus Garvey. This sentiment was beautifully illustrated at the 8th edition of the Turkana cultural festival, popularly known as Tubong’u Lore—meaning ‘welcome back home.’ First held in Loiyangalani in 2008 as a peace-building initiative, the festival aims to promote unity among the communities surrounding Lake Turkana. Since 2014, it has been hosted in Lodwar, continuing its mission of unity and cultural exchange.

                                                                                                                                                                                             Image by Dennis Nene Located in northwestern Kenya, Turkana County—often called the cradle of humankind—is the country’s largest county. It’s home to the Turkana people, part of the larger Ateker community, who gather at this prestigious festival to celebrate and showcase their vibrant culture, from traditional dances and unique attire to diverse cuisine.  

The term Ateker is a native word meaning "related people." It refers to various communities, including the Turkana and Teso in Kenya, the Toposa in South Sudan, the Karamojong in Uganda, and the Merille in Ethiopia, who share common cultural traits and speak distinct languages that evolved from a single ancestral language. Despite these similarities in dress, customs, and cultural norms, their unique languages help identify each tribe within the broader Ateker community.

As a result, this year’s Tubong’u Lore festival held its first-ever Ateker beauty contest as part of its activities drawing its contestants from the entire Ateker community after months of prepping. Congratulations to Ngasike Symprose from Toposa, South Sudan for being crowned the winner of Miss Ateker 2024. 

                                               Image by Dennis Nene

Miss Ateker 2024

So many activities take place during the 3-day festival, and it’s a time when people explore the beautiful land of Turkana and its magical tourism and hospitality destinations. From hiking up the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Lodwar town to driving down to the great Lake Turkana, and so much more. With hotels, resorts, and eateries bustling with activity, the hospitality sector is at the heart of the region’s economic growth. 

Christ The Redeemer Statue

Kenya is home to a statue similar to Brazil's famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Situated on a hill, the sculpture is visible from any point within Lodwar town.  

The steep, daring, and certainly tiring climb to the top of the hill is compared to the tough journey Jesus Christ made when he was crucified. The statue from time to time hosts special masses like Good Friday and Easter masses for the Catholic faithful. Other cool experiences in Lodwar town are watching the sunset by Turkwell River and visiting where Kenya's freedom fighters the Kapenguria Six were held under house arrest.

Christ The Redeemer Statue, Lodwar

  Turkana Boy Site

Turkana Boy Remains

Turkana Boy

If you still have doubts about Turkana being the cradle of mankind, then these wonderful remains of the Turkana Boy should at least make you change your mind. 

Located some 140km from Lodwar, the Turkana Boy monument is in a small village called Nariokotome. The road to the remnants that were discovered in 1984 is rough and bumpy but worth it! 

The late Dr. Richard Leakey, world-renowned paleontologist and conservationist led the team that discovered remains of the complete skeleton giving evidence of Turkana as the origin of mankind.

Another archaeological site one can visit is the Koobi Fora; one of the world's leading pre-historic sites for the study of the evolution of humankind. 

Image by Dennis Nene

Lake Turkana Boat Ride Adventure

Lake Turkana has so much to offer when we talk of things magical. Talk of the spectacular views of the lake, a sundowner by the lake is one of the most magical things you’ll ever witness. 

Image by Dennis Nene

A boat ride to Central Island National Park is another highlight, where you'll find three active volcanoes that release sulfurous smoke and steam. The park is home to three crater lakes—Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake—which provide breeding grounds for the world's largest Nile crocodile population. 

Sand Dunes
Then there are the stunning sand dunes, which you can find at different spots around Lake Turkana. A popular attraction is the Napeget Dunes near Kolokol. These dunes vary in size—sometimes they’re smaller, and other times they build up significantly depending on the wind’s strength. A fun activity is running and sliding down the dunes, which are firm and not like and not like your typical soft dunes. Nearby, you’ll also find the Wadach pyramids, a series of unique rock formations. 

But there are even more hidden dunes that few people know about, so hidden that they don’t yet have a name! Located about an hour and a half from Lodwar town, past the small village of Namukuse, These dunes are shaped by the wind, with gentle slopes on the windward side. Unlike the firmer dunes, these are soft, offering a true desert safari experience! And owing to the massive sand, be prepared for a thrilling adventure as you drive up and down the dunes on your 4-wheel drive.

Article by Lauren Nanok Edukon 

You’ve got to experience these sand dunes that have attracted tourists from different parts of the country and beyond the borders, don’t miss out! Make sure to book yourself a trip around the cradle of mankind and explore the untapped rich culture and adventurous sites.