Marsabit is a town in the northern Marsabit County in Kenya. It is situated in the former Eastern Province and is almost surrounded by the Marsabit National Parkand Marsabit National Reserve. The town is located 170 km east of the center of the East African Rift, at 37°58' E, 2°19' N (37.97°E, 2.32 N) at an elevation of between 1300 and 1400 metres[1]. It serves as the capital of Marsabit County, and lies southeast of the Chalbi Desert in a forested area known for its volcanoesand crater lakes and others.
Overview
The town of Marsabit is an outpost of urban civilization in the vast desert of northern Kenya. The town is situated on an isolated extinct volcano, Mount Marsabit, which rises almost a kilometer above the desert. The hills here are heavily forested, in contrast to the desert beyond, with their own "insular" eco-system. The town currently has a population of about 5,000.
Marsabit is located southeast of the Chalbi Desert.
The town is mainly inhabited by the Cushitic-speaking Borana, Burji, Gabbraand Rendille. There are also some NiloticTurkana and Bantu Ameru residents. Additionally, there are a few Somalitraders.
Marsabit has an airstrip and a mountain peak (Mount Marsabit), with "singing" wells just outside the town. Elephants can also often be seen in the local wildlife refuge that surrounds the town, occasionally breaking down fences and causing damage to local farmers crop beds.
The name is possibly from the Amharicword 'Marsa bet' (Meaning Marsa's home/house) and is believed to have been named after a farmer named 'Marsa' (ethnically Burji) who was brought to Marsabit from Mega (in Ethiopia) by the Consul to assist in consolidation of farming and permanent settlement on the slopes of Mount Marsabit.
Culture and religion
Stone pit right outside the far out town of Marsabit.
Besides the aforementioned ethnic groups, there are other people from other parts of Kenya who are there working mostly for the government and business. Muslims, Christians and adherents of traditional religions all inhabit the town.
Marsabit is the announced location for a conference between Borana and Gabra elders scheduled for 2–6 June 2009. Discussions to resolve existing conflicts between the two groups have been underway for several years now, and agreements are expected to be sealed at the event at this conference in the presence of traditional leaders.[2]
Transport
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Aerial view of area on the outskirts of Marsabit.
Marsabit is approximately 550 kilometers or 7 - 8 Hour drive from Nairobi via the towns of Isiolo and Archers Post. Accessing the town was previously a challenge as you had to either hang on top of the trucks or hike lifts in government vehicles. Currently, there are multiple bus services which ply the Isiolo - Marsabit route on a daily basis. It leaves Isiolo for Marsabit at 8pm, arriving between 3 - 5am and leaves Marsabit at 8am arriving in Isiolo between 3 - 7pm. In addition to this, there are other buses which ply the Nairobi - Moyale route, through Marsabit.
The road has been recently paved and connects all the way to the Kenya-Ethiopia Border at Moyale. It is approximately 277 kilometers from Isiolo and takes between 3 and 4 hours.
There are two airstrips servicing charter aircraft one close to town about 10 minutes Drive towards Moyale (Marsabit Airstrip) and the second about 30 minutes away towards Chalbi. (Segel Airstrip) The Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) flight is the only regular flight to Marsabit on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Economy
Camels watering in Marsabit.
Marsabit town is a trading and commercial center, with three petrol stations, three commercial banks, post office, shops, restaurants, lodges and even a dry cleaner. The town facilitates the supply and movement of goods and services between Moyale (goods from Ethiopia) and Isiolo (goods from Nairobi). Agriculture also plays a role, as many grow millet and maize to be consumed locally and nomadic people supply beef by selling their cows.
Lake Paradise (which attracts game animals such as elephants and buffalo), and Bongole Crater located in the heart of the forest are both local attractions for tourists. The town and surrounding area are of rich cultural interest to anthropologists and other researchers.
Solar eclipse of November 3, 2013
Marsabit was listed as one of the locations that would experience a total solar eclipse on November 3, 2013. The total solar eclipse would have lasted a maximum of 1 minute and 39 seconds. About 1,000 tourists flocked to Sibiloi national park to get a glimpse of the rare occurrence.[3]
Best Hotels in Marsabit
Nomads Trail Hotel in Marsabit, Kenya, boasts an on-site restaurant and a conference room. Guests can access the facility from the Marsabit Airport which is nearby.
Each tiled room has a wardrobe, a bed draped in mosquito netting, safety deposit boxes, a TV with satellite channels and an en-suite bathroom with satellite channels.
Breakfast is served daily. The onsite restaurant serves African dishes.
Laundry services are offered onsite. The premises are guarded round the clock and onsite parking is also available.
Nomads Trail Hotel is in close proximity to the Marsabit Stadium.
GOF HOTEL
Gof Hotel is situated in Marsabit, within 21 km of Marsabit National Park and 23 km of Marsabit National Reserve. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Choba Crater is 11 km away.
At the hotel, each room is fitted with a wardrobe. The private bathroom is fitted with a bath and free toiletries. The units at Gof Hotel are fitted with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
A halal breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.
