
This boat ride puts a huge unexpected dent in my wallet. I have to cut my trip short. I had hoped to cross the lake and venture my way north towards Sibiloi, but now I have to start making my way south, towards home. Besides, the KWS officer informed me that Sibiloi is not safe for a lone rider right now. The Borana and the Daasanach people have been having fights in the park since December.
The plans for the next day solidified, I go to Kalokol town to get some tea, and see what the night life here has to offer.




Back at the hotel, I can not imagine spending another night getting eaten by things. I ask the managers if I can set up my tent on the verandah between the rows of rooms, and they oblige. And that’s where I spend the night. It’s cooler than inside the room. I get a good night’s sleep.


Day 4 | Boat to Moite
Today I cross Lake Turkana on a boat! Today will be my first time to cross any lake on any boat. And I’m pretty sure the last time my bike crossed a pond, it was on its way into the country. I’m excited. I’m anxious…
I’m totally terrified!
Lake Turkana is known world over for its crocodiles. I have seen them with my own eyes before, giant reptiles lazily basking on a shore. I can’t swim. As if that would help…
But I have already paid a deposit for the boat, and so we have to do this.


I call yesterday’s bodaboda guy to come and show me the way to Fimbo’s place.






I call the bodaboda guy again. He keeps promising that he is on the way, but never arrives!






I get tired of waiting and start riding in the general direction of the lake. On the way, I stop this guy and ask him if he knows Fimbo’s place. Everyone knows Fimbo. He knows where Fimbo is.

“I know Fimbo,” he says. “But I don’t think he is around. Today he is taking some white people to Central Island.”
“Yes, I know,” I respond “I am the white people he is taking to the island.”
I follow him.






After a little riding, we arrive at Fimbo’s place. It’s a little shed right by the lake, and there are several boats around in the water, and boat parts laying about. This is it, guys! This is happening. You should feel my heart palpitating! I can hear Anam Ka’alakol murmuring my name, calling me. I request her not to completely swallow me up, I have people to go back to.


I asked for anything that floats, and I’m eager to see it.

I finally meet Fimbo.




He tells me to ride the bike down to the lake.


The bell rings. This traveller’s mind is made up. No quitting now. Time to load the bike onto the boat. Will this boat be able to hold this heavy pile of metal? Will it float? How will they tie it up?


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