Ever hopped on a 3:00 a.m. flight chasing a dream? That's exactly how I found myself flying north from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, bleary-eyed and buzzing with excitement 🛫. With direct flights to Lodwar fully booked, my journey began with a 313 km detour through Eldoret, joining a caravan of fellow travellers bound for Tobong'u Lore.
In my head, Turkana was a place defined by drought and dust—images I'd seen on gloomy news feeds. But stepping into Tobong'u Lore flipped the script. 🎉 Instead of silence, there were drumbeats at sunrise, echoing like Holi street jams; instead of arid plains, vibrant beadwork glinted brighter than pasar malam lights.
I danced under the sun alongside young Turkana residents, tried spiced meat skewers that felt like satay with a desert twist, and swapped stories that reminded me of bazaars in Dhaka and backyard gatherings in Manila. What struck me most was the warmth—complete strangers welcomed me like family, proving that belonging transcends borders.
This December, Tobong'u Lore showed me festivals aren't just dates on a calendar—they're living traditions that spark joy, build bridges, and create memories. So next time you crave an adventure, pack light, keep an open heart, and let a festival like this guide you home 🌍✨.
Reference(s):
A long road home: Finding belonging during Tobong'u Lore in Turkana
cgtn.com
