Kalokol

[zoneout]

Does anyone have any info on Kalokol airfield near Lake Turkana (Kenya)?

How often used, surface condition, security? I'm planning to go in there on Friday 1 Nov.

Thanks

[kibz2005]

View image: Screenshot 2013 10 30 06 52 39

used fairly often. Security...well, varies from day to day but generally good . For any more info you might just want to contact somebody who goes in there regularly like Air Traffic, KWS or, maybe even ALS.

[Foxcotte]

Kalokol used to be known as Ferguson's Gulf, co ordinates are N03 29 46, E035 50 26. Its about 1245' above sea level, runway is 12/30 and USED to be tarmac. Used to be being the operative word. Not too much used these days.

Security is variable. But not usually an issue for an aircraft parked on ground - except there is a local issue going on between the local tribesmen and an oil drilling company. Things got a bit heated in the last few days, so how this might affect security is unknown.

Air Traffic at Wilson are the main operators in this area, and they would be best placed to answer more thoroughly I guess.

Enjoy the heat and dust when you get there!

[zoneout]

Thanks for the info, and the extra detail Foxcotte and kibz2005.

We are planning to go into Eliye Springs as well. Anything on that? I cant find it on Google Earth, just lots and lots of sand with the odd bush.

[Foxcotte]

And you were expecting what else?? This is desert area. Unmaintained airstrips out in the middle of nowhere with no infrastructure or funds for anything. Airstrips in this area are generally a slightly flat, slightly cleared area in the desert. With stones (if you're lucky) to mark the edges. And nothing for miles and miles. Windsocks an optional extra.

What aircraft are you using?

[zoneout]

I've been told by the lodge there that the airfield has normal "airfield markings", and it seems to have actually been there for a while. So thought I may have had the wrong coords.....

Thanks

[Foxcotte]

You know i had forgotten there was even a lodge there. Amazed it is still alive and working. Guess they are catering to oil workers and Chinese.

The runway is definitely on Google Earth, just along the river running east west. It's shown as Tarmac which it was when I was last there a few years ago. Have no idea if it is still Tarmac or broken into loose stones.....

[zoneout]

Eliye Springs

Eliye Springs is a basic lodge/campsite, mostly quiet but was fairly busy for the eclipse. The strip is actually dirt (though maybe Foxcotte you were writing about Kalokol), and not too difficult to find. Big problem lately seems to be the lake is filling up somehow. I wasn't too keen on going in to Kalokol precisely because of what Foxcotte mentions, that the surface would be broken up. Surface at Eliye Springs was fine.