The 317-kilometer border between Kenya and South Sudan is a remote frontier in a corner of East Africa known for its rugged terrain and pastoralist communities. This is a developing corridor, one that holds strategic importance for regional trade and integration, particularly for connecting South Sudan to the Kenyan port of Lamu.
The main border crossing is at Nadapal, which is considered the official point of entry. It connects the Kenyan town of Lokichogio, a historic hub for aid operations, with the southeastern part of South Sudan. The road is a key part of the LAPSSET corridor, an ambitious infrastructure project aiming to link Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
Your journey to this border is a long and challenging one through a semi-arid and sparsely populated region. The roads, particularly on the Kenyan side leading to the border, can be rough and require a sturdy 4×4 vehicle. The security situation can also be a concern, with a history of cross-border cattle raids and banditry.
This is not a common tourist route. It is a frontier for the well-prepared, for aid workers, and for long-distance truckers. You must have all your visas and travel documents in perfect order and be self-sufficient with fuel, water, and supplies.