Living Conditions

Living Conditions During the Koobi Fora Field School
The field terrain varies from flat scrublands to steep, rocky outcrops. Field instructions will include hiking down and up the slippery outcrops and we recommend rugged boots with deep treads for a good grip and to protect against the acacia tree thorns. Occasional long distance walks (approximately 30 minutes) will be involved depending on the accessibility of particular study sites. Dust is prevalent so precautions should be taken such as using bandanas and students using contacts should use their glasses during the field school.
Meals are be prepared by experienced cooks. Meals consist of bread, sandwiches, pasta, rice, potatoes, chapati (naan), ugali (corn meal), githeri (mix of corn, red beans, vegetables– served hot) and cooked vegetables and goat meat, etc. Fresh vegetables include peas, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Fresh vegetables, goat and chicken are purchased from Ileret town occasionally. However, since the area is so remote, fresh food is not always available. Breakfast consists of fresh brewed coffee, tea, eggs, fresh bread (made daily by the cooks in a firewood stove), oatmeal, cereal, and porridge made from corn, millet and sorghum flour.
Accommodation is in tents pitched in a well-planned arrangement inside the camp boundaries. Each student should bring his or her own small wind- and moisture-resistant tent, sleeping bag, or bedding supplies and towels. Temperature controlled showers are not available, but showers are available at base camp and students will be transported to bathe at the lake during their time at Ileret camp. Bathing in Lake Turkana is completely safe, the activity of local people has cleared the waters of hippos and crocodiles. It is advisable to bring sandals for the bathing. The toilets are pit latrines fitted with toilet seat covers, which we maintain regularly. Due to water scarcity, laundry can be hand washed by the students at the lake at both Ileret camp and Koobi For a base camp. Students should bring their own string to set up a laundry line for themselves.