Kenya’s Camel Classic – Maralal Camel Derby The Annual Maralal Camel Derby takes place in the month of August in Maralal, a remote desert outpost in Samburu county.
The quiet town of Maralal, about 348 kms North of Nairobi, is considered the gateway to Kenya’s wild and arid North, and is a mecca for adventurers, nomads and camels.
Maralal Camel Derby will take place from the 17th – 19th August 2012 at Yare Camel Camp in Maralal.
This is real camel country, and the single humped dromedary camel is a vital part of life for many of Northern Kenya’s nomadic people.
Each year, the Camel Derby brings colour and action to the streets of Maralal as the finest Camels in the North gather for the big race.
While most of Kenya’s camel rearing communities do not ride them- using them as pack animals- they are excellent handlers and judges of an animals strength and potential for speed.
Winning the Derby is a great local honour, and each year the title is hotly contested. But this by no means a purely local event.
The Town is a popular stopover for travellers looking for adventure in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District – one of Africa’s last great unspoilt wilderness areas.
For anyone visiting the area around this time, attending the Derby is a must. The three day race event is a chance to experience culture, colour, action and adventure first hand.
This is not just a spectator sport – if you are going to attend the derby, why not saddle up and join in?
The derby this year will include: Camel ride competition for amateurs and experts as well, Tricamalon, 10km fun run, 5 km fun run for the physically challenged and bike races.
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