Culture Adventure Destinations Eastern Africa Safaris In Africa The Beauty of Africa Videos

Kenya’s best Camel Race: Maralal International Camel Derby in Samburu

Kenya's best Camel Race: Maralal International Camel Derby in Samburu
Avatar of See Africa Today
Written by See Africa Today

The small dusty desert town of Maralal in Samburu is home to the annual Maralal International Camel Derby. The derby attracts thousands of visitors from Kenya and beyond who either participate in the race or grace the occasion as spectators.

Interestingly, the 3-day race which is held on August (24th – 26th) has shaped some people into professional camel racers. Nonetheless, the non-experienced derby lovers also immerse themselves into the race with one thing in mind; winning against all odds. As is the tradition, the race begins on one end of the town before the whistle goes off and hundreds of gawky camels give the best leap of their life.

The beginning of the race is characterized by commotion and confusion with some camels racing in the opposite direction while others rush off to the side which is common for the non-experienced camel racers. For the professional racers though, they control their camels to the finishing line.

Although camel racing is the main event here, the small desert town comes to life during the derby as visitors seek to understand and experience the towns way of life. Additionally, a 10km bike race runs concurrently with the camel racing. This too attracts a handful of professional bikers and the amateurs who let nothing, even the hard terrain stop them from getting to the finishing line.

If you are visiting Kenya in August, you shouldn’t miss out the Maralal Camel Derby.

[Video by itssoulo]

 

More on the African festival:

Attending Lake Turkana Festival With A Budget As Low As $300

The Best Reggae Performance In Africa, Soweto International Jazz Festival

#SeeAfricaToday

[convertful id="221063"]

About the author

Avatar of See Africa Today

See Africa Today

Pharis Kinyua is the editor of See Africa Today. With over seven years of experience in digital media, he has a soft spot for African tours and travel. His drive is to tell the rest of the world what Africa offers, the best accommodation facilities, national parks, culture, shopping malls and best airline deals to travel to Africa

Leave a Comment