Imagine caravans travelling through ancient Arabian deserts and wise men sojourning from lands far and wide. For these voyages in the distant past, camels seem to be the perfect mode of transport. But, for the past 28 years, in the desert town of Maralal, camel riders have gathered to participate in the Maralal International Camel Derby.
Organized by Samburu County Government in conjunction with the Kenya Tourism Board, the festival is aimed at showcasing the unique wildlife of the great wilderness of Northern Kenya, sports, scenic and cultural tourism as well as natural conservation. The Yare Camel Club hosts the festival year after year.
Before anything else, one must realize: Riding a camel is not for the faint of heart. The inexperienced who attempt it soon find that they’re biting off more than they can chew. And yet, the derby goes on. Riders from the four corners of the earth congregate just outside Maralal for the great race. With differing levels of expertise, they mount their steeds, waiting for the sound of the starting shot. When it sounds, the beasts take off. For those who know how to control them, the camels run on the prescribed track. For those that don’t, well… let’s just say they find themselves heading swiftly in the opposite direction. Enthralled spectators watch on the show of will and the fierce competition.
While camel racing is the main event of the festival, motorcyclists and bikers will be delighted to hear that the bike races which happen concurrently with the derby are catching momentum. For these races as well, competitors fly in to Kenya to see who will come out as champion in the desert lands of Maralal. Triathlon enthusiasts are also catered for with different races dedicated to conservation causes. Finally, if the wilderness fascinates you, game drives abound in the festival.
Every year, towards the end of August, the festival revives Maralal. It’s the undeniable highlight of the town’s calendar with additional activities, such as cultural shows and dances as the camels race through the wilderness. Business also booms for the locals during the festival with a torrent of competitors flocking to pop-up stalls.
The International Camel Derby gives Maralal, the frontier-town, a chance to shine. It celebrates the culture of the nomadic communities that have always called Samburu County home. We encourage the daring to find their next adventure at the derby. For those who love travel and exploration, in the fashion of camel riders of old, the festival will cure your wanderlust.
