In the realm of Kenyan tourist attractions, images of the Rhino Charge or serene hot air balloon rides over the Maasai Mara Game Reserve may quickly come to mind. However, Samburu County is set to host an extraordinary sporting event, the Maralal International Camel Derby, the only one of its kind in all of Africa.
After a three-year hiatus brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely restricted travel and public gatherings, the camel derby is making a triumphant return. Philip Leitore Samburu, Chief Officer (CO) for Tourism, expressed the readiness and excitement surrounding this unique event, which will span four thrilling days.
31st Maralal International Camel Derby
Leitore announced, “Our preparations are complete to welcome both local and international participants and visitors, and we are expecting a substantial turnout this year. Travelers from the USA, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Germany have already confirmed their presence.”
This year’s 31st edition of the camel derby, held under the theme ‘Promotion of Sport Tourism, Conservation, and Enhanced Peaceful Cultural Interaction,’ is poised to showcase Samburu’s rich culture and breathtaking tourist attractions. It will also serve as a gateway to the camel counties of northern Kenya.
Leitore assured all participants of their safety, emphasizing the close coordination with the County Commissioner’s office and the County Police Commander to ensure comprehensive security throughout the event.
A Unique Sporting and Cultural Experience
The 31st Maralal International Camel Derby will take place from October 5 to October 8, 2023, at the Yare Safari Club and camping site in Maralal town.
Maralal, the Samburu County government’s headquarters, is a rapidly growing satellite town situated 350 kilometers from Nairobi City. Accessible via a tarmac road through the Nyahururu-Rumuruti-Maralal route, the drive from Rumuruti offers a safari-like experience, with opportunities to spot the Big Five in the private wildlife sanctuaries of Laikipia County.
Samburu County’s Director for Tourism, Mathew Leakono, detailed the event’s highlights, which include the 21-kilometer professional camel race, the 10-kilometer amateur race, and a challenging triathlon combining camel racing, cross-country, and a bicycle race.
In addition to the sporting events, the camel derby will feature corporate exhibition tents and cultural displays from the diverse communities residing in Samburu County. Of particular interest will be a traditional wedding ceremony, showcasing the customs of both the Samburu and Turkana communities.
Leakono stated, “Cultural interactions are also intended to promote peace within the various communities residing in Samburu County, and to highlight our cultural diversity, we encourage all attendees to don their traditional attire during the four-day celebration.”
He extended his gratitude to the local community and various partners, including the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Tourism Fund, Equity Bank, Save the Elephants, Northern Rangeland Trust, and Safaricom, for their collaboration with the county government in ensuring the success of this remarkable event.
#MakingKultureKoolAgain Welcome to the the Maralal International Carmel Derby,That is held midyear annually, outside Maralal town where both locals and tourists enjoy themselves #UshangaKe @StateHouseKenya @ps_culture_heritage
@tourism_wildlifeke
@ushanaake pic.twitter.com/k8B5MrYp5X— Nard._ (@BernardBeams) October 9, 2023
