Discover Maralal

Maralal can be understood through several specific points of interest: the town centre, its location at the foot of the Kirisia Hills, historic sites and the International Camel Derby. If you are looking for a hotel in Maralal, you can start by considering which of these points of reference matters for the purpose of your trip.

Townscape, Location and Weather

Maralal lies at the foot of the Kirisia Hills in a mountain bay that opens south towards the Laikipia Plains and Mount Kenya. In the town centre, two tree-lined streets and long rows of traditional shops shape the townscape.

Maralal is about 2,000 metres above sea level. The nights are quite cool, and fog often covers the town in the early morning. Take the frequent morning fog and cool nights into account when planning your day.

Nearby: Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary

Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary is about 1.5 kilometres from the town centre. It encompasses rocks and plains southwest of Maralal. According to county information, the sanctuary was placed under legal protection at the beginning of the last century and lies at the intersection of a wildlife corridor.

The birdlife is said to comprise 200 species; the White Bellied Go Away Bird is mentioned as a particularly popular bird.

Historic Points of Interest

Kenyatta House in Maralal was built in 1959. The National Museums of Kenya gives the house’s distance from Nairobi as 348 kilometres. In the wider destination of Samburu, Kenyatta House also displays historical photographs, as well as the original telephone and furniture belonging to the Kenyatta family.

Another historical detail is a small building with two cells in Maralal. Paul Ngei was held there while on his way to be imprisoned in northern Kenya.

International Camel Derby

The International Camel Derby takes place annually over three days on the second weekend of August at Yare Camel Camp. Both amateurs and professionals can take part, and spectators can also attend. The Derby therefore offers a specific event as a reason to visit, while the townscape, landscape and history provide context for Maralal independently of it. Check the dates for the relevant edition and the current visitor conditions before travelling.

Samburu as the Wider Travel Destination

In the wider destination of Samburu lies Samburu National Reserve, a 165 km² game reserve on the north bank of the Ewaso-Nyiro River. Its landscape combines riverbanks lined with doum palms, distinctive rocky outcrops and open grass savannah dotted with acacias. The county tourism website lists 50 species of large mammals for the reserve, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, impalas, and greater and lesser kudus. These landscape and wildlife details refer to Samburu National Reserve; Maralal is characterised by the Kirisia Hills, its town centre and the nearby Wildlife Sanctuary.

For the wider travel overview: Samburu.