Maralal camel derby, officially the Maralal International Camel Derby, is an annual camel racing and culture festival in Maralal, the county town of Samburu in northern Kenya. Recent editions ran over four days in October 2023 and late September 2025, with a 21 km professional race, a 10 km amateur race, cycling and Samburu culture.
Sense of Adventure is a TRA-licensed private safari company based at Mountain Mall on Thika Road, Nairobi. We plan northern Kenya trips for independent travellers and travel agents, and the derby is one of the region’s most memorable cultural events. This guide explains what happens, how to confirm the dates, how to get there and how to pair it with a premium Samburu or Laikipia safari.
✅ Maralal Camel Derby: Quick Answer
- ✅ An annual camel racing and culture festival at Yare Camel Camp, Maralal, Samburu County.
- ✅ Recent editions ran from 5 to 8 October 2023 and from 25 to 28 September 2025.
- ✅ The main races are a 21 km professional race and a 10 km amateur race open to visitors.
- ✅ Maralal is about 350 km from Nairobi by tarmac via Nyahururu and Rumuruti, a full day’s drive.
- ✅ It pairs well with Samburu and Laikipia; our 3-day Samburu trip starts from USD 850 per adult.
- ✅ Samburu County announces the dates each year, so plan flexibly and book lodges early.
Heading to the Maralal camel derby?
We track the official announcement and build a private northern route around the race days.
Maralal Camel Derby: The Short Answer
The Maralal camel derby is a multi-day festival of camel races, cycling, music, dance and crafts, organised with Samburu County Government.
The event is closely linked with the Yare Camel Club and Camp on the edge of Maralal, where recent editions have been based, and it has grown into one of northern Kenya’s biggest events. After a three-year break, the 31st edition returned in October 2023. The 32nd edition ran from 25 to 28 September 2025 at Yare Camel Camp, with organisers expecting tens of thousands of visitors. Performers come from Samburu, Turkana, Marsabit, Baringo and beyond.
| Maralal camel derby: quick facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | Maralal International Camel Derby |
| Location | Yare Camel Camp, Maralal, Samburu County |
| Recent editions | 31st: 5 to 8 October 2023; 32nd: 25 to 28 September 2025 |
| Main races | 21 km professional camel race, 10 km amateur camel race |
| Other events | Camel, run and bike triathlon; cycling races; cultural shows and markets |
| Dates for the next edition | Announced by Samburu County each year; confirm before booking |
| Access from Nairobi | About 350 km by tarmac via Nyahururu and Rumuruti |
What Happens at the Maralal Camel Derby
Expect camel races in the morning, cycling and endurance events, and a busy programme of culture, food and crafts across four days.
The Camel Races
The headline event is the professional race, run over about 21 km of rough terrain around Maralal. Experienced herders and riders compete for prize money and pride. A shorter 10 km amateur race is open to newcomers, and it is often the most entertaining race to watch, as first-time riders learn how stubborn a camel can be.
The Triathlon and Cycling
Recent editions have included a triathlon that starts on a camel, continues with a cross-country run and ends on a bicycle. Separate cycling races are held for children, amateurs and professionals. The mix of sports keeps the crowds busy between camel heats.
Culture, Crafts and Food
Communities from across the north bring music, dance, beadwork and food. The 2025 programme included cultural exhibitions and a traditional wedding ceremony featuring Samburu and Turkana communities. Women’s groups sell crafts and curios, and the evenings are lively. The county promotes the Maralal camel derby as a festival of peace between neighbouring pastoralist communities.
Can You Ride in the Maralal Camel Derby?
Yes, visitors have traditionally been able to enter the amateur race, but rules, fees and camel hire are set by the organisers each year.
Entering the Amateur Race
Amateur entrants usually hire a camel and a handler on site. Registration details change by edition, so we confirm the current process with the organisers before you travel. If you plan to ride, tell us early so we can help you arrange a camel and a handler.
Fitness and Safety
A camel race is more physical than it looks. You sit high, the gait is uneven and falls happen. Wear a helmet if one is offered, closed shoes and clothing you can move in. Check that your travel insurance covers riding activities. If in doubt, watch from the finish line instead, which is just as much fun.
When Is the Maralal Camel Derby?
The derby has moved around in recent years, with the 2023 edition in early October and the 2025 edition in late September.
The event has also taken breaks in some years. Dates for each edition are announced by Samburu County and partners, often only a few months ahead. That is why we recommend a flexible plan: build your northern safari for the expected window, then fix the Maralal nights once the dates are confirmed.
| Maralal camel derby edition | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 31st | 5 to 8 October 2023 | Returned after a three-year break |
| 32nd | 25 to 28 September 2025 | Held at Yare Camel Camp, four-day programme |
| Next edition | To be confirmed | We check the official announcement before you book |
Weather at Derby Time
Late September and early October usually fall in the dry season before the short rains. Days in Maralal are warm and nights can be cool, because the town sits high on forested hills. Lowland areas such as Samburu National Reserve are much hotter, so pack layers for both.
Hold my dates for derby week
Maralal rooms fill quickly once dates are out. Send your travel window and we will reply with a written quote.
Getting to the Maralal Camel Derby
Maralal is about 350 km from Nairobi, reached by tarmac road via Nyahururu and Rumuruti or via Archers Post and Wamba, or by charter flight.
By Road
Samburu County describes two tarmac routes: from Nyahururu through Rumuruti to Maralal, and from Archers Post through Wamba. Allow a full day from Nairobi with stops. Many guests break the journey in Laikipia, where conservancies such as Ol Pejeta offer rhinos on the way. A private Land Cruiser with a driver-guide makes the long drive comfortable.
By Air
Charter flights can reach airstrips in the region, which saves time if you are short of days. We can price a charter for your group and combine it with road transfers on the ground. Scheduled flights serve Samburu National Reserve and Laikipia, which also work as starting points.
Where to Stay
During the derby, Maralal’s hotels, lodges and campsites fill quickly. Some visitors camp at or near Yare Camel Camp for the atmosphere, while others stay in comfortable lodges outside town or in Laikipia and drive in for race days. We hold rooms early and advise on the best fit for your comfort level.
Expert tip from our Nairobi team
Book your accommodation as soon as the dates are announced, because Maralal is a small town and rooms go fast. Arrive the day before the first race so you are rested and can collect any registration details. Bring cash in small notes for crafts and food, a hat, sunscreen and a warm layer for the evenings. And ask before you photograph people; most are happy to say yes when asked politely.
Camp at Yare or a lodge outside town?
Tell us your comfort level and we will suggest the best base for race days, by road or by air.
Things to Do Around Maralal
Maralal sits on the edge of wild, dramatic country, so it is worth staying an extra day or two beyond the races.
Escarpment Views
West of town, high escarpments look out over the hot Suguta Valley far below. The drive is rough, so it needs a good 4×4 and an experienced guide, but the view is one of the most dramatic in Kenya.
Samburu Culture
Samburu life centres on cattle, goats and camels. A respectful community visit, arranged through a camp or conservancy, gives you context for what you see at the derby. Our guide to Samburu culture and village visits explains how to do this well.
Literary and Explorer History
The explorer and writer Wilfred Thesiger lived in Maralal for many years in later life. Your guide can point out places linked to the town’s colourful past and explain how Maralal grew from a small administrative post into the county headquarters.
Combining the Maralal Camel Derby With a Safari
The Maralal camel derby fits naturally into a northern circuit with Laikipia for rhinos and Samburu National Reserve for elephants, big cats and rare northern species.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu is famous for relaxed elephant herds, leopards along the Ewaso Ng’iro river and the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. Read our Samburu National Reserve guide and our article asking does Samburu have the Big Five.
Laikipia
Laikipia’s conservancies offer rhinos, walking safaris and wide open space. They sit between Nairobi and Maralal, so they make a natural first or last stop. See our Laikipia Plateau safari guide.
| Day | Sample 7-day Maralal camel derby and safari route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi to Laikipia, afternoon game drive | Laikipia |
| 2 | Rhinos and walking in a Laikipia conservancy | Laikipia |
| 3 | Drive north to Maralal, evening festival atmosphere | Maralal |
| 4 | Derby race day: professional and amateur races | Maralal |
| 5 | Escarpment viewpoint, then on to Samburu | Samburu |
| 6 | Full day of game drives in Samburu National Reserve | Samburu |
| 7 | Drive or fly back to Nairobi | End |
Ready-Made Trips to Build On
Our 5-day Northern Kenya cultural safari and 3-day Samburu cultural and wildlife experience can be timed around the derby. For more choice, see our private Samburu safari page. County reserve and national park fees are covered in our Kenya national parks entrance fees for 2026 guide.
Maralal Camel Derby Trip Costs
The cost of a Maralal camel derby trip is mostly your vehicle, guide, lodges and park fees; the derby itself is a public festival.
Maralal Camel Derby Packages and Prices
Our 3-day Samburu cultural and wildlife experience starts from USD 850 per adult, and our 5-day Northern Kenya cultural safari through Samburu and Laikipia starts from USD 1,500 per adult. Both include park entrance fees, a safari vehicle and a professional guide, and both can be extended with Maralal nights around the race days. The final cost depends on season, lodge level and group size.
What Changes the Price
- Nights in Maralal: one race day or the full four-day programme.
- Where you sleep: camping near Yare costs less than a lodge in Laikipia or Samburu.
- Road or air: a charter saves a long drive but adds to the total.
- Group size: sharing a private vehicle lowers the cost per person.
- Extra stops: conservancy fees in Laikipia are charged on top of reserve fees.
We send a written quote that lists every night, park fee and transfer, so you can compare like with like before you commit.
What to Pack for the Maralal Camel Derby
Pack for strong sun, dust and cool evenings, because Maralal sits on high ground while the nearby lowlands are hot.
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
- Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insects.
- A warm fleece or jacket for evenings and early starts.
- Closed shoes, plus a scarf or buff for dust at the finish line.
- Cash in small Kenya shilling notes for crafts, food and tips.
- A power bank, a reusable water bottle and binoculars for Samburu.
Photography and Etiquette at the Maralal Camel Derby
Ask before you photograph people, and accept a polite no. Some performers may expect a small payment for portraits; your guide will tell you what is normal. Never step onto the course during a race, because camels can swerve without warning. Drones need a permit from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, so leave yours at home unless we have arranged permission in advance.
A Typical Race Day
Most visitors leave their camp or lodge early to find a good spot before the morning races. Camels, riders and handlers gather at the start, and the crowd moves towards the finish as the leaders come in. Cycling and other events fill the rest of the day, with food stalls, crafts and cultural performances in the afternoon. Evenings are social, with music and dancing, before an early night ahead of the next day.
Who the Maralal Camel Derby Suits
The derby suits travellers who enjoy culture, crowds and a bit of adventure more than polished luxury.
- Culture lovers: a rare chance to see several northern communities in one place.
- Photographers: colour, movement and dramatic landscapes.
- Repeat visitors: a completely different side of Kenya after the Mara.
- Groups and travel agents: a strong hook for a special-interest departure; see our Kenya DMC services for travel agents.
If you prefer quiet and full luxury throughout, stay in Laikipia or Samburu and visit Maralal for a single race day. Before you travel, check the latest UK government travel advice for Kenya, or your own government’s advice, as guidance for northern counties can change. The official Magical Kenya site and Kenya News Agency coverage of the 32nd derby are useful for background.
Maralal Camel Derby FAQs
When is the Maralal camel derby?
The Maralal camel derby is usually held once a year, but dates vary. The 31st edition ran from 5 to 8 October 2023 and the 32nd from 25 to 28 September 2025. Samburu County announces each edition, so confirm the dates before booking flights or lodges.
Where is the Maralal camel derby held?
The derby is held at Yare Camel Camp in Maralal, the county headquarters of Samburu County in northern Kenya. Maralal is about 350 km from Nairobi by tarmac road via Nyahururu and Rumuruti, a full day’s drive, and it pairs well with Laikipia and Samburu National Reserve.
Can tourists ride in the Maralal camel derby?
Visitors have traditionally been able to enter the 10 km amateur race, usually on a hired camel with a local handler. Registration rules and fees are set by the organisers for each edition. Riding is physical and falls happen, so check your insurance covers it or simply watch from the finish line.
How long are the races?
Recent editions have featured a 21 km professional camel race and a 10 km amateur race, plus a triathlon that combines camel riding, cross-country running and cycling. Separate cycling races are held for children, amateurs and professionals. Distances can change, so check the programme for the edition you attend.
Where should I stay for the Maralal camel derby?
Maralal has hotels, lodges and campsites, but they fill quickly during derby week. Some visitors camp near Yare Camel Camp for the atmosphere, while others stay in comfortable lodges outside town or in Laikipia and drive in for race days. Book as soon as the dates are announced.
Is the Maralal camel derby worth it?
If you enjoy culture, colour and something different, yes. You see camel racing, cycling, dance and crafts from several northern communities in one place. It is lively rather than luxurious, so many guests pair one or two derby days with a premium safari in Laikipia or Samburu.
How much does a Maralal camel derby trip cost?
Costs depend on nights, lodges and transport. As a guide, our 3-day Samburu cultural and wildlife experience starts from USD 850 per adult and our 5-day Northern Kenya cultural safari from USD 1,500 per adult, with park fees, vehicle and guide included. We add derby nights in Maralal and quote in writing.
What should I pack for the Maralal camel derby?
Bring a wide hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and light long sleeves for the strong sun, plus a warm layer because Maralal evenings are cool. Closed shoes, a scarf for dust, a power bank and cash in small Kenya shilling notes for crafts and food are also worth packing.
Is the Maralal camel derby good for families?
Yes, for families who enjoy crowds and culture. Children usually love the camels, the cycling races and the dancing. Keep them well back from the course during races, carry water and sun cover, and choose a quieter lodge nearby so busy festival days are balanced with rest and game drives.
Maralal Camel Derby, Planned Properly
Sense of Adventure is a TRA-licensed Nairobi safari company. Tell us your travel window and we will match the race days with the right base in Maralal, Laikipia or Samburu and a private vehicle with an experienced guide.
Prefer email? Write to reservations@senseofadventure.co.ke
Related Safari Guides
- Samburu National Reserve: 12 Things to Know
- Samburu Culture and Village Visits
- Does Samburu Have the Big Five?
- Laikipia Plateau Safari Guide
- Private Kenya Safari Packages
In Samburu National Reserve and Kenya’s other protected areas, follow the reserve and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park rules: stay in your vehicle except at permitted points, keep to the tracks and give wildlife plenty of space.
