Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What to do in Maralal Kenya?

What to do in Maralal Kenya?

Maralal, situated in northern Kenya, is a different experience for those willing to explore something unique. It is different from Maasai Mara, as it opens up Kenya’s north and is the center of Samburu culture. Here are top things to do in Maralal, Kenya

  1. Experience Samburu Culture:
     
    • Village Visits: Maralal is both the main town and the administrative headquarters of Samburu County and it is closely associated with the Samburu community. By visiting Samburu villages nearby, you will understand more about their customs, daily routines and the things they value. This includes paying attention to their clothes, ornamental jewelry and ceremonies. A number of tours give participants a chance to join in on events such as dancing and storytelling
    • Maralal Camel Market: Not every day, but Maralal is best known for its camel market, where people in the region come to buy and sell camels. It reveals how important camels are to the Samburu and gives an opportunity to watch dynamic trading.
    • Interact with Locals: Maralal’s streets are always crowded with Samburu warriors and traders. Talking with the locals provides knowledge about their way of life.
  2. Attend the Maralal International Camel Derby (Historically):
     
    • Past Significance: People across the globe came to the Maralal International Camel Derby each year, considering it a famous event at the town’s gates. For three days, people watched camel races (for both experts and beginners), enjoyed tribal dancing and browsed the market stalls.
    • Current Status: While the Maralal International Camel Derby was once a major annual event, its status has fluctuated in recent years due to funding challenges and welfare concerns. Travelers are advised to confirm with local authorities or tourism boards whether the event will take place in a given year.
  3. Explore the Maralal National Sanctuary (or its remains):
     
    • Wildlife Viewing: Currently unfenced, the Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary is not far from the town where visitors can observe animals like zebras, eland, baboons, impalas and at times leopards (which were brought to the Maralal Safari Lodge for viewing). Elephants occasionally can be found in this area.
    • Current Status: Although the Maralal National Sanctuary once hosted diverse wildlife, poaching and degradation led to its closure in 2014. While occasional sightings still occur, it is now better known for scenic walking routes rather than reliable game viewing.
  4. Visit Kenyatta House:
     
    • Historical Significance:  This modern house in Maralal is important in Kenya’s history. Following his arrest and before being released by the British, the first Kenya President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, was held there in 1961. Many people say he wrote his book "Facing Mount Kenya" while under detention at Lanet. 
    • Clarification on Literature:
      While many associate Kenyatta’s book Facing Mount Kenya with his time in detention, the book was actually written earlier, during his exile in the United Kingdom in the 1930s—not in Maralal. However, his stay in Maralal symbolized his transition from political prisoner to national leade
    • Museum:  The house is now a national monument looked after by the National Museums of Kenya and its original furniture remains, allowing visitors to see how Kenya moved forward toward independence.
  5. Enjoy the Scenic Landscapes:
    • Gateway to Northern Wilderness: Maralal is known as the entrance to the wild lands in Kenya’s north. The lodge is found in the Great Rift Valley and provides breathtaking scenery of Kenya.
    • Trekking and Hiking: Hiking and seeing the countryside can easily be enjoyed thanks to the hills and nearby plains.
    • Lesiolo Viewpoint or Malaso: Exploring from these places gives you exciting adventures with wide, breath-taking views
  6. Base for Further Northern Adventures:
     
    • Travelers who are eager to explore the unspoiled areas in northern Kenya should make Maralal their base. You may want to visit Lake Turkana (the Jade Sea), the Chalbi Desert, Suguta Valley or the Ndoto Mountains which are in the north. Because they are long, you have to be organized and often use a car with four-wheel drive.

Important Considerations for Visiting Maralal:

  • Road Conditions: The main section from Gilgil to Maralal is paved, though northward roads may not be and are hard to navigate at any time and very slippery in rainy weather.
  • Security:  Check the current security information and pick local guides or tour companies for your trip, since you will be visiting a remote region.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path: Mass-tourism does not play a big role in Maralal. You will experience a rural way of life that is non-touristy.

Overall, Maralal offers a compelling blend of cultural immersion, historical significance, and a launching point for exploring Kenya's less-traveled, rugged northern landscapes.

Related Articles

View more Arrow
Expand your online sales through an all-in-one live chat app.
COOKIE SETTINGS