Desert >> Maralal & Beyond

Maralal is a border line town, the beginning of the Great Northern wilderness and the staging post for many great adventures.This simple town is a thriving centre for the local Samburu people, and the streets are always busy with camels, passing warriors and traders. Beyond Maralal lies some of Kenya's most beautiful country. Here the broad arid plains give way to the spectacular Loroghi Hills and the high, wild Matthews ranges. Dry river beds course through this land, and have become the tracks and routes of nomadic camel trains.


The Maralal National Reserve is one of Kenya's little known treasures. Tucked away in the centre of the country amidst the Ol Doinyo Lenkiyo Mountains, Maralal completely surrounds the Samburu town of the same name. Within the Reserve's boundaries, plains game, including Northern endemics such as Grevys Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe and Oryx are often seen and predators such as the leopard and hyena. Seasonally, elephant pass through the Reserve descending from the forested hills to the north. The best time to see game is early morning and late afternoon. In the midday heat, most animals retreat to the cool of thick undergrowth and become invisible. Morning and afternoon game drives also allow you to witness the unforgettable African dawn and sunsets.

The Maralal Camel Derby is an annual event, held mid year just outside of town . This is Africa's best known and most prestigious camel race, attracting both local and international competitors.The event is a major draw for spectators as well as racers, and the competition is fierce. Considered one of the highest honors in camel racing, many professional camel racers come to compete each year. Some of the finest specimens of racing camels are seen in town during the race period.

In all directions from Maralal, the scenery is beautiful and the procession of wildlife sharing land with Samburu herders is spectacular. Related to the Maasai further south, the Samburu warriors of Maralal, dressed in their traditional clothing, live in symbiosis with the environment and wildlife around them. Despite its beautiful landscape and wide assortment of wildlife, Maralal National Reserve receives relatively few visitors in relation to the Samburu reserves to the east. This helps makes Maralal a truly enjoyable destination.

Tours to Maralal are possible to find, though not as popular as those offered to the reserves further to the east (Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs). The only lodge in Maralal National Reserve is the Maralal Safari Lodge with 48 beds. Located north of Maralal town, this lodge is the only one in the area with adequate visitor facilities. The only camping and low budget facilities in Maralal are at the Yare Safaris Hostel and Campsite located 4 kms south of Maralal twon. Yare is a recognized hostel with many good facilities, including a restaurant and lounge. The campsite and hostel are located on a nice hill where its is possible to view game, despite the fence erected to protect visitors against more aggressive animals.