For those in the know, the Maralal Camel Derby is Africa’s most renowned camel race. The derby attracts international and local competitors across professional and amateur categories. Dome tent camping is available onsite, but we suggest a more laidback and luxurious option jam packed with camel encounters…
Begin your safari in Nairobi with 1 night at The Emakoko, a boutique lodge situated in Nairobi National Park. The Emakoko is a spectacular way to start any East African safari. Don’t forget our four-legged friends at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephants and rhinoceros) or Giraffe Centre though. Then continue to Ekorian’s Mugie Camp for a 2 night intimate safari experience in the heart of the Mugie Conservancy in Northwest Laikipia, an area of prolific game and birdlife viewing. Get to know camels up close on a one night fly camping under the stars experience and return to camp via camel trek.
A daytrip from Ekorian’s to Maralal is the ideal way to experience a day at the races. The event is scheduled to take place starting 31st August to 3rd September 2017. The Maralal International Camel Derby, the only of the kind in the world, is organized annually to promote the endowment of Samburu County in different aspects of tourism in wildlife, sports, scenic and cultural tourism, as well as natural resource conservation. The three day event event attracts participation from far and wide, both locally and internationally. This year’s event marks the 28th edition since inception.
On the last day of the race, transfer to Ol Malo Nomad for 2 nights with camel walking. Explore Kenya’s mountains, valleys and deserts by helicopter or trekking by foot and spot game from horse or camel-back as you explore the plains. While vehicles sometimes startle wildlife, they won’t flee from horses and camels. Here you also have the opportunity to walk with the Samburu people and learn about the local ecosystem.
End your Kenyan adventure with 3 nights at Mara Expedition Camp – a secluded site within the famed Masai Mara Game Reserve and situated on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River. Reminiscent of colonial-era expedition camps, Mara Expedition intimately connects you with Africa’s wild sense of freedom, surrounded by one of its richest wildlife reserves. The camp is in prime leopard territory, and the annual wildebeest and zebra migration passes literally in front of your tent; witness one of nature’s greatest miracles first-hand from the comfort of your veranda. This is the perfect base from which to reflect on your fabulous camel experiences and continue encountering Africa’s greatest wildlife.
