International Camel Derby - Maralal, Kenya

The International Camel Derby and Festival – Maralal, Kenya

“Hit ‘em up, move ‘em out, raw hide” is the theme of this International Camel Derby held annually in the northern regions of Kenya. A blend of culture, colour, action, adventure and the finest camels of the north.

The derby has been running since 1990 with visitors and entries from Australia, America, New Zealand, Canada, England, France, Spain, Japan, South Africa and beyond. All competing against the reigning Kenyan champions.

The derby is recognised as a serious international sport and a great way to create awareness of the rapid onset in the desertification of Kenya, while also promoting better camel husbandry among the people of Kenya and the benefits of these spitting, kicking yet adorable creatures in arid environments.

The camels are choosen by judges for these races depending on handlers, strength and potential for speed. Did you know a camel can get up to 25 km an hour when racing. Hang on tight!

The venue is Yare Camel Club and Camp 3km south of the township of Maralal. In addition to the camel races you will also find cycling races, donkey rides for the timid, darts (I wouldn’t say the kind you play at the pub with your mates), different challenge events, local dancing displays and stalls.

The camel races are broken into two main events over a number of days.

The first of them being Novices and Amateurs, so don’t expect to be just a spectator on the side lines, you have the option to hire a camel and handler for the day, saddle up and join in for this rapid, furious and hairy 10km ride on the back of a beast.

The PRO’s Elite Camel race is next, a 42km marathon over a meausured distance, passing the Maralal township and running through semi-desert environments. No handlers or assistants are allowed to be used, your left to the mercy of the desert and your own devices or imagination.

The derby is a mecca for adventurers, nomads and camels alike set in the spell binding country of Kenya!