International Camel Derby & Festival - Maralal

The International Camel Derby is an annual event held in Maralal, located in the northern region Kenya. In August every year, crowds draw composed of participants from all over the world, eager to join in wacky festival. The derby is open to both novices and veteran camel racers, and the one thing guaranteed whether you are a spectator or participant, is that you are in for a serious treat! 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 measured 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.

Creating the perfect blend of culture, adventure and action, the finest camels of Kenya are gathered in a display of competition and sportsmanship. The derby is recognized 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.

Links

• Website: http://www.hostelscentral.com/hostels-article-79.html