International Camel Derby-Maralal, Kenya.The International Camel Derby
and Festival – Maralal, Kenya “Hit them up, move them out, raw hide” is
the theme of this International Camel Derby held in the month of August
every year is located 345km, (230km tarmac and 118km graded murram in
the northern regions of Kenya in Samburu County. 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 not
only recognized as a serious Kenyan safari sport but an 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 chosen 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 northern Kenya. In addition to the camel races you will also
find cycling races, donkey rides for the timid, darts, 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
most challenging race is Elite Camel which is, 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; you are left to the mercy of the desert and your own devices or
imagination.The Kenya camel safari derby is a mecca for adventurers,
nomads and camels alike set in the spell binding country of Kenya. Enjoy
the very adventure fan gateway.
JBA-
Kenya Safari
