Location
This is one of the best places where you can go for trekking safari,
Camel safaris, and walking safaris. This is up in the desert and
it’s extremely hot. It is in this town where the only camel
Derby in the world for both amateur and professionals is held. This
is an annual event which takes place in the summer, attracting not
only the parctipants but also spectators from all the corners of
the earth. Here you will bump into real characters. In the evening
everyone retires to Yare safaris club and campsite for a long hard
party sure enough to last till down. The event is open to everyone.
Basic Facts
Size: Approximately 250 sq kms
Province: Rift Valley
District: Baringo
Geographical Location: Set amidst the majestic Ol Doinyo Lenkiyo
mountains in north-central Kenya around the Samburu town of Maralal.
Altitude: 1,490 m
Vegetation: Rocky and dry terrain.
Fauna: Mammals of the dry zone include impala, eland, buffalo, baboon,
warthog, leopard, hyena, giraffe and zebra,.
Visitor Facilities: One lodge and campsite.
Details
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, eland, impala buffalo
and zebra keep a watchful eye on predators such as the leopard and
hyena. Seasonally, elephant pass through the Reserve descending
from the forested hills to the north.
The best
viewing of wildlife in the Reserve is from the terrace at the Maralal
Safari Lodge. Game viewing is both by day and floodlight by night.
At the lodge, leopard are baited from a small forest nearby and
can be viewed from a specially constructed blind.
In all
directions from Maralal, the scenery is beautiful and the processions
of wildlife sharing land with Samburu herders is spectacular. Related
to the Maasai futher 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.
Transport
Maralal town is 150 kms north of Nyahururu, on the northern edge
of the Mount Kenya highlands.The Reserve can be accessed from Nyahururu
along the C77 road which is paved as far as the town of Rumuruti.
Alternatively, Maralal can be reached from Isiolo along the A2,
C79 and C78. Access is also possible from the south-west at Lake
Baringo along the eastbound C78.
There is usually one bus a day in either direction between Nyahuru
and Maralal and between Isiolo and Maralal. Vehicle traffic is very
scarce north of Nyahururu and west of Isiolo, that very few other
options exist.
Tours
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). For more information contact Let's Go Travel.
Lodging
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.
Camping
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.
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