Things To Do
in Maralal

Dramatic ridgelines, forest patches and sweeping valleys—great for landscape photos at sunrise and sunset.

Colorful stalls, livestock pens and portraits of traders and pastoralists offering vibrant street photography opportunities.

Close-up candid shots of traditional dress, beading, and daily life—always ask for permission before photographing people.

Open vistas with classic East African silhouettes—excellent for sunset and wildlife-silhouette photography during conservancy drives.

Grilled goat or beef, often served with kachumbari (tomato-onion salad) and ugali; widely available at market stalls and hotel kitchens.

Must-Try!

Staple maize porridge (ugali) accompanied by kale/greens (sukuma wiki) or a tomato-onion stew—simple, filling and common at every meal.

A tangy, nutritious milk consumed fresh or lightly soured by pastoralists; try a small glass with permission, especially in homestead visits.

Flatbread of Indian origin widely eaten with stews or beans; found at small eateries and markets.

The town’s main market where vendors sell vegetables, grains, fresh goat meat, roasted maize and snacks; great for lively photos and tasting street food like roasted maize and samosas.

Small stands near bus parks and petrol stations offering tea, mandazi, chapati and grilled meat—perfect for quick, inexpensive bites.

Polite greetings are important—use Kiswahili greetings like 'Habari' or 'As-Salaam' where appropriate and accept handshakes; ask about well-being before launching into business.

Show deference to elders, ask for permission before photographing people (especially women and children) and be respectful when visiting homesteads or sacred sites.

Dress modestly in town and especially when visiting rural homesteads—cover shoulders and knees to show respect and reduce unwanted attention.

Small, practical gifts (school supplies, basic medical items) are often more useful than money; if offering money, discuss with a trusted local contact or community representative to avoid causing tensions.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips for guides (US$5–10/day depending on service), drivers (a few dollars) and hotel staff are common. For occasional helpers and guides during community visits, a modest cash token shows appreciation and supports local livelihoods.

Carry Kenyan shillings in cash for most transactions—ATMs are limited and sometimes unreliable. M-Pesa mobile money is widely used and convenient if you have a Kenyan SIM and account; credit cards are rarely accepted outside major lodges.

Expect frequent rain, muddy and sometimes impassable roads; the countryside turns green and birding improves but travel times lengthen—4x4 recommended.

Short, heavier showers punctuate generally warm days; water availability improves and livestock conditions are better; road conditions can still be patchy.

Cooler mornings and evenings with clearer skies—this is a popular time for events like the Camel Derby and for easier road travel and wildlife viewing.

Warm to hot daytime temperatures with dusty conditions; water points may be lower and pastoral activity increases as communities move livestock.

A small unpaved airstrip that handles light aircraft and charter flights—useful for remote access but subject to weather and charter availability.

The nearest regional airport with increasing scheduled services and connections to Nairobi; road transfer to Maralal is typically 2–4 hours depending on road conditions.

Regional airstrip near Nanyuki and Mount Kenya area; serves charter flights and is an alternative point for overland transfer to Maralal via Isiolo.

Main international gateway—most visitors fly into Nairobi and continue by road or charter to northern Kenya.