Approximately 2 km southwest of the town are the remains of the Maralal National Sanctuary. This nature site, which was closed by the Samburu County Government in September 2014, has since been largely absorbed into the town, and much of its wildlife has been eradicated by poachers. Encroachment began from the south as villages expanded, causing the natural wildlife corridors to be closed.
Maralal is also home to Kenyatta House, where Jomo Kenyatta was detained before his release. This rather unassuming modern house has a significant place in the history of modern Kenya.
Until 2016, the town hosted the Maralal International Camel Derby, but this has ceased to function primarily due to the outcry by foreign tourists objecting to the abuse of the animals used. Tourist activities in Maralal have slowed and the town is mostly a base for adventurous travellers heading to Lake Turkana, some 12 hours travel by road to the north.
Accommodation is generally inexpensive, though options are limited in terms of amenities. Road improvements from the south were expected to be completed by 2019, with hopes that tourism opportunities would subsequently improve. The closest airport is Kisima Airport, located in the nearby village of Kisima.
Kenya
