Kenya Derby Ngong race course - April

The highlight of the racing year is the Kenya Derby held in April, which draws very large crowds and has a plethora of family activities to do attracting both Nairobi High Society and also hoards of locals who also take part in the fun. Camel races, Camel Polo, music and entertainments all add to the excitement of some absolutely top class racing. It is really a great day out and shouldn be missed. Throughout the year, many other races are held. With top racing breeders based in Kenya, this is a great place to come and have a little flutter on the gee-gees! You never know you may go home with some winnings if you are lucky.

 

The Waldorf Eco Fair - May

The Waldorf Eco Fair is a place where you will find information about organics, green household technology and important information about your mind and body. There will also be food courts, fashion, recycled arts and crafts. 

 

Lake Turkana Festival -  Loiyangalani, May

Meaning ‘a place of many trees’ in Samburu; Loiyangalani is a small town located on the south-eastern coast of Lake Turkana. Loiyangalani is home to the El Molo, an almost extinct community, amongst other communities their main activities include: fishing, tourism and gold panning. Lake Turkana is fast becoming a popular tourist destination in Northern Kenya, as the surrounding El Molo and Turkana villages, amongst others, offer unique cultural experiences. The National Museums of Kenya in collaboration with the German Embassy, and other partners, will team up for the Lake Turkana Festival.

 

Rhino Charge – June

The Rhino Charge is an annual off road motorsport competition that has been held in Kenya since 1989. It is a unique and exciting competition that requires bravery and a high level of skill in off-road driving and navigation. The event, organized by The Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, is held to raise funds for a very noble cause – conservation of Kenya’s Aberdare Ecosystem.

 

To Hell’s Gate on a Wheelbarrow – Hells Gate National Park, 

‘To Hell’s Gate on a Wheelbarrow’ is an exciting, challenging and unique fundraising event held at the Hell’s Gate National Park, Naivasha. An annual event, this wheelbarrow race is a platform through which KWS partners with corporate organizations to raise funds for the construction of the ultra-modern education centre. With a part of funds from previous events, KWS has purchased education equipment used to enhance its outreach programme to communities. 

 

Safaricom Lewa Marathon – Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

This years Safaricom Marathon will take place in June at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. What began as a simple idea back in 2000 has now grown into a world-renowned event. This unique marathon is exceptional in many ways - it combines an unusual fundraising initiative with one of Kenya’s greatest sporting passions - running! The Safaricom Marathon allows participants from all over the globe to compete in an internationally acclaimed event whilst running through some of Africa’s most breath-taking scenery. As a result, it has developed into one of the country’s major sporting events with a reputation for being one of the ten ‘must do’ marathons in the world.

 

Great Wildebeest Migration, Maasai Mara – June & July

The annual Wildebeest Migration at the Maasai Mara is a natural cycle that replenishes and renews the grasslands of East Africa. Each June, around 1.3 million Wildebeest gather in the Serengeti to calve. They slowly mass into a huge single herd, until the dry season withers their supply of fresh grass. The scent of rain to the North begins to draw the herd throughout July, and soon the planet’s greatest animal migration is underway.  This is one of the remarkable wildlife attractions that makes Kenya one of the best wildlife destinations in the world. Kenya’s most popular attraction, the Mara was awarded its title for its sheer volume and variety of game.

 

Maralal Camel Derby

The Maralal Camel Derby is an annual event, held mid year just outside of Maralal town. This is Kenyas best known and most prestigious camel race, attracting both local and international competitors. The event is a major draw for spectators as well as racers, and the competition is fierce. Considered one of the highest honours in camel racing, many professional camel racers come to compete each year. Some of the finest specimens of racing camels are seen in town during the race period.  The race is a great social event, and the major event on the Maralal Calendar. Both competitors and visitors to Maralal join in the festivities in and around town. The atmosphere in town on race day is electric and entertaining. The race begins in the centre of town, where a throng of camels at the at the start line.

 

Concours d’Elegance September

The Africa Concours dElegance is the classiest and most prestigious motor event in Kenya. Concours d Elegance means a gathering of elegance and originated in Paris, France in the 17th century. This began as a pastime of the French aristocracy. They paraded their horse drawn carriages in the parks during summer weekends and holidays. It has since evolved to automobiles and motorcycles dating back in history. In Kenya, this tradition has been maintained and organized by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (Kenya), resulting in the Africa concours d’Elegance. The core activity of the Concours is the judging of the highly prepared vintage and classic cars and motorcycles on show.

 

Storymoja Hay Festival September, Nairobi

The Storymoja Hay Festival, Kenya’s premier literary event held in September in Nairobi. The Storymoja Hay Festival is a four day celebration of stories, ideas, writing and contemporary culture through storytelling, books, live discussion forums, workshops, debates, live performances, competitions, mchongoano and music.

 

Magical Kenya Travel Expo 

Dubbed ‘Magical Kenya Travel Expo’ and organised by the Kenya Tourism Board, the fair showcases travel agents, tour operators and trade media from Kenyas tourist source markets. The expo provides a platform for participants to interact with the trade and consumers. It will also be an opportunity for the visiting trade members to gain better understanding of Kenya’s diverse tourism products enabling them to sell the country better. The expo also provides a networking platform between the Kenyan trade and those oversee and hence strengthening their marketing efforts and strategies.