SPORTS SAFARI

Kenya is known for its athletic success. It has dominated
the Olympic and commonwealth games. While very
proud of this, Kenya is by no means limited to just
athletics. It has embraced most international sports e.g.
football, cricketing, rugby and golf. Not to forget Safari
Rally the toughest road race.

SPORTING TRADITIONS

Many cultures in Kenya use sports as a way of settling
differences or rivalries. In Lamu, each new years
day see rise to a dhow competition round the island.
In Maulidi festivals the locals enjoy a different kind of
sport. The annual donkey race. Each jockey has royal
supporters. The western Kenya offers the bull vs bull
fights. They lock horns and push one another across
a line and out of a field.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

Probably the best known is the Safari Rally which was first
held in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. It has
been one of the toughest races attracting racers from all over the world.
Today however, it has been replaced by the East African Safari,
a recreation of the past. many other shorter rallies are held through
the year.

Equally important is GolfTournament. This is held in Muthaiga Country
Club. Perfect blues, perfect greens, tee off anywhere is Gods country.

SPORTING SAFARI OPTIONS

Many hotels and guesthouses have been built
with sport in mind eg Tennis, Squash, Swimming,
golf etc. Horse racing is quite popular with most
guests who visit the Ngong racecourse. For golfers,
the country has 32 excellent 18-hole courses
throughout the country. Many of the courses
are safaris with excellent bird and game
watching along the way.

Among these are a few greater and lesser known
sporting options:

• Lewa Downs Marathon - raises money for
  wildlife annually.
• Altitude training - Trainees/athletes stay at
  high altitudes camp to gain a winning edge.
• Maralal Camel Cup - The most popular on
  deserts/dry lands of Kenya, which are on the
  northern spheres.