Maralal was established high in the beautiful grassy hills of the Lerochi Plateau, by Somali settlers in the 1920s.

In the market town itself is not much to see, but the surrounding area is quite interesting.

The unassuming Kenyatta House is the location where Jomo Kenyatta was detained prior to his release.

Some 2 km southwest from Maralal are the remains of the Maralal National Sanctuary, which used to be home to animals such as buffalo, hyena, impala, wart hog and zebra. South of town used to be a water hole where the animals came to drink. Unfortunately the nature park was closed in 2014 and the wildlife has been eradicated by poachers, as well as the region's expanding towns.

The Maralal International Camel Derby used to be held in Maralal annually, but bacause of the outcry by foreign tourists objecting to the abuse of the animals, the derby was discontinued in 2016.

As a result, there is not much to see, or do in Maralal and nowadays, most tourists that visit it are adventurous travellers on their way to Lake Turkana.

Accommodation is available in the form of cheap lodges and camps that lack any sophistication. There are several restaurants in town. Maralal is connected with Nyahururu and Baragoi by infrequent bus and matatu (minibus) services. The town is some 270 km north of Nairobi.