Maralal National Sanctuary wraps around and through the town, making it one of Kenya's few places where large wildlife is genuinely part of everyday life. Elephants, zebra, impala, eland, and spotted hyena move through the sanctuary freely, and sightings within walking distance of the town centre are common, especially at dawn and dusk.
The sanctuary covers roughly 35 square kilometres of highland bush and is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. There is no formal gate for viewing within the town area, though the KWS office can provide information about conditions. The Yare Club and Campground, a few kilometres outside town on the Nyahururu road, has good wildlife on its grounds and provides a comfortable base for watching animals at a waterhole.