Mount Suswa is not only one of Kenya’s most visually striking volcanic formations, but also one of the most geologically fascinating.
It sits within the Kenya Rift, part of the East African Rift System, which is a massive geological fault zone caused by the divergence of the African Plate and the Somali Plate.
East African Rift Valley
Mount Suswa is classified as a shield volcano, characterized by broad, low-angle flanks built up by fluid lava flows. Its volcanic activity has primarily been effusive, meaning lava flowed out rather than erupting explosively.
Area covered: Approx.
Read also: Journey to Mount Sinai
Mount Suswa is considered dormant, not extinct, and it is geothermally active. Even though Mount Suswa hasn’t erupted in thousands of years, it remains geothermally alive.
Mount Suswa is a geological anomaly and a hidden masterpiece, a place where lava didn’t just explode, but sculpted. Where collapse didn’t mean destruction, but transformation. It’s a rugged, double-crater marvel full of hidden forests, lava caves, rocky cliffs, and open plains - all crisscrossed by trails carved by wildlife, herders, and explorers over centuries.
Unlike commercial parks in Kenya, there are no gates, signs, or boardwalks here.
Navigating to Mount Suswa Conservancy
After eventually leaving the house, dodging truckers on the highway and navigating the treacherous spindly road down the escarpment of the rift valley, we were finally making good headway towards where we hoped Mt Suswa was. Armed with a small section of 1:250’000 map and a compass I could at least direct Peter to drive in its general direction.
Hopefully I can attribute the fact that we were given next to no information about how to get to the conservancy as the reason to why we got lost! We stopped to ask a policeman who told us exactly what we had been told earlier: “take any dirt road before Suswa town, and if you get lost ask a Masai.” I was beginning to wonder if anyone knew how to get there…
Read also: The Mount Kenya escape story
We took the advice and turned off the highway at the first dirt road we came across, and sure enough, after a few turns here and there, checking the compass, and following with my finger what looked like a dirt road on the map, we came across a battered old sign wit flaking green paint.
It read Mt Suswa Conservancy ⇒ 5km. It didn’t matter that it was old and decrepit, or even that one of the chains had rusted through so the arrow now pointed up at the sky. What mattered was that we had found it, Mt Suswa.
Exploring the Caves of Mount Suswa
I was unable to find any geological information on suswa, or her caves (lava tubes). These lava tubes formed when the outer surface of a lava flow solidified while molten lava continued to flow beneath. Apparently 15km of caves have been explored and over 30 entrances found. However, without a doubt there are much more.
The caves were incredible. We had arrived quite late in the afternoon and a conservancy “scout” (a young Masai and his dog) showed us a nice camping spot very close to one of the cave sites. An earthy smell filled the caves, we noticed it from the moment we entered, and felt it grow softly in intensity as we delved deeper and deeper into the darkness.
Lava Caves
Read also: All About Mount Cameroon
The ground was soft and cool, so cool in fact it seemed to permeate through my boots and send shivers down my spine… yet it was not cold. The first thing I noticed was green, quite deep in the the cave. I had discovered small shoots searching for light, little figs with their big broad leaves, probably planted by the bats above.
The second thing that startled me was when we scared a bat nest. Hundreds of bats poured out of a single hole in the roof, a seemingly never ending stream of black wings filled the cavern with flutters and shrieks. In awe we stared until the last one fluttered away.
We explored the caves with cheap torches form Nakumat and one headlamp, and resultantly it was hard to see anything that was not close. In one of the caves I luckily spotted a hole in the floor leading to the cavern below. We realized we were not necessarily walking in a cave, but a caved-in section of roof!
Hiking Mount Suswa
Suswa is definitely a hidden gem. She seems so unimpressive compared to her smaller sister Mt Longonot, but when you drive into her outer crater, her massive size truly is overwhelming. The outer crater edge stretches all around you, and the inner crater stands proud before you, almost like a little Longonot.
We parked the car on the edge of the inner crater, about two hours of hiking from the peak, and left it with one of the “scouts” because of rumors regarding safety. The hike was not hard, and quite adventurous because there were no established trails.
Following animal tracks we slowly, but surely made our way to the top. Finally, drenched in sweat, we had made it over the perilous rock formations, a bubbling sea of molten lava frozen in time.
Mount Suswa: Full Crater Hike
Classic Suswa Hike: The inner crater is perhaps Suswa’s best-kept secret - a cool, shaded, green bowl surrounded by steep caldera walls. This is the classic Suswa hike. Most hikers begin near the Baboon Parliament or main cave camp, moving clockwise along the rim.
Outer Caldera Trail: This trail circles the outer caldera, offering some of the best panoramic views in the Rift Valley. On a clear day, you can spot Mount Longonot, the Aberdares, and even Lake Naivasha.
Inner Crater Descent: The inner crater is an ecological surprise - cooler, greener, and filled with trees, hyraxes, and birds. The descent path is steep in parts, but the terrain at the base is gentle.
Baboon Parliament Loop: This short loop takes you to the legendary Baboon Parliament, where olive baboons sleep in vast underground chambers. Bring a headlamp, watch your step, and go with a guide to navigate safely.
Community and Safety
To be honest, we did not know what to expect when we went to suswa. We had herd rumors that the volcano was dangerous… you can fall through hidden/overgrown cave entrances, or that the Massai in that area are generally not helpful, harassing and dangerous. Its one of the reasons why we took two of our dogs. The fact is that we discovered the opposite.
The Massai were more than helpful and were much nicer than anywhere we have ever visited. We made friends with a young Massai boy and shared stories.
Planning Your Visit
Entry Fee to Mt Suswa: 500 KES for citizens, $30 for non-residents. Read more on Mt.
Local guides can also help arrange transport, camping, and meals. Guide required?
Imagine starting your day with a 360° view over the Rift Valley - steam vents hissing nearby, distant peaks on the horizon, and nothing but silence. You hike through golden grass, past curious baboons and grazing goats. Not all trails have to be demanding.
Image of a hiker at the summit of Mt Suswa.
You can go on a hike with outdoorer.co here or reach out to Kambu Campers for a custom camping safari in Mt Suswa which can include visit to Masai Mara or nearby Mt.
Mount Suswa is an active volcano and its eruption happened to have been significant for the city it is one of the most stunning Kenya attractions that wait for tourists exploring Kenya on a safari to have an unforgettable experience most especially for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
More so, Mount Suswa is located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Nairobi and is easily accessible for a day trip or weekend excursion from Nairobi.
Nearby Towns
Narok town: Narok town is located on the eastern side of Mount Suswa, and this town is famously known for its cultural diversity and bustling markets. The town serves as a gateway to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve offering a perfect blend of wildlife and cultural experiences.
Mai Mahiu town: Mai Mahiu is situated to the South of Mount Suswa, and this small town is well renowned for its hot springs and visitors can unwind in the soothing thermal waters while enjoying the surrounding scenic views.
Naivasha town: Tourists who opt to visit Mount Suswa on their safari in Kenya always get chances to engage into very many exciting activities where they learn new experiences and create remarkable memories.
Activities at Mount Suswa
Tourists who opt to visit Mount Suswa on their safari in Kenya always get chances to engage into very many exciting activities where they learn new experiences and create remarkable memories.
- Hiking and Trekking: Mount Suswa offers excellent opportunities for hiking and trekking enthusiasts, alongside the nearby Mount Longonot. In addition, these volcanoes are ranked as one of the best hiking spots in the country hence offering visitors a chance to explore the unique lava caves, marvel at the panoramic views from the summit, or venture into the heart of the crater.
- Cultural Immersion: While on a Kenya Safari to Mount Suswa, you can visit the local Maasai Community where you will learn about their vibrant traditions and way of life.
- Photography: The dramatic landscapes, geological features, and wildlife around Mount Suswa offer endless opportunities for photography.
- Rock Climbing: Rock climbing is a great activity for adventure seekers; you can try rock climbing on the volcanic cliffs and rock formations of Mount Suswa.
- Camping.
Rift Valley Volcano Hikes
Journey into the geological heart of East Africa with Rift Valley volcano hikes, an extraordinary adventure beyond well-known peaks like Kilimanjaro. From emerald crater lakes to dramatic volcanic cones, the Rift Valley offers an abundance of undiscovered trails set against breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re traversing rolling lava fields, ascending crater walls, or dipping in warm mineral springs, a Rift Valley volcano hikes expedition immerses you in wild wonder.
Rift Valley volcano hikes explore volcanic features formed along the East African Rift system. These hikes vary from steep ascents up volcanic cones, to rim walks along deep crater lakes, to scenic paths winding through lava formations.
Examples of Rift Valley Volcano Hikes
- Mount Longonot (Kenya): A dramatic caldera walk around a 2,776 m volcanic cone-soaring crater walls and panoramic Rift floor views.
- Menengai Crater (Kenya): One of the largest calderas in the world, ripe for rim and crater-floor trekking.
Rift Valley volcano hikes offer a unique blend of adventure, scenery, geology, and culture. Ready to step off the tourist track?
Popular articles:
tags: #Kenya
