Plizio Visual Lab

Mount Suswa

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Mount Suswa is a massive shield volcano located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, renowned for its unique geological structure featuring a double caldera. The outer caldera spans approximately 12 kilometers in diameter, while the inner caldera encircles a central island-like block separated by a deep annular trench. Formed during Pleistocene volcanic activity, the mountain is home to numerous lava tubes that constitute some of the most complex cave systems in Africa, housing large colonies of bats. The mountain lies within Maasai territory, with local communities utilizing the slopes for grazing livestock and regarding the volcano as a site of cultural significance. Vegetation varies from semi-arid scrubland at the base to evergreen forests found along the higher reaches of the caldera walls. Due to geothermal activity, numerous steam vents are present, indicating the ongoing volcanic presence beneath the surface. Suswa is not only a destination for geologists but also an important area for ecotourism and the study of volcanic processes.

Location: Kenya
Nearby: Naivasha (30 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	19	19	18	16	15	15	16	17	18	17	18
Rain mm	64	45	113	197	141	68	46	62	64	87	115	94

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Located in the Great Rift Valley, the volcanic shield is usually accessed via very rough dirt tracks from the towns, strictly requiring an extremely capable and reliable 4x4 vehicle.

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Best season

Optimal hiking conditions are almost always found during the long dry seasons, when the entirely unpaved and dusty approach tracks are actually most passable for heavy off-road vehicles.

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Terrain & paths

The demanding route directly into and around the impressive double caldera is characterized by steep volcanic terrain and extremely loose rocks that massively define the shield.

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What to bring

Robust, ankle-high hiking boots for vital protection against sharp lava rocks, a heavy scarf for dust protection, and carrying a very large personal supply of drinking water are mandatory.

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Parking

Parking usually takes place directly at local traditional homesteads or completely designated small campsites run by the community, where highly reliable vehicle security is fully provided.

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Safety

Visitors should be extremely wary of deep cave systems and hidden dangerous fissures strictly within the caldera, ideally enlisting the guidance of highly knowledgeable local guides.

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Time needed

A demanding excursion to this huge volcanic shield, which mostly includes extensive hiking along the inner crater rims and breaks, typically lasts a full, physically exhausting day.

Geography

Coordinates

-1.00000, 36.30000

Facts

The highest point of Mount Suswa reaches 2,356 meters above sea level.
The inner caldera of the volcano has a diameter of approximately 5 kilometers.
The lava tubes of Suswa extend for a total length of several kilometers.
The last significant eruption is estimated to have occurred one to two thousand years ago.
The caves contain rare Maasai rock paintings and significant archaeological findings.
The volcano is located approximately 50 kilometers west of Nairobi in Narok County.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hell's Gate National Park9 km · EExplore →

Mount Longonot19 km · NEExplore →

Lake Naivasha21 km · EExplore →

Naivasha Flower Farms (Processing Facilities)23 km · EExplore →

Naivasha30 km · NEExplore →

Limuru39 km · NExplore →

Gilgil45 km · EExplore →

Kikuyu45 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is unique about the Suswa Volcano?

It has a double crater, an outer and an inner crater, which is rare worldwide.

Are there caves at Suswa?

Yes, there is an extensive system of lava tubes where baboons are known to sleep.

How long does a hike to the summit take?

The hike around the inner crater rim takes about 4 to 7 hours, depending on your pace.

Do you need a special vehicle?

A 4x4 vehicle with high ground clearance is mandatory to reach the base camp area.

Who owns the land?

The land belongs to the local Maasai community, who also collect access fees and provide guides.

Mount Suswa: where is it located?

Mount Suswa is located in Kenya.

Mount Suswa: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.

Mount Suswa: why is it worth visiting?

Mount Suswa is a massive shield volcano located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, renowned for its unique geological structure featuring a double caldera.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →