National Parks

Incredible craters of Mount Suswa, in the heart of Maasai land

An unforgettable experience for trekking lovers and explorers

29-04-2021 by Leni Frau

The real mountain of the Maasai people is Mount Suswa, a former volcano with incredible craters and caves.
Located in the heart of their land, Suswa is certainly the least known but probably the most interesting of the three famous Great Rift Valley volcanoes. The other two are the Longonot and Menengai, not far away, towards the city of Nakuru.
The mountain has a double crater, both with their interior similar to a moat surrounding an inclined block of rock. Suswa is also known for its lava caves on the northeast side of the outer crater. The system of natural communicating channels is the most complex and varied in the world, a unique spectacle for explorers and enthusiasts.
The lower end of the mountain can be traced back to the outer crater with a four-wheel drive vehicle, but there are some roadblocks during the trail, where the Masaai community usually asks for an unofficial fee, in order to proceed. 
You can make arrangements to pay a fixed fee and have an experienced guide. 
The inner craters also house several species of snakes.  Other wild animals found in the area of Mount Suswa are zebras, giraffes, manguste, turtles, hyenas and leopards.
For enthusiasts, it is also possible to climb the mountain, whose peak measures 2,356 meters. 
There are no specific paths, but it is recommended to access the mountain from north and north-east. 
The elementary school of the village of the same name, located on the slopes of the massif, is a practical starting point.  In addition, there are many Maasai farmsteads at the foot of Suswa, it is advisable to present yourself at the flip-flops to warn you that you are going to pass there. 
With the exception of the so-called "Rauch Trail", there are no direct routes to the top. 
However, the Masaai breeders graze their cattle on the plateau prairies, creating seasonal routes. 
The summit can be reached on foot along the path, which starts at about one and a half kilometres from the summit, from the northeast. 
The Rauch's Trail is marked with a wooden sign overlooking the crater. 
The top of the inner volcano, Ol Doinyo Nyokie (the red mountain), offers a breathtaking view, particularly of the inner crater, which is covered by unspoilt tropical forest, with springs and steam jets from deep underground sources.
For those who have the physical, passion and experience, an unforgettable excursion not only in Kenya, but globally.

TAGS: monte suswatrekking in kenyaescursioni kenyacrateri kenyavulcani kenya

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