Mt Longonot to Mt Suswa Hike

Explore an ancient volcanic landscape of craters, caves, wildlife, and Maasai culture in the heart of Kenya's Great Rift Valley.

Rising from the floor of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, Mount Suswa is one of East Africa's most fascinating and underrated trekking destinations. Unlike traditional mountain climbs, Suswa offers a unique combination of volcanic landscapes, dramatic crater systems, extensive lava caves, wildlife encounters, and rich Maasai culture.

This adventure takes you into the heart of an ancient volcanic wilderness where towering crater walls, hidden caves, steaming vents, and sweeping views create an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you'll encounter local Maasai communities, explore one of Kenya's most unusual geological formations, and discover a side of East Africa rarely seen by most travellers.

Whether you're seeking adventure, photography, wildlife, or cultural immersion, Mount Suswa offers a truly unique trekking experience.

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TRIP FACTS

Activity Type:

Trek

Location:

Kenya (see location map here)

Difficulty:

Moderate

Max Altitude:

2,356m

Food Choices:

Kosher, Veggie, Vegan, Nut Free, Lactose Free, Halal

Duration:

6 Days

Accommodation:

Hotel & Tents

Fitness Level:

Good

Grading:

T2 (see grading guide here)

Best Time to Climb:

Jun – Oct

WHY CHOOSE MOUNT SUSWA

Explore a unique double-crater volcano
Discover extensive lava cave systems
Experience authentic Maasai culture
Spectacular Great Rift Valley scenery
Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
Off-the-beaten-track Kenyan adventure
Ideal for trekking and photography
One of East Africa's hidden gems

WHAT YOU WILL SEE & EXPERIENCE

Mount Suswa offers a completely different trekking experience from many of East Africa's more famous mountains. The landscape is dominated by a remarkable double-crater volcanic system, with dramatic ridges, ancient lava flows, caves, and sweeping views across the Great Rift Valley.

The inner crater rises to an elevation of 2,356 metres and is covered in forest, providing habitat for wildlife including buffalo, hyena, antelope, baboons, and numerous bird species. The surrounding landscapes offer spectacular viewpoints across the volcanic terrain and surrounding plains.

One of Suswa's most fascinating features is its extensive lava cave network. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, these caves are home to large bat colonies and provide a unique underground adventure unlike anywhere else in Kenya.

Throughout the journey, you'll also encounter Maasai communities who continue to live and graze their livestock around the outer crater. Their connection to the land adds a rich cultural dimension to the adventure and offers a fascinating insight into traditional life in the Rift Valley.

ITINERARY

Arrive in Nairobi

You will be met at the airport. Drive to Lake Naivasha

Dinner, and overnight at the hotel.

Mt Longonot – Hell’s Gate, 25km

After an early breakfast you will depart for Mt Longonot. Today’s walk will be along a beautiful and windy gorge. The gorge is a tributary to an ancient lake that once existed. We will explore the curving walls of the gorge and experience the aptly-named sections – the devil’s sitting room, Hell’s clinic, and the devil’s mouth. There are several small waterfalls, both cold and hot, as well as stunning, multi-coloured rock strata and formations. You might even recognise some of the locations – they’ve been included in productions such as Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life, and inspired others such as The Lion King.

At 25 metres tall, Fischer Tower is a remnant of the park’s volcanic history. This craggy behemoth was formed when semi-molten rock was forced through a fissure and solidified around 35 million years ago.

Another vestige of volcanic activity are the obsidian caves, located along the Buffalo Circuit (a 14km track around the eastern part of the park). Entering the cool of the caves, you’ll notice the shiny, black and dark green surface of obsidian rock. This mesmerising gleam is the result of molten lava coming into contact with water and cooling rapidly.

lunch break and refreshments in between. Dinner and overnight at the Hell’s gate park.

Hell’s Gate, 15km

Hell's Gate is one of only two Kenyan national parks in which you are explore the park on foot. Apart from the spectacular geology, Hell’s Gate is also home to a wide range of wildlife.

Despite its relatively small size, the area’s wildlife includes giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalo, thomson gazelles, and eland antelopes. The high cliffs of the park are also ideal for nesting birds, which total around 103 species.

Of particular note is the bearded vulture – a rare yet stunningly beautiful bird.

What's included?

Airport transfer on arrival and departure days
2 nights (arrival and departure days) accommodation in Nairobi (sharing double BB)
4 days overland truck exclusive use and equipment vehicle use on trekking
All Hell’s gate park and Mt Suswa park entry and camping fees including drivers and vehicles
Olkaria Geothermal Spa entry
Kosher food B,L & D
All guide and tour fees
Amref medical evacuation cover
Photography during tour