Mount Suswa Adventure: Roadtrip, Camping & Hiking

Nestled in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Suswa promises an adventure both rugged and reflective. Our journey to Mount Suswa Camping begins in the early stillness of Nairobi, as we set off at 6:00 a.m., heading west through Mai Mahiu. The winding roads offer scenic glimpses of the Rift Valley escarpments and features such as Mount Longonot from a distance all the way to Suswa town. From there, the terrain gets raw and beautiful—an unpaved path snakes toward the crater road head, our campsite for the night and the gateway to a sleeping giant.

Upon arrival, we’ll pitch our tents at the edge of the inner crater, a wild and serene expanse that stretches into the horizon. The afternoon and evening will be ours to waste—lounging, exploring, laughing around campfires, or simply soaking in the silence. As the sun sinks behind the ridges, the crater below glows in soft, dreamlike colors—like it’s gently exhaling after holding its breath all day—quietly reminding us that this old volcano still has stories to tell.

Photo: A family soaking in the breathtaking view across the massive Mount Suswa crater. Camping at the crater road head makes for a memorable, scenic experience, even without the hike to the peak.

Day 2: Sunrise Hike & Return to Nairobi

Before dawn the next morning, our footsteps will crunch softly against the earth as we begin an optional hike to the summit at 5:00 a.m. The trail hugs the crater’s rim, offering awe-inspiring views of the 5-kilometer-wide amphitheater below. As the first rays of sunlight spill across the horizon, they’ll greet us at the summit, rising to 2,356 meters above sea level—sure, the air may feel thin, but the soul feels even lighter! This is more than just a hike; it’s a quiet act of conquering self, a communion with nature, and with something deeper within.

After a triumphant pause at the summit, we’ll retrace our steps back to camp, where a hearty brunch awaits. Bellies full and spirits soaring, we’ll pack up, board our transfer vehicles, and begin the journey back to Nairobi. But we won’t return the same. Mount Suswa will have left something in us—an echo of wild freedom, a memory of sunrise above the clouds, and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in nature.

Mount Suswa Hike Distance And Stats

Distance: 12km

Maximum Elevation Gain: 535m

Duration: 4-6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Beginner-friendly: Yes

How to Prepare for the Hike

• Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
• Set aside the day before the hike for resting--take a break from exercises.
• Increase your hydration at least two days to the hike.
• Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike. 
• If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike. This way, you will build up your energy reserves for the arduous task ahead.
• Cut your toe nails!
• Have a generous breakfast at least 3 hours before the start of the hike. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
• Use the bathroom before leaving the house to reduce the need for bathroom breaks on the commute.
• Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is more about your mindset than physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!