Experience the natural wonder of Menengai Crater in Nakuru, Kenya. Hike through the impressive caldera floor and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru. Explore caves and encounter diverse wildlife.
Menengai crater is located 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of Nakuru, the fourth-biggest city in Kenya. Nestled on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the volcano was formed some 200,000 years ago. On the other hand, the prominent 12 x 8 km caldera was formed 8,000 years ago. The entire caldera floor is enveloped by several post-caldera lava flows. The wall cliffs are nearly 500 metres deep in places. The crater floor covers nearly 90 square kilometres. Menengai Crater is a Krakatau-style caldera and one of the world’s largest intact craters.
The drive from Nairobi to Nakuru takes about 2½ hours. It takes another 15 minutes to drive from town to the foot of the crater, where the Menengai Forest station offices are located.
While standing at the rim of the huge crater, one is able to have a panoramic view of the large stretch of the Northern Rift Valley, taking a glance at some of the mountains like the Tugen Hills, Mau, Aberdares, Mathews Range, Cherenganyi, and the Elgeyo-Marakwet escarpment.
More striking is the fact that at the crater, one is able to have a beautiful view of Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and the beauty of the crater itself. The hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to walk from the crater rim to the base and back.
Menengai Crater Nakuru: The day trip hike begins at the viewpoint downhill to the floor of the crater, a flat stretch, then a rocky, grassy uphill to the summit. It is a pleasant trip with breathtaking views of the crater as well as surrounding parts of the Rift Valley. There are several trails leading to different exit points. The descent down the crater looks pretty easy. However, it is the long trek upward that is torturous.
Various bird species, as well as hyenas, baboons, and dik-diks, can be spotted around the crater.
With its amazing scenery, the Menengai crater is indeed one of the most attractive places in the Rift Valley. The hiking, trekking, camping and picnicking options available to the visitor offer the promise of a rewarding trip.
There are also caves that can be explored, but they tend to be frequented by those on religious pilgrimages.
Menengai Crater {Nakuru} Day Hike Itinerary:
06:00 hrs: Pick up from a central point in Nairobi CBD and depart for Menengai crater, Nakuru County
07:30 hrs: Stop-over at the View Point
09:30 hrs: Arrival at the Menengai Forest station gate
10:00 hrs. Begin hiking (approximately 4-5 hours) Hiking is hard and challenging. You must be fit to finish the whole hike
12:30 Hrs: Enjoy a packed Lunch box
15:30 hrs: Begin your journey back to Nairobi.
06:30 hrs: Arrival in Nairobi with fond memories to cherish.
