Menengai Crater

Why visit

Menengai is a shield volcano whose summit collapsed long ago to form a caldera, a giant bowl about 12 kilometres across and up to several hundred metres deep. Its floor is a rough landscape of dark lava flows and bush, and the crater is still warm underground: Kenya is drilling geothermal wells here, and you can often see their steam. Its Maa name is often said to mean “place of corpses”, after a nineteenth-century battle between Maasai groups said to have ended at the crater’s edge.

What to see and do

• The viewpoint: a short walk from the end of the road on the rim, with views over the caldera and, on the other side, down to Nakuru and its lake.
• Hiking: trails lead down into the crater and across the lava fields. Go with a local guide.
• Sunrise and sunset: the light on the crater walls is best early and late in the day.
• Cycling: the road up from town is a popular, steep challenge for local cyclists.

Getting there

From Nakuru, follow the signs north towards the crater. A taxi or ride-hailing car takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and many drivers will wait for you. The last part of the road is rough after rain.

Tips

• Go with a guide or in a group, and avoid the rim after dark.
• Carry water, sun protection and a warm layer, as it is breezy and cool on top.
• Combine it with Lake Nakuru National Park in our three-day itinerary.