8-Hour Menengai Crater Hike from Nairobi with Caldera Descent

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Take in views from the Great Rift Valley viewpoint on the way to Nakuru
• 02 Experience an exhilarating hike to Menengai Crater and down to the crater floor
• 03 Challenge yourself on a 6-hour hike rated moderate to high difficulty
• 04 Get a closer view of the caldera during the descent into the crater

Hike to Menengai Crater, an extinct volcano on the northern side of Nakuru, on this 8-hour adventure from Nairobi. Take in views from the Great Rift Valley viewpoint before heading to the crater for a rewarding climb. Continue down to the crater floor for a closer view of the caldera and a more immersive hiking experience.

Hike to Menengai Crater, an extinct volcano on the northern side of Nakuru, on this 8-hour adventure from Nairobi.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Menengai Crater Hike via the Great Rift Valley

• 07:00 am: Pick-up from Kencom bus station and departure.

• 08:00 am: Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos.

• 08:30 am: Continue the journey to Nakuru. Reach Menengai Crater at around 09:30 am to allow ample time for hiking.

• 09:30 am: Begin the hike at Capital Hill Hotel, which is about 5 km from the caldera.

• 12:00 pm: Take on the challenge of going down into the crater for a closer view of the caldera. This part of the hike takes about 2-3 hours.

• 02:00 pm: Assemble at the viewpoint to rest.

• 02:30 pm: Have lunch.

• 04:30 pm: Depart for Nairobi.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Round-trip transport from Nairobi

• Complimentary bottled water

• Park entrance fees

• Services of a local guide

What's Not Included

• Tips

• Personal expenses

• Medical insurance

What to bring

• ID/Passport

• Backpack with a day-pack

• Comfortable hiking boots/shoes with a good grip

• Wooden walking stick (optional), sunglasses, sun hat

• Healthy snacks and packed lunch

• Extra drinking water

• Camera with spare film and batteries

Know before you go

• This tour can be customized.

• Charges for Citizens:

  • Adults - Ksh. 2,999 per person

  • Children - Ksh. 2,699 per person

• Charges for Residents:

  • Adults - Ksh. 3,999 per person

  • Children - Ksh. 3,799 per person

• Charges for Non-Residents:

  • Adults - US$79 per person

  • Children - US$69 per person

• Summary of the hike:

  • Distance from Nairobi: 180 km.

  • Starting/ending point: Menengai Crater View Point.

  • Walking duration: 6 hours.

  • Terrain: Dirt road, swampy trail, bamboo zone, rocky zones.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to high.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kencom Parking Garage, Nkrumah Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

Tour start

Nakuru East, Kiambu, Kenya

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.