Suswa is one of Kenya’s best-kept travel secrets that has a lot to offer. there are many things to do in Suswa as a traveler and get to enjoy the best time in the place. This place has a mixture of rugged landscapes, rich Maasai culture, and unique geological formations.
This blog post will explore things to do in Suswa, Kenya, all explained into detail with unique features they have.
1. Tour Mount Suswa Crater and Inner Volcano
Mount Suswa is one of the world’s few double crater volcanoes, which has an outer rim and a smaller inner volcanic cone. Hiking to Mount Suswa offers scenic panoramic views of the Rift Valley, and once you reach the inner crater, you will be amazed by its unique sunken forest.
Hiking is moderately challenging but rewarding. You’ll get a mix of dry scrub, rocky trails, and even some green patches, especially in the rainy season. It’s safer to have a local guide or Maasai escort for cultural as well as protection purposes.
The sunrise or sunset view from the rim is simply enchanting, perfect for nature and photography enthusiasts. If you enjoy camping, there are several great locations along the rim where you can pitch a tent and enjoy dark nights with minimal light pollution. This is an experience not to be missed for lovers of landscape and nature.
2. Visit the Famous Lava Caves
Beneath the surface of the mountain lies an interesting network of lava caves, formed centuries ago by flowing molten lava. These caves are not just geological wonders but also hold cultural significance for the local Maasai people who use them for rituals, prayers, and even shelter for livestock.
The caves are cool and dark, so carrying a torch or headlamp is essential. You’ll walk through tunnels with stalactites, hanging roots, and even bat colonies. Some sections are massive chambers, while others are tight, narrow corridors. Your local guide will typically inform you of the usage of the caves under times of war or drought, and there is a historical element to your excursion.
There is one such cave, the “Baboon Parliament,” which is named after the baboons that overnight in them and socialize in the morning just outside the entrance. Exploring these caves offers a wonderful combination of adventure, culture, and geology all packaged in one excursion.
3. Camping at the Crater Rim
For a taste of a raw, off-the-beaten-path experience, camping on the rim of Suswa’s crater is an adventure one will never forget. The rim vistas are out of this world, imagine waking up to stunning sunrises over the Rift Valley and passing evenings by the campfire with the sounds of wild animals chirping in the background.
You can bring your own gear or rent with a local guide who provides tents, provisions, and security. This is absolutely in the middle of nowhere, so there is no electricity or running water, but that’s the idea. You’ll have peaceful isolation, clean air, and a sky as pure as you can see the Milky Way. You may even hear hyena calls or see grazing zebras.
Always be considerate of the environment, remove your garbage and avoid making fires in vulnerable areas. If you get lucky, you will also have a visit from local herders who are always ready to regale you with stories.
4. Encounter the Local Maasai Community
One of the richest experiences in Suswa is engagement with the local Maasai people. The Maasai have lived here for generations and give a rich cultural perspective on how people live with nature. Some of the local guides are even Maasai, and some communities even offer cultural tours.
These can include visiting a traditional boma (homestead), watching or participating in traditional dances, and learning about their traditions, such as beadwork, cattle herding, and rites of passage. You’ll gain insights into how they utilize natural resources, their relationship with the land, and their spiritual beliefs especially around Mount Suswa, which they consider sacred.
Supporting these experiences also helps the local economy and encourages preservation of cultural heritage. Don’t forget to buy a handmade souvenir, it’s a meaningful way to remember your trip and support local artisans.
5. Watch the Sunset Over the Rift Valley Escarpment
The sunsets over Suswa are simply breathtaking. When the sun begins setting below the horizon, it casts golden and red colours in the sky, lighting up the walls of the crater and the surrounding hills. The best places from which to view the sunset are the rim of the crater or some of the higher vantage points elsewhere.
If camping, this is simply the best way to wind down your day, sit peacefully, blanket on your lap, sipping tea or coffee as the sky colors change. Photographers will have a smorgasbord to choose from, as the contrast between the lighting skies and rough terrain unfolds in dramatic vistas.
The quiet of the scene is only to be wondered at. It’s also perfect for viewing nocturnal creatures beginning to stir. Whether you’re with friends, your partner, or alone, this natural spectacle will leave a lasting memory.
6. Hike to the Inner Crater Forest
Not many people know that inside Mount Suswa’s inner crater lies a small, secluded forest. Getting there involves hiking down the rim into the sunken basin, and it feels like stepping into another world.
The terrain quickly becomes from rock to soft green vegetation and acacia trees with thick undergrowth. It’s incredibly green given the dryness that surrounds it and is filled with birdlife and small wildlife. The forest is at its most beautiful when wet because everything is green.
This walk needs to be done with a guide because the paths can be confusing and very easy to lose one’s way on. It is a peaceful place, perfect for meditation, birding, or even relaxing in nature’s embrace. The crater forest inside is also reported by locals to be spiritually imbued, and you might get to hear some tales or legends from your guide that add to the experience.
7. Birding and Wildlife Viewing
Suswa boasts rich bird and wildlife life and is therefore a great location for nature lovers and budding ornithologists. The variety of habitats in the area, from the steep cliffs and open grasslands to the belt forests of the inner crater, supports a great range of species. You will spot eagles, vultures, hornbills, and sunbirds, among others.
A pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook will enrich your experience. The ground is where you would be able to spot zebras, hyraxes, mongoose, and the very rare leopard, spotted hardly ever. Troops of baboons can be seen roaming the lava caves.
Early morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife viewing. Since the area is not too touristy, the animals will naturally behave more like themselves, and you have them to yourself without the noise and the crowds. If you’re willing to keep your mouth shut and stand still for a while, you’ll be rewarded with some excellent sightings and maybe even some fantastic photos.
8. Take a Photo Tour
For pros and enthusiasts alike, Suswa offers a unique set of subjects: dramatic landscapes, volcanic scenery, cultural scenes, and pristine wildlife. The light, especially during golden hours, is exceptional.
You can photograph wide-angle views of the Rift Valley, close-up shots of lava cave textures, portraits of Maasai warriors in traditional gear, and nighttime shots under crystal-clear starry skies. It’s worth staying for a couple of days in Suswa to get the sunrise and sunset shots, and to visit the crater and caves at different lighting conditions.
A local guide will also help find lesser-used trails and good cultural photography opportunities. If astro-photography is your thing, then no light pollution is a dream come true for a photographer.
Don’t forget to carry enough batteries, memory cards, and maybe even a tripod, though. And always ask permission first to take photographs of individuals, especially on cultural trips.
9. Drive or Cycle Along the Scenic Trails
If you own a 4×4 or mountain bike, Suswa has rugged off-road trails that wind through its volcanic country and gigantic plains. The trails have stunning views at every turn, with options of pulling over and exploring rock formations, tiny caves, or isolated viewpoints.
The trip from Suswa town to the actual crater is scenic but bumpy, perfect for off-road fan travelers. Mountain biking, on the other hand, is a thrilling adventure to familiarize yourself with the area, especially if you are an endurance and nature lover bundled into one.
You could pass by sheep or cattle herders along the way, making the whole experience very local. Always go prepared carry extra water, a map or GPS, and ideally a guide, as signage is minimal and cell signal can be unreliable. These routes are also a favorite for landscape photographers and filmmakers looking to capture Kenya’s wild beauty.
10. Experience the Night Sky
If you’ve never experienced a truly dark sky, Suswa will blow your mind. With no pollution of light and wide open spaces, gazing at the stars here is sheer magic.
On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches along the horizon, and you can spot thousands of stars with the naked eye. You can simply sit in your camp or set up a camera for a time-lapse photography session. Some evenings, you can even spot shooting stars or satellites streaking overhead.
It’s the perfect spot for telling stories, reflection, or just enjoying the silence of evening. It’s especially enchanting for anyone with an urban background, where night skies are normally masked by artificial light. It’s these quiet, starry moments that turn a Suswa trip from good to great.
Conclusion
Suswa is a great place for visitors looking to experience the best time ever exploring and doing memorable things. The above10 things to do in Suswa can help you decide on what vibe to choose from. Remember this a just a few of the activities you can enjoy at this place.
