Mount Suswa is the kind of place where the sky feels closer, the nights are darker, and the silence is ancient. It’s not a place of lodges and luxury — it’s about campfires, caves, crater views, and connection to the land. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared or comfortable.
This guide walks you through all your options for overnight stays, from self-camping to cultural immersion and low-impact lodges.
🏕️ Everything You Need to Know About Camping in Suswa
Camping in Mount Suswa is one of the most authentic outdoor experiences in Kenya. There are no developed facilities, and no crowds — just the stars, the crater rim, and the wild sounds of nature.
Why Camp Here?
- Access sunrise and sunset views from the rim or inner crater
- Stargaze under crystal-clear skies with no light pollution
- Explore lava caves and wake up near baboons, birds, and hyenas
- Connect deeply with Maasai guides and the landscape
Basic Info:
- Fee: 1,000 KES per adult per night
- No water, no shops — bring everything you need
- Long-drop toilets available at main camp zones
- Firewood can be bought locally (~1,000 KES per bundle)
📝 Booking isn’t formal — coordinate with a guide or the Suswa Conservancy in advance, especially if camping as a group.
📍 Best Campsites in Mount Suswa
Here are the top camping zones, each offering unique views and proximity to key features:
1. Cave Campsite (Baboon Parliament Area)
- Sheltered by rock formations and close to the lava caves
- Easy access to the Baboon Parliament and steam vent walks
- Perfect for beginner campers or families
- Basic pit latrines and pre-cleared tent sites
2. Crater Rim Camp
- Located on the eastern or northern rim
- Offers epic sunrise/sunset views over the entire inner caldera
- Windier, more exposed — but unforgettable scenery
- Great for solo adventurers, photographers, or star-chasers
3. Maasai Campsite (Community Host Zone)
- Camp near a working Maasai homestead, with optional meal support
- Cultural exchange opportunities
- Can be arranged with meals, guides, or livestock experiences
- Ideal for families and visitors wanting added support
🌄 Whichever spot you choose, bring a groundsheet, layers, and a headlamp — Suswa nights are cold, quiet, and pitch dark.
🌌 How to Book an Overnight Stay in Suswa
Since Suswa is a community-managed conservancy, overnight stays are usually arranged informally and directly.
Booking Options:
- Through a local guide (recommended for cave or crater camps)
- By calling the Suswa Conservancy office or reaching out via social media
- Through eco camps or Nairobi-based adventure groups who coordinate trips
- For manyatta stays, you’ll often book on arrival, but advanced notice is best
💰 Expect to pay:
- 500–1,000 KES per night for camping
- 1,000–4,500 KES per person for manyatta stays with meals
- 2,000–3,000 KES per day for guide services
🛖 Staying in a Maasai Manyatta at Suswa
For a truly cultural and immersive experience, you can stay in a Maasai manyatta — a traditional homestead made of earth, sticks, and cow dung, nestled near the base of Mount Suswa.
What It Includes:
- Private sleeping hut with bedding (basic, clean, cozy)
- Dinner, breakfast, and possibly lunch
- Evening around the fire with stories, songs, and sharing
- Morning cultural activities (milking, fire-making, beadwork)
Cost:
- ~4,500 KES per person per night (all meals included)
- Optional guided hikes, cave visits, or livestock tours
🌿 This is more than just accommodation — it’s a respectful step into the life, wisdom, and hospitality of the Maasai.
🎒 Essential Camping Gear for Suswa Adventures
Mount Suswa is remote, rugged, and cold at night. There’s no gear rental, so bring everything you need. Here’s a checklist:
Must-Have Camping Gear:
- Tent (with groundsheet or tarp)
- Warm sleeping bag (temperatures drop below 10°C)
- Sleeping mat or pad
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Portable stove or cold meals
- Cooking utensils and cleanup gear
- Trash bags (carry out all waste)
- First aid kit, wet wipes, insect repellent
- Enough water for drinking, cooking, cleaning
- Warm clothes, rain jacket, hat, and sunscreen
🔥 Buy firewood locally — do not cut or collect from the bush.
🌱 Top Eco Lodges Near Mount Suswa
While there are no luxury lodges inside Suswa itself, nearby areas offer eco-conscious accommodation for travelers who want comfort while staying close to the mountain.
Recommended Eco-Stays:
- Enchoro Wildlife Camp (near Narok)
- Budget-friendly, community-run, good for stopovers
- Camp Carnelley’s (Lake Naivasha)
- Eco lodge on the lake, 1.5 hours away, perfect post-Suswa rest
- Leleshwa Camp (Private, on request)
- High-end, exclusive eco-safari experience (requires pre-arrangement)
These places pair well with Suswa hikes and offer hot showers, meals, and secure parking — perfect for recovery before or after a wild camping adventure.
✅ Final Thoughts: Where You Stay Shapes What You Experience
Camping in Suswa isn’t just about saving money — it’s about waking up on a volcanic rim, hearing baboons in the distance, watching stars cut through black skies, and being part of a landscape as old as time.
Whether you choose to sleep in a cave camp, under the crater sky, or inside a manyatta, you’ll leave with stories that last a lifetime — and a deeper respect for the land, its people, and your own adventurous spirit.