Tucked into the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Suswa isn’t your average camping destination. It’s wild, unmarked, unfenced — and completely unforgettable. With dramatic crater views, echoing lava caves, and a sky full of stars, camping at Mount Suswa is a raw, off-grid experience that reconnects you to nature and local culture like few places in Kenya can.
If you’re looking for somewhere wild, quiet, and breathtaking — this is it.
🌋 Why Camp at Mount Suswa?
- Unreal scenery: Camp on the rim of a double volcano with views into a forested crater
- World-class stargazing: Zero light pollution — just you, the Milky Way, and silence
- Proximity to lava caves: Camp within walking distance of eerie and beautiful cave systems
- Total solitude: No crowds, no fences, no lodges — just you and the elements
- Local culture: Camp near Maasai manyattas, and join in cultural visits or storytelling by firelight
📍 Where to Camp at Mount Suswa
There are no formal campsites, but there are three commonly used camping areas within the conservancy:
1. Cave Camp Area
- Near the Baboon Parliament lava cave system
- Good shelter from wind, close to long-drop toilets and fire pits
- Ideal for exploring caves, steam vents, and nearby wildlife
2. Crater Rim Campsite
- Perched on the outer rim, with jaw-dropping views into the inner and outer craters
- More exposed to wind and sun, but perfect for sunrise/sunset lovers
- Excellent photography and stargazing spot
3. Inner Crater Forest (Advanced Option)
- Requires guided descent into the inner crater
- Remote, quiet, shaded — for experienced campers only
- Dense forest with unique birdlife and rare animal tracks
🔦 Important: There are no shops, lights, water, or security fences — you are fully self-sufficient here.
🏕️ Camping Facilities at Suswa
| Facility | Available? |
|---|---|
| Long-drop toilets | ✅ Near cave area only |
| Fire pits | ✅ Some near established sites |
| Firewood | ✅ Buy from locals (~KES 1,000) |
| Water | ❌ Bring your own (5–10L/person) |
| Electricity | ❌ Off-grid |
| Showers | ❌ No bathing facilities |
| Mobile Signal | ❌ Very limited or none |
💧 Water Tip: The lava rock makes water seep into the ground fast — carry at least 5L per person per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.
💰 Camping Fees at Mount Suswa (2025)
| Fee Type | Citizen/Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entry (Adult) | KES 500–1,000 | $30 USD |
| Camping Fee (Adult) | KES 1,000 per night | Same |
| Camping Fee (Child) | KES 500 per night | $10 USD |
| Firewood (optional) | KES 1,000 per night | KES 1,000 |
| Vehicle Entry (Car) | KES 500 | KES 500 |
| Guide Fee (Per Group/Day) | KES 2,000–3,000 | KES 2,000–3,000 |
✅ Fees are paid in cash directly to Maasai gatekeepers or your guide. No M-PESA or cards accepted.
🎒 What to Pack for Camping at Suswa
Essentials
- Tent, sleeping bag, and mat
- Cooking stove, gas, and utensils
- Flashlight/headlamp + extra batteries
- At least 5L drinking water per person/day
- Power bank
- Food & snacks
- Trash bags (Leave No Trace)
Clothing
- Warm jacket or fleece (nights can be very cold)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Long sleeves and trousers (for caves & thorny brush)
Optional but Recommended
- Firewood or charcoal
- Small towel & biodegradable soap
- Binoculars (for birdwatching)
- First-aid kit
- Camera and tripod (night photography is incredible)
🔥 Campfire Rules
- Fires are allowed in existing fire rings or open clearings
- Buy firewood from locals — don’t collect it from the bush
- Always extinguish completely before sleeping
- Be mindful of wind direction on the crater rim
🧭 Safety Tips for Camping in Suswa
- Camp in groups or with a guide — it’s more secure and fun
- Avoid walking alone at night — animals like hyenas and snakes are nocturnal
- Don’t enter caves after dark
- Tell someone in Nairobi your plan and expected return time
- Keep food sealed — baboons and hyenas may come sniffing
- Leave no trash behind — carry out everything you brought in
🗓️ Best Time for Camping at Suswa
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Dry, cool nights, ideal for camping |
| June–Oct | Dry, clearer skies, best for hiking & views |
| Apr–May/Nov | Wet, road access difficult, caves slippery |
🌄 Early mornings and golden hour (5:30–6:30 AM/PM) are best for hikes and photos.
🤝 Camping with a Guide
Hiring a local Maasai guide is highly recommended. They’ll:
- Help set up camp in a safe, scenic spot
- Guide you through caves and rim hikes
- Share local stories, legends, and survival tips
- Connect you with cultural experiences like visiting a manyatta
🧑🌾 Typical guide cost: KES 2,000–3,000 per group per day
📞 Guides can be arranged in Suswa Town or through the Conservancy.
🌌 What Makes Suswa Camping Special
- Sleeping on the rim of a volcano
- Bats and baboons in caves by day
- Campfire chats under starlit silence
- No crowds, no noise, no Wi-Fi — just wild peace
✅ Final Tips Before You Go
- 🚙 4×4 is a must — the last 14 km is rough
- 💸 Carry cash only
- 🔋 Bring a fully charged power bank
- 📶 Download offline maps and GPS (no signal out there)
- 🙏 Respect the land and Maasai customs
🌠 Ready to Camp at Suswa?
Mount Suswa isn’t about luxury — it’s about discovery. About waking up with the crater below you and the wind as your only alarm. About firelight, stories, silence, and stars.
So pack your gear, fuel up your 4×4, and head for the crater. Adventure is waiting.