Menengai crater

Menengai Crater, located in Nakuru 159km from Nairobi town and 20 minutes from Nakuru CBD, provides the most scenic view of the Rift Valley Crater. Due to the conditions of the road, it is not advisable to use a cab. Preferably biking, hiking or a 4 by 4 vehicles should be used depending on the route used. On my visit there, we went hiking with a handful of my friends. We started early since its almost a 2km climb to the top of the crater. A tip, wear good shoes for hiking and carry water because it gets really hot during the day when hiking. At the entrance we were charged 200/= per head. They charge non residents 500/= We did not use a guide since the path is clearly shown. There are some places it gets steep and you have to be weary but most of the climb was smooth and the only non enjoyable thing is getting tired. There was a point we reached that we were able to see the whole of Nakuru Town and The Lake Nakuru. It was such a beautiful sight. We got to the top in about 3 hours. The view from there is mind blowing. Words fail to explain the beauty and splendour of the crater. There, we got to buy some souvenirs from curios shops owned by locals. They were so cheerful and welcoming. If you are hiking, be mindful of time and start the way back giving yourself at least 3 hour of day time allowance. We got back at around 4pm and I remember how beat I was. All in all, the view is to die for and I wouldn’t mind making the climb again.

A heavenly view of the Great Rift Valley depression. Located on the northern side of Nakuru is the single largest surviving volcanic crater in the world. The Menengai Crater is an extinct volcano that offers striking views of Lake Nakuru and the crater itself. It is advisable to use a 4 by 4 vehicle to get to the top of the crater. Although one can also use an uber which will cost you 500/= from Nakuru CBD. There is also the option of hiking or biking if you are up for some team building activities. The crater is under the Kenya Forest Services and it is therefore mandatory to pay a fee before maneuvering through the forest to the crater. We were charged 200/= per person for residents and 500/= for non resident. After payment, we drove through 2km of a forested area. The drive is not treacherous since there is a murram road that leads directly to the crater. While driving we got to see some settlements. We also got to see the service station for KBC. There was this spot we stopped and got to see a magnificent view of Lake Nakuru. We got to the crater and thats when I realized just how high up we were. . There are these cottages right at the edge of the cliff that thats where we had our lunch. If you are not a big fan of heights, you will most likely need to face your fear when getting there. There is also a beautiful curio shop at the edge of the cliff where we got to buy some souvenirs. The locals are the once who own the curio shops and they are the most delightful of people. This is truly a spectacular place.

Exploring nature is one of my favourite activities. Whenever am in a new town, I find local parks and sceneries to visit. So, the last time I was in Nakuru that’s exactly what I did. I had never been to Menengai crater so I called up my relatives and asked them to join me on this excursion. Menengai crater is located in Nakuru county around 170kms from Nairobi. Its on the northern side of the town. A drive from Nairobi to Nakuru usually takes around 4 hours. From Nakuru town, it took us around 30 minutes to get to the park entrance. The entrance fee at the gate was KSh200. We arrived at the crater at around 2pm. Due to poor signage along the route we got lost a few times. I suggest checking your map and confirming the route before starting your journey to the crater. We arrived at the Kenya Forest Service barrier, paid the entrance fee and were allowed in. Since we were driving to the viewpoint, we did not see the need for paying a guide. However, if you want a work out, walking is allowed. The views at the top of the crater are quite beautiful, to the back you can see Lake Nakuru and the expansive town. The view into the crater was even more impressive and we could see the power plants from that vantage point. We also got a chance to buy some souvenirs from the curio shops at the view point. For the hiking fans, there is a hiking trail from the viewpoint into the crater. If you plan to do this, I suggest you dress in boots and sporting wear. The trail looked quite difficult to traverse. I’ve added hiking this crater to my bucket list. The views down into the crater looked incredible and I will be a fool if I don’t try hiking down there. The viewpoint is perfect for picnics and I highly recommend Menengai crater to hikers and tourists who just want to enjoy the view.