Menengai Crater at a glance
Menengai Crater rises above the town of Nakuru. It is a caldera, the wide bowl that remains when a volcano collapses into its own emptied magma chamber. The Geothermal Development Company describes it as an elliptical caldera of about 8 by 12 km. The crater floor is wooded, and dark lava fields spread across it.
The crater lies in Menengai Forest, which the Kenya Forest Service manages. Visitors come for the views from the rim, for walks on the forest tracks and for a quiet day away from the park gates. It also works as a half-day add-on to a Lake Nakuru safari, since both sit close to Nakuru town.
Menengai Crater viewpoints
The forest has vehicle tracks and walking trails. The main reason to go is the view from the rim into the crater, where you can see the wooded floor and the red rock wall on the inner side. Cliff edges are the main hazard here. The Kenya Forest Service warns of deep, dangerous drops at the viewing edges.
- Stay on marked paths. Do not step past the edge for a photo.
- Drive slowly on the way down. The limit is 40 km/h.
- No fires, no feeding animals, no single-use plastic bottles.
Hours are 06:00 to 18:00. Overnight stays need a separate arrangement with the forest authority. If you want to learn the area, you can hire a guide at the main gate for a fee.
Lake Nakuru tours and safaris
Day trips, safaris and combinations around Nakuru, with live prices and availability.
Menengai Crater hiking: fees in 2026
Amounts set by the community forest association, per person or vehicle, as of 2026. They can change, so ask at the main gate.
| Category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adult rate | KES 332 | KES 100 |
| Kenya resident | KES 1,000 | KES 300 |
| Non-resident | KES 1,500 | KES 500 |
| Vehicle | Fee |
|---|---|
| 5-seater | KES 200 |
| 14-seater | KES 500 |
| Larger bus | KES 1,000 |
Ask at the gate which citizenship the standard adult rate covers. For most visitors from abroad, plan on the non-resident rate. Hiking route lengths are not fixed here, so ask at the gate which trail suits your time and fitness. Guides are available at the main gate for a fee.
History: how Menengai Crater formed
The history of Menengai is geological. The caldera marks the collapse of a large volcano, and the dark lava fields on the floor are part of what it left behind. Menengai is part of the volcanic activity that shaped the Great Rift Valley, where the earth's crust stretches and cracks.
Today the same heat is used for power. The first phase of the Menengai project has 105 MW, and one plant was connected to the grid in March 2026. A geothermal pool and spa complex has been announced, but do not plan a visit around it. Treat drill sites and plant areas as closed unless someone with authority tells you otherwise.
How to plan a visit to Menengai Crater
Four points that shape a good half day.
Start early
The forest is open from 06:00 to 18:00. An early start gives you the longest daylight window for the rim and the trails, and leaves time to be out before closing.
Drive carefully
The limit on the descent is 40 km/h. Ask at the main gate which tracks and trails are open.
Respect the edges
The viewing edges drop steeply. Keep to marked paths, keep children close and do not climb past a barrier or marker for a photo.
Link it with the park
Lake Nakuru National Park opens its gates at 06:00 and closes them at 18:00. Its Main Gate is 4 km from Nakuru City, so you can fit the crater into a morning and the park into the rest of the day. See the entry fee page for park tariffs.
More around Nakuru
Other places to combine with the crater.
Menengai Crater: frequently asked questions
How big is Menengai Crater?
The Geothermal Development Company describes an elliptical caldera of about 8 by 12 km.
Can I hike in Menengai Crater?
Yes, the forest has walking trails and vehicle tracks. Stay on marked paths, keep away from the cliff edges and ask at the main gate which route is open.
What are the opening hours?
Forest access is from 06:00 to 18:00. Overnight stays need a separate arrangement.
How much does it cost?
The community forest association charges KES 332 for adults and KES 100 for children, KES 1,000 and KES 300 for residents, and KES 1,500 and KES 500 for non-residents, as of 2026. Vehicles pay KES 200 to 1,000 depending on size. Confirm the amount at the gate.
Can I visit the geothermal power plants?
Do not count on it. Treat drill sites and plant areas as closed unless someone with authority invites you in.
Is lake-nakuru.org the official site of Menengai Forest?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not connected to the Kenya Forest Service, the community forest association, Nakuru County or any tour operator.