Menengai Crater Entrance Fees

We’ll talk about Menengai Crater Entrance Fees in this article. In Kenya’s Nakuru County, Menengai Crater is situated approximately two hours and thirty minutes away from Nairobi City. The second largest caldera in Africa, it is shaped like Krakatau. It is also, of course, one of the largest volcano calderas on Earth.

Beautiful views of the surrounding lakes, Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria, as well as the crater’s interior, may be seen from Menengai Crater. According to reports, the caldera and volcano developed between 8,000 and 200,000 years ago, respectively. Numerous post-caldera lava flows blanket the caldera floor.

The Menengai volcano features a dense pile of lava rocks, impassable ridges, and very little silt in the crater, making it one of the best-preserved Krakatau-style calderas in the world. The Kenya Forest Service guards the Menengai Crater, which is encircled by dense forest. There are lots of grasses and blooming plants, and you can spot Kirk’s dik-dik and thin mongooses. Here you can find black-faced vervet monkeys, mountain reedbuck, and tree hyrax. Along with other woodland bird species, it is also home to the African Marsh Harrier, Verreaux eagle, and Abyssinian ground hornbill.

History Of Menengai Crater (Is it true or a Myth?)

A violent conflict between several Masai clans over control of the pastures on the slopes of the Rift Valley and Naivasha occurred in the Menengai Crater during the 1800s. The Ilpurko Masai, who live to the south of the Ilaikipiak Moran (warriors), are said to have thrown the former over the brink of the crater. The tradition states that the fumaroles rising from the crater bed are the spirits of the defeated, searching for a path to paradise. Menenga, a Maa term, translates to “the dead.” The crater is massive, measuring 500 meters deep and 12 kilometers in diameter. There is a wildlife reserve all around the peak.

Numerous accounts of unusual events have led many people to believe that this location is haunted.Strange occurrences are reported to occur in the crater, including some going missing and others losing their way for hours or even days until their relatives discover them aimlessly strolling around.

The locals think that demonic spirits roam the crater, capturing humans and animals and hiding them in the netherworld.There is a legend that claims ghosts farmed a bountiful plot of land on the crater bottom in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Eyewitnesses said that the “demons” could plant wheat, harvest, and till the area with tractors in less than an hour. The devil is said to have been spotted on a motorcycle on “Devil’s Hill,” or Kirima Kia ngoma, a hill near to the crater, according to the locals. Another well-known rumor is that there is a “flying umbrella” that appears every time it rains. In spite of the legends, there are individuals who spend months in prayer in the cave located south of the crater. When they pray in the crater, they claim to feel extremely near to God.

Menengai Crater Activities

Touring Menengai Caldera

The largest volcano caldera in Kenya is called Menengai Crater. Furthermore, a sizable portion of the Caldera is covered in post-caldera lava flows. The caldera’s debris is primarily a dense mass of ridges and boulders formed by volcanic eruptions. Even in modern times, there is still volcanic activity, which Kenya uses to produce electricity through geothermal power. With its breathtakingly beautiful cliffs and expansive circular rims, the Menengai Crater caldera is a popular tourist destination worldwide.

Mountain Biking and Hiking

Along with your companions, you can trek or ride a bike along the nature trail that winds through the Menengai forest while taking in the local breeze and chirping birds. A popular destination for tourists who wish to go hiking, running, or dog walking is the crater. You can stroll from the Menengai Crater viewpoint, walk around the crater, and then hike back to the same location with the assistance of a local guide. Hikers can ride a motorbike or go on a guided walk, which is around 6 km from the main entrance. The four-hour journey is one you won’t soon forget, and no amount of pictures can do it justice.

Picnicking

You can arrange to visit the location for camping and other excursions as there are campgrounds nearby. People go on picnics and take pictures at the crater and the caves. Its peace and tranquility make it a great place for a picnic.

Visit the Menengai Caves

In the woodland, there are two caves. During the struggle for Kenyan independence, the Mau Mau rebels used both caverns as hideouts. These days, pilgrims from all around Kenya gather here to fast, pray, ponder, and reflect.

Photography and Site Seeing

An excellent view of Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and Nakuru town can be seen from Menengai Crater. It’s an excellent location for photography.

Camping

This is a nice area for camping and picnics.

Bird Watching

As you go and travel along the crater and forest trail leading to the caves, observe several bird species.

Menengai Crater Entry Charges

The Kenya Forest Service gate is where you pay the Menengai Crater entry fee. Don’t forget to bring your passport or other official identification.

Menengai Service Fees