On the western escarpment above Lake Naivasha, visible from the lake as a dark, forested ridge rising from the valley wall, Eburru is Naivasha’s most rewarding hike for those who know about it, and one of the least known to those who don’t.
While Mount Longonot receives the vast majority of hiking attention in the area, the indigenous forest and volcanic landscape of Eburru offer a more varied, cooler, and less crowded experience that many experienced hikers prefer.
Ol Doinyo Eburru is a dormant shield volcano with a summit plateau and several crater lakes of its own. The forest that covers its slopes, indigenous highland forest with podocarpus, cedar, and other species, is a significant ecological asset in a region where indigenous forest has largely been cleared for agriculture. The forest is home to colobus monkeys, various forest birds, and a range of plant species not found at the lower altitudes of the lake basin.
The Hike – Eburru Forest and Mount Eburru
The approach to Eburru begins from the western lake circuit road, where a rough track leads up through the lower forest toward the geothermal steam fields that mark the transition from forest to highland.
The geothermal activity at Eburru is significant, KenGen has explored the area’s geothermal potential, and steam vents are visible on the upper slopes. The combination of indigenous forest, geothermal steam, and elevated views across Lake Naivasha and the Rift Valley makes for a hike that covers more ecological and geological ground than almost any other trail in the region.
The trail passes through several distinct vegetation zones: lake basin grassland, riverine forest, mid-altitude indigenous forest, highland moorland, and the summit plateau. A waterfall on one of the forest streams adds another attraction. The views from the ridge, Lake Naivasha far below, Crescent Island visible, Mount Longonot’s cone rising to the south, are extraordinary.
Practical Information about Eburru Forest and Mount Eburru Hiking
Eburru is best approached with a local guide. The trails are not as formally maintained as those at Longonot or Hell’s Gate, and route-finding in the forest requires local knowledge. Several community guides operate from the villages on the western escarpment and can be arranged through your hotel or through local tour operators in Naivasha town. A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended for the access road, which can be muddy and rutted after rain.
| Location | Western escarpment above Lake Naivasha, Moi South Lake Road direction |
| Hike type | Forest and volcanic highland trail — multi-zone ecology |
| Key features | Indigenous forest, geothermal vents, waterfall, panoramic Rift Valley views |
| Wildlife | Colobus monkeys, forest birds, baboons |
| Guide | Local guide strongly recommended — trails not formally marked |
| Vehicle | 4WD recommended for access road |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging depending on route |
| Best time | Dry seasons: January–March, July–October |
| Crowds | Very few — genuinely uncrowded compared to Longonot and Hell’s Gate |
| The Insider’s Choice: If you have already hiked Longonot and want something different, or if you simply prefer your hikes without crowds and with more ecological variety, Eburru is the answer. Ask at any Naivasha lakeside hotel for a local Eburru guide recommendation. |