Main image

Kathryn Combes 2008, exec officer, Soysambu Conservancy Ltd CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Ol Doinyo Eburru

Mountain

A volcanic complex in Kenya's Rift region near Nakuru, notable for forested slopes, rocky ridges and geothermal features. Hikers and birdwatchers use networked trails for day trips and local guiding.

Ol Doinyo Eburru NairobiMaasai MaraMombasaAmboseli National ParkOl Doinyo Eburru
In this guide

Ol Doinyo Eburru essentials

Country: Kenya
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Shilling (Sh)
Language: English, Swahili

Ol Doinyo Eburru at a Glance

About Ol Doinyo Eburru

Ol Doinyo Eburru is a volcanic complex in the central Kenya Rift in Nakuru County, north of Lake Naivasha. The complex comprises many small craters, cones and fumarolic areas formed by Rift-related volcanism.

The area is known for steam vents, crater depressions and local geothermal activity; it has attracted geothermal prospecting and small-scale development. Terrain around the volcanic features offers viewpoints over nearby Rift Valley lakes and plains.

Ol Doinyo Eburru sits within the central branch of the East African Rift system in Nakuru County, central Kenya, lying north of the Lake Naivasha basin and accessible from road networks serving the Rift lakes region.

  • Rift setting and views: Part of the central Kenya Rift volcanic province, offering panoramic views across nearby Rift Valley lakes from higher ridges.

What to See#

  • Crater field: An irregular crater and cone field that contains numerous small craters and fumarolic vents; several crater lakes and steam-emitting areas are present within the complex.
  • Geothermal area: A geothermal area where steam vents and hot ground indicate subsurface heat and where prospecting and small-scale geothermal development have occurred.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ol Doinyo Eburru

Best in the dry season for access and trail conditions.

Dry season
June-September · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Easier access to trails and clearer views of the volcanic cone.
Wet season
October-May · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Muddy trails and occasional reduced visibility; take care on slopes.

Weather & Climate near Ol Doinyo Eburru

Climate

Ol Doinyo Eburru's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 6°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1136 mm/year), wettest in April.

Air Quality: AQI 65 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 6° - 20° 13° 41 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.9 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
February Very Good 6° - 21° 14° 49 mm partly cloudy 64% 2.9 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.0h
March Good 7° - 21° 14° 81 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.3 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.0h
April Acceptable 8° - 19° 14° 177 mm overcast 78% 2.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
May Acceptable 8° - 18° 13° 153 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
June Good 7° - 17° 12° 95 mm partly cloudy 80% 1.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.0h
July Good 6° - 16° 11° 92 mm overcast 79% 2.0 m/s 2.0 very high 12.0h
August Acceptable 6° - 17° 11° 111 mm overcast 78% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
September Good 6° - 18° 12° 87 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.6 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
October Good 7° - 19° 13° 82 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
November Acceptable 7° - 19° 13° 103 mm overcast 80% 2.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
December Good 7° - 19° 13° 65 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ol Doinyo Eburru

Ol Doinyo Eburru is accessed from Nakuru and roads running north of Lake Naivasha; travel typically requires a 4x4 vehicle and local guiding. Day trips are commonly organized from Nakuru or Naivasha with experienced drivers due to rough roads.

Tips for Visiting Ol Doinyo Eburru

  • If interested in geothermal features, contact local tour operators-some routes approach fumaroles and steaming ground safely.
  • Pack warm layers for night hikes-highland temperatures can fall unexpectedly.