If you’ve ever taken a trip using the Nairobi-Naivasha highway, you’ve sighted the phenomenal dormant volcano that is Mount Longonot. However, lying in its shadow, is the smaller, but potent Mount Suswa. In the towns around the mountain and our capital city, Kenyans carry out their daily business, probably never giving a thought to the active volcano which lies a few hours away. With its amazing geographical features, the unique wildlife that call the summit home and florishing flora and fauna that is a tribute to the conservation work happening there, Mt. Suswa is the perfect natural getaway.
In the same way the mountain keeps a low profile, the bats which inhabit its caves are easily overlooked for other wonders within the mountain. However, a closer look yields a rewarding view of the diversity of the curious creatures. Among the nocturnal beings are an endangered species known as the Kenyan big-eared free-tailed bat. These bats are at risk of extinction due to the loss of their natural habitat. Mt. Suswa provides a safe haven for them to return to every night as they fly far and wide, seeking nourishment. In fact, the mountain is one of the only two locations in Kenya where these creatures of the night can be found.
Whereas the bats of Mount Suswa keep it low-key, another group of animals often has loud meetings within the cave that they have made their domain. Baboon Parliament, as it has come to be known, is where the primates gather at night to avoid the predators that freely roam during this time.
The beauty of the caves leaves its explorers breathless. With their rock formations and the colorful structures formed over years of isolation, the caves of Mount Suswa are a masterpiece. It is here that the Maasai who live in the area carry out their initiation rites. The boys of the tribe enter the cave with their mentors and emerge out of the volcano as men, ready for the responsibilities of adult life.
In the same spirit of assuming responsibility, great efforts have been made to maintain the environment surrounding the mountain. Due to deforestation and other practices, great fissures have begun to form around Mount Suswa. Because of the makeup of the volcanic soil of the mountain, these areas are at risk of landslides as well as eruptions should the plates of the earth in this area be disturbed. In order to protect the people and the wildlife of the area, the Mount Suswa Conservancy was established. In raising awareness through tourism, this organization has been able to counteract some of the negative effects of the damage around the mountain.
With such a welcoming and worthy cause, Mount Suswa is definitely worth the detour from the beaten path. The mountain’s hot springs, heated by the lava coursing through the mountain’s veins, await the weary traveler as they have for decades. With the fire of conservation burning brightly in Mount Suswa, we encourage you to take a second glance at the undercover mountain.
