Namarunu, Shield volcano in Suguta Valley, Kenya.

Namarunu is a shield volcano in the Suguta Valley composed of gently sloping layers of trachytic lava, breccias, and volcanic ash. The broad base displays these layered deposits clearly across the landscape.

The volcano formed during the late Pliocene period, with the oldest rocks dating back around 6.8 million years. Younger basalts indicate volcanic activity continued until more recent times.

The name Namarunu is used for the whole trachytic shield, whose summit is a breached scoria cone. The surrounding Suguta Valley floor is extremely dry and hot, with only the small Lake Logipi at its northern end; the lake is what remains of the larger Lake Suguta that filled the valley a few thousand years ago.

Reaching this location requires a sturdy vehicle and local guides, as roads in this remote area are limited. Navigation through the terrain demands experience and proper preparation.

Hot springs emerge from younger cones on the rift valley floor and along the eastern side near the Tirr Tirr Plateau. These thermal features hint at ongoing heat activity deep below the surface.