Lakes in Meru






Lake Rutundu: Mount Kenya National Park
Lake Rutundu is a volcanic crater lake set at 3078 ms on the northeastern flank of Mount Kenya, known for its crystal-clear waters, serene alpine environment, and excellent trout fishing opportunities. It is relatively small in size (0.4 km2), with a maximum depth of 11 ms. It is situated about 90 ms above tree line in vegetation profile dominated by woodland, sub-alpine shrubs and grasses. It was produced by a single event eruption and exhibits no hot springs or furmarolic activity. Lake Rutundu was first recorded and cited by Coetzee and Van Zinderen Bakker in 1967.
Lake Rutundu has subsequently evolved in various ways not envisaged by its earliest visitors and is now regarded by many as one of the surpassing fishing destinations in Kenya, along with the nearby Lake Alice and Lake Ellis. Its location in relation to other spectacular scenery of Mount Kenya National Park is no less interesting located just below the grand Giants’ Billiard Table, the chain of 300 ms high conical hills spotted to the west, Kazita Gorge spotted to the southwest, and the pale buff and brown pumice tuffs. It is the perfect escape for anyone seeking tranquility, unprecedented seclusion, adventure, and stunning mountain scenery.
Also of interest are Rutundu Log Cabins set amidst rugged cliffs, alpine meadows and pristine wilderness, and Ithaguni Hill. These rustic, self-catering cabins with cozy fireplaces, perched right by the lake are perfect for a romantic getaway or a quiet family retreat. Holiday makers planning a trip to Lake Rutundu can drive on a fairly motorable 35 km all-weather road branching off near Kisima Farm along A2 Nanyuki to Meru Road. It is not a difficult journey to get to Lake Rutundu even for drivers with only basic off-roading experience. Motorists lacking four wheel-drive should watch the weather to avoid the rains. January-March are the dry months.

Kenya is blessed with several lakes, each offering unique attractions, ecosystems, and opportunities for exploration. Shared with Uganda and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world by surface area. Known for its geysers and hot springs, Lake Bogoria is among the unique lakes along Kenya’s Rift Valley. All these lakes not only provide scenic beauty but also support diverse ecosystems.
Index of Lakes Around Kenya
Baringo County - Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Lake Kamnarok, Garissa County - Lake Ishaqbini, Homa Bay County - Lake Simbi Nyaima, Kajiado County - Lake Magadi, Lake Amboseli, Lake Natron, Kisii County - Lake Okari, Lamu County - Lake Kenyatta, Lake Moa, Kisumu County - Lake Victoria, Meru County - Lake Thai, Lake Nkunga, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Lake Rutundu, Lake Alice, Magado Lake, Nakuru County - Lake Solai, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Oloiden, Crater Lake, Lake Elementaita, Nyandarua County - Lake Olbolosat, Siaya County - Lake Sare, Lake Namboyo, Lake Bob, Lake Kanyaboli, Taita Taveta - Lake Jipe, Lake Chala, Tana River County - Lake Shakababo, Turkana County - Lake Logipi, Lake Turkana, Lake Alablab, Wajir County - Lake Yahud

Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.
You Are Here: Lake Rutundu, Mount Kenya
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Explore Destinations Nearby Lake Rutundu, Mount Kenya
A Guide to Meru County
A Summa Digest of Meru
About Meru Way Back When
65 Destinations in Meru County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kierra Valley, Kierra Ridge, St. Mary’s High School, Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill, Tharuu Springs, Giitune Sacred Forest, M.Mpuri Cultural Centre, Meru Museum, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Meru Sports Club, Alba Hotel, Kathita Falls, Irine (Devil's Bridge) Falls, Cool Stream Garden, Thiiri Cultural Centre, Kaaga Methodist Church, Kaaga War Memorial, Kiathandi Hill, Mpogoro Forest, Stone Woman Kieiga Forest, Njuri Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru, Ngaya Forest, Meru National Park, Twin Baobab Tree, Elsa’s Kopje, Ikweta Safari Camp, Adamson Falls Bridge, Rhino River Camp, Giant Meru Oak, Lake Nkunga, Mucheene Forest Station, Mucheene Cave, Lake Thai, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House, Nyambene Reserve, Liga Ria Ngutu, Lake Magado, Ngare-Ndare Forest Reserve, Ngare-Ndare Falls, Mount Kenya National Park, Sirimon Route, Mount Kenya One Day Trip, Theemwe Route, Theemwe Springs, Marania Route, Lake Rutundu, Rutundu Log Cabins, Chogoria Route, Nithi Falls, The Gates Falls, Lake Alice, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Timau River Lodge, Wonky House, Tamalu Farm, Charanna Farm, Kisima Farm, Kisimani Resort, Mwonyo Valley, Giant Footprints
Know More About Meru County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.12?
Meru County’s positioning on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl.
What’s The Air Like In Meru?
The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively.


