About Olkaria
Olkaria is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 2,434 meters (7,986 feet) in Kenya's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1770 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Olkaria is located in Kenya, within the Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.90° S, 36.29° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,434 meters above sea level, Olkaria rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Olkaria is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Olkaria in Kenya generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is rhyolite, a silica-rich volcanic rock associated with highly viscous magma. Rhyolitic eruptions can be extremely explosive and are responsible for some of the largest volcanic events in Earth's history, including supervolcanic caldera-forming eruptions. The high silica content traps dissolved gases, building enormous pressure that can lead to catastrophic explosive releases.
Eruption History Summary
Olkaria has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 6050 BCE to 1770 CE. These eruptions span roughly 7,820 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Olkaria volcanic complex, located immediately S of Lake Naivasha and W of Longonot volcano, comprises up to 80 individual alkali rhyolite centers. A thick, geochemically diverse basal complex is overlain by a dominantly silicic lava-dome and lava-flow complex constructed within a largely obscured 11 x 7.5-km-wide caldera that formed about 20,000 years ago following the eruption of welded alkali rhyolite ignimbrites. The youngest known eruption originated from the Ololbutot fissure on the SW side of the complex and produced a 5 km3 lava flow and a pumice flow that has a radiocarbon age of about 180 years. Fumarolic activity occurs at the Njorowa Gorge, and at the Orengingnai and Olkaria (Orgaria) pumice cones. Olkaria is the site of a large 50-80 km3 high-temperature geothermal field.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1770 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Ololbutot |
| 4050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 6050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | NE side (Gorge Farm) |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Olkaria
Is Olkaria an active volcano?+
Olkaria is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1770 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Olkaria last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Olkaria occurred in 1770 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Olkaria has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Olkaria?+
Olkaria has a summit elevation of 2,434 meters (7,986 feet) above sea level. At 2,434 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Olkaria?+
Olkaria is classified as a Pyroclastic cone(s). Pyroclastic cones (or cinder cones) are small, steep-sided volcanic cones built from fragments of lava blasted into the air. They are the simplest type of volcano and often form in groups.
Where is Olkaria located?+
Olkaria is located in Kenya, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -0.904° latitude, 36.292° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Olkaria?+
Olkaria can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Kenya may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
