Situated on the floor of the world-famous Great Rift Valley, Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano that last erupted in the 1800s. Located just 90km from Nairobi, it is the perfect location for an adventurous day trip out of the Kenyan capital.
Requiring a modest level of physical fitness, the 4-5 hour hike takes you to the very rim of the volcano crater for a glimpse out across the Great Rift Valley. The early portion of your hike takes you through land inhabited by wildlife such as buffalo, antelope, and even leopards, while the higher reaches are steep and require a good level of determination.
How long is the Hike
The hike on mt Longonot takes between 3-5 hours depending on pace and fitness. The hike from gate to the crater rim is 3.1km in length but the height gain is rapid and this makes for a stiff climb. One can also decide to circumnavigate the crater rim which is a distance of 7.2km. The hiking trail is provided with some rest points but its narrow especially on the crater rim.
The total length of the hike up, around the crater rim and back is 10.3km through some narrow paths and treacherously steep inclines. You can climb with some packed lunch that you can have at the crater rim or descend to the base and go for a lunch at the Lake Naivasha restaurants.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Nairobi |
| DEPARTURE TIME | Early Morning |
| INCLUDED | Transportation in a comfortable safari Van Services of a trained and experienced English speaking driver/guide Park entry fees |
| NOT INCLUDED | Tips Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) Food and drinks |
Brief Itinerary
The mountain is close to the city so most tours start at 7:00am and start the climb by 8:30am. An itinerary of the mt Longonot national park hiking tour looks like this one here:
- 7:00am: Leave Nairobi for mt Longonot national park
- 8:30am: Start the hike up the mountain
- 10:30am: Reach the Mt Longonot crater rim and go around the crater.
- 12:30pm: Descend to the base and depart for lake Naivasha.
- 1:00pm: Enjoy a lunch at the fisherman camp
- 2:00pm: Optional boat ride in the lake Naivasha
- 3:30pm: Depart for Nairobi
- 5:30pm: Drop off in town or hotel. End of Mt Longonot national park Tour.
