Mt. Longonot is one of Kenya's most accessible and rewarding hikes — a dormant stratovolcano rising from the floor of the Great Rift Valley with a dramatic crater rim, sweeping views, and a trail that's challenging enough to feel like an achievement without being beyond reach for most hikers.
Hike at a Glance
Difficulty: Moderate | Beginner Friendly: Yes | Child Friendly: Yes (ages 7+)
Maximum ASL: 2,780m | Gate Elevation: 2,150m | Elevation Gain: 996m
Up the Mountain: 3.1km | Round the Rim: 7.2km | Total Distance: 13.5km
Introduction to Mt. Longonot
Mt. Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, Nakuru County, Kenya. It is a popular hiking destination due to its relatively easy accessibility from Nairobi and the stunning views it offers from its summit. Hiking Mt. Longonot is a rewarding experience, offering scenic views of the flora and fauna and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. Just remember to respect the environment and leave nothing behind but footsteps.
Location and Accessibility
Mt. Longonot is about 60 km northwest of Nairobi. It is located 45 minutes away from Naivasha Town, with the nearby town being Longonot Town. Mt. Longonot sits inside Mt. Longonot National Park — a 154 square kilometre protected area managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
The Hiking Experience
The hike up Mt. Longonot typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend, depending on your pace and fitness level. The trail is well-defined and not overly steep, making it suitable for most beginners. However, the altitude gain is about 996m and breaks between the hike are essential.
Summit Views and Wildlife
Mt. Longonot's summit is about 2,776 metres (9,108 feet) above sea level, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. At the summit, Lake Naivasha is notable with its massive bird populations. Mt. Longonot National Park is home to cape buffalo, giraffes, Thompson's gazelle, eland antelope, zebras, and leopards.
You are recommended to start the hike early enough to avoid the daytime heat, as temperatures rise significantly, especially during the dry season.
Activities
- Bird watching
- Game viewing
- Biking
- Forest nature trail
- Rock climbing
Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 am | Meet up in Nairobi CBD |
| 6:30 am | Departure to Mt. Longonot |
| 7:30 am | Stopover for refreshment, sightseeing and photography |
| 9:00 am | Arrival and check in at Mt. Longonot National Park |
| 9:30 am | Professional warm up and stretches |
| 9:45 am | Hike starts |
| 12:30 pm | Round the rim |
| 2:00 pm | Descent the mountain |
| 4:00 pm | Professional warm down and stretches |
| 4:30 pm | Lunch and refreshments |
| 5:00 pm | Depart for Nairobi |
| 7:00 pm | Drop off |
Accommodation
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
- Naivasha West Beach Camp
- Lake Naivasha Resort
- Panorama Park
- Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge
Special Campsites
- Nyati Campsite
- Green Campsite
What to Wear & Carry
What to Wear
- Quick dry shirt & pants
- Fleece jacket
- Sun hat or cap
- Comfortable hiking shoes
What to Carry
- Identification card
- Extra drinking water in a reusable water bottle
- Rain jacket
- Trekking pole
- Camera & binoculars (optional)
- Sunscreen
How to Get Ready for the Hike
- Increase your hydration at least two days prior to the hike
- Get enough sleep before the hike to help relax the body
- Equip yourself with proper hiking gear
- Have a generous breakfast 3 hours before the hike for the body to digest and spare the energy for hiking
- Set your mind on moving forward — the goal is progress, not speed
- Pack enough drinking water and snacks
Thank You for Choosing Safari Yetu
Thank you for choosing Safari Yetu Adventures as your trusted and reliable travel partner. We look forward to guiding you up Mt. Longonot and making your adventure truly unforgettable.
