Hike Mount Longonot

Mount Longonot Day Hike – Adventure in the Great Rift Valley

Overview

Experience one of Kenya’s best hiking adventures with a day hike to Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano located just 60–70 km from Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley. Known for its rugged trails, breathtaking views, and crater rim walk, Mount Longonot National Park offers a perfect escape for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.

Itinerary

06:00 AM – Hotel Pick-Up in Nairobi

Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. Enjoy a scenic 1.5–2-hour drive through the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, with stops at viewpoints for photos of the breathtaking landscapes.

08:00 AM – Arrive at Mount Longonot National Park

Upon arrival, pay the park entrance fees and prepare for the hike. Your experienced guide will brief you on the route, expected duration, and safety tips.

08:30 AM – Begin the Hike Up Mount Longonot

Start your ascent up the steep volcanic trail—a challenging but rewarding trek. The main trail to the crater rim is about 3.1 km, with a gain in elevation that offers a good workout for moderate to experienced hikers.

Once at the rim, you can opt to hike around the entire crater rim, which adds approximately 7.2 km to the trek. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and the surrounding landscape.

12:30 PM – Descend & Rest

Begin your descent back to the park gate, where you’ll take a well-earned rest and hydrate. Enjoy a packed lunch or snacks brought along for the day.

02:00 PM – Optional Visit to Lake Naivasha or Return to Nairobi

After the hike, you may choose to visit nearby Lake Naivasha for a boat ride (optional at extra cost) or head straight back to Nairobi.

05:00 PM – Drop-Off at Your Hotel

Arrive back in Nairobi in the late afternoon, with unforgettable memories of conquering Mount Longonot.

Included:

Hotel transfers (round trip)
Park entrance fees
Professional hiking guide
Bottled water
Packed lunch/snacks

Additional information

Duration	3 Days
Country	Kenya
Attractions	Hike Mount Longonot
Level	Suitable for All
Physical Condition	It doesn’t matter
Best Time	All year round

Day 1

Mount Longonot Day Trip from Nairobi

Overview

Mount Longonot National Park, located approximately 60–90 minutes from Nairobi, offers one of Kenya’s most accessible and rewarding hiking experiences. It’s ideal for:

Nature lovers and hikers
Day-trippers from Nairobi, Naivasha, or towns like Limuru, Kikuyu, or Mai Mahiu
School or corporate groups
Adventure-seeking couples and families

Morning Pick-up & Drive to Mount Longonot

Pick-up location: Your hotel or residence in Nairobi or surrounding towns (Limuru, Kikuyu, Rongai, Ngong, Mai Mahiu, Naivasha)with our Safari van,4×4 Jeep or Taxi by our English-speaking driver-guide or Any Language upon request.A brief photo opportunity at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint (approximately 2,200m altitude) to see the vast rift floor and Mount Longonot in the distance

Arrival at Mount Longonot National Park & Pre-Hike Briefing

On Arrival at park gate and payment of park entrance fees (included).Receive a briefing from a park ranger or guide about the trail, crater conditions, safety, and local wildlife,Restroom break and time to stretch before starting the hike.You may optionally hire a local guide or ranger escort for a more interpretive experience

Hiking Mount Longonot Crater

Hike Breakdown:

Base to crater rim: 3.1 km (approx. 1–1.5 hours uphill)
Full rim circuit: 7.2 km (approx. 1.5–2 hours)
Descent back to base: 3.1 km (45 mins–1 hour)
Total hiking distance: Approx. 13.4 km (8.3 miles)

Wildlife & Scenery:

Encounter wildlife such as zebras, warthogs, antelope, buffalo, giraffes, and baboons
Walk through dry forest and along the crater rim, which offers expansive 360° views of:
- Lake Naivasha
- Hell’s Gate National Park
- Mau Escarpment
- Surrounding Rift Valley plains and dormant volcanic cones

Note: The rim trail includes steep ascents and descents with loose volcanic ash, so proper footwear and pacing are important. Those not wishing to do the full loop may hike to the summit and back.

Cool-Down, Refreshments & Descent

After completing your hike, return to the base and take time to cool off, hydrate, and snack.Relax under shaded trees or benches while enjoying a cold drink and light refreshments (provided or self-packed),You may change into clean clothes (bring a spare set if needed)

Lunch Break Near Lake Naivasha

Drive 30–45 minutes to Lake Naivasha for lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants or take parked lunch with you.

Return Journey to Nairobi or Nearby Town

Begin your journey back to Nairobi or your town of origin

What to Bring