Mount Longonot Hike – Summiting the Volcanic Peak

A Mount Longonot hike has been on my radar ever since I crested the top of the Great Rift Valley and spied Mt Longonot soaring above the patchwork of agricultural land, dust devils and shining lakes that mark the rifts staggering depression. We pass Mount Longonot every time we drive to Lake Naivasha and ponder its Toblerone-esque peak as I sail and kayak past hippos on the lake. It’s ever there, a behemoth to be beaten.

A Mount Longonot hike is a game of two halves. For the first half, is an ‘easy’ hike up to the rim (the ‘easy’ part is a complete lie, but more on that later), or you can extend it by hiking around the perimeter of the volcano. Both parts of the hike offer incredible views across the rift. You can observe the sheer drop from the highlands down into the escarpment, the town of Mai Mahiu, the shimmer of Lake Naivasha, and the crumpled walls of the volcano and its doughnut-shaped parasitic cones. Turn 180 degrees, and there before you is the ‘lost world’ of the crater’s interior. The crater’s floor is practically inaccessible, a forested land of thick indigenous trees and occasional cloud-like puffs that emerge from volcanic steam vents. An eerie remind of the activity that rumbles below the earth’s surface.

Mt Longonot Hike Distance – To The Rim and Back

The 3.1 Mount Longonot hike to the rim is not for the faint-hearted. I had imagined this was a moderate walk similar to a jaunt across the Ngong Hills, but the latter half of the hike is incredibly steep. My mountain goat friend leapt ahead while I had to stop and catch my breath every 10 metres. The hike starts at Mount Longonot National Park car park, where you must pay the entrance fee to the National Park. The first kilometre is a leisurely stroll along a road and through groves of small Whilsting Thorn trees (Vachellia drepanolobium). These trees are notable for the black pods that cover their branches, signs of the symbiotic relationship between four species of biting ants and the trees themselves. The ants take safe harbour in the branches of the thorn trees in return for protecting the trees from predators. You can spot numerous hyena holes throughout the forest. There is a small hut about 1.5 km in that gives you a chance to stop and rest and admire the view. Then you begin to climb in earnest. In some places, there are steps, but in others, you have to clamber up the eroded walls of the volcano. It’s steep. And hot. And very, very steep. The views are unparalleled, so do as I did and pretend you are admiring them rather than fighting down the nausea of deep levels of unfitness. I’ve googled this hike quite a bit, and some people say it’s easy; it wasn’t for me. However, my 10-year-old kids hiked it with their school last year, which may say more about my fitness than the effort required for the hike. 

The hike up to the rim is between 1 hour and an hour and a half, depending on fitness. So approx. 2 – 3 hours (6km) in total

Mt Longonot Hike Distance – Around the Rim 

Once you arrive at Mount Longonot Crater Rim, you are greeted by the most staggering views of the inside of the caldera. Steep walls stretch down to a verdant green forest, an ecosystem cut off from the rest of the world. I truly believe there may be dinosaurs down there! The rim path follows the almost perfect circle of the crater, but it isn’t flat. Mount Longonot’s stately peak rises another 200 metres above the crater rim and is another challenging ascent. We walked clockwise around the perimeter as we were told it was easier, we found that it takes longer to reach the peak, but the climb is gentler. Going anti-clockwise, you have a more strenuous climb but a more sedate and easy walk back. The rim walk is 7.2 kilometres and more manageable than the initial climb (except for the sections near the peak). Some parts of the path are very steep and challenging to climb back down.

The Mount Longonot hike up to and around the rim is between 4 – 6 hours depending on fitness.

Mount Longonot Hiking Facts

Mount Longonot sits within Mount Longonot National Park, and there are many animals are in the park. These include buffalo, eland, lion, leopard, hyena, bushbuck, common zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelle. We saw zebra and eland. In reality, the chances of seeing a lion or leopard are incredibly remote, so the only aggressor you need to be careful of is buffalo and these largely remain confined to the lowland.

• Trail Type: Out and Back 6.2 km to the rim / 13.8 km, including the 7.2 Km hike around the crater.
• Distance: To the rim – 2 – 3 hours / around the rim 4 – 6 hours
• Maximum Elevation: 2780m
•  Maximum Elevation Gain: 996m
• Hike Difficulty: Moderate – Physically fit adults, and children over eight years.

Mt Longonot Hike Know Before You Go

What to Bring 

• Identification Document if you are a resident or citizen for cheaper entrance.
• Money for the entrance.
• Plentiful water and snacks.
• Sunscreen and a hat.
• Comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Camera.
• Check the weather and consider bringing a sweater or rain gear if it looks likely to rain. N.B. If severe rain is predicted, I wouldn’t attempt this hike. 

Taking a Guide

There are guides available to take you along the Mount Longonot hike trail. The trail is clearly marked, and there is no real need for a guide… unless: 1. You are a visitor to the country – a local guide will point out lots of interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the area. 2. The hike is empty; there are few accounts of robbery or animal attacks along the trail, but if you are one of the only people around, it may be prudent to take someone with you to keep you safe. Guides start from around 1500 / 2000 KSH. 

Altitude 

Mount Longnonot trailhead sits 2100 metres above sea level, and you hike to 2700 metres. For visitors to Kenya, this altitude can cause altitude sickness; watch out for headaches and fatigue. The lack of oxygen will make it harder for those who aren’t acclimatized to catch their breath. 

Better to take a few days in Nairobi or Naivasha to get used to the altitude first. 

No Plastic 

There is no plastic allowed within the park, even single-use water bottles. Bring your water containers, or be prepared to purchase a reusable water bottle at the entrance to the park. 

Visit early 

It can get very hot, particularly between December and April. Visit early to avoid the heat of the day (and the crowds). 

How to Hike Mount Longonot Safely

•  Stop to allow wildlife to move off tracks before you pass.
•  Do not feed wild animals.
•  Do not start fires.
•  Do not take away animals, animal products, plants or plant parts.
•  Do not mark or deface tree stems, stones and other features.
•  Avoid noise as it disturbs both wildlife and other visitors.
•  Be careful, as animals here are wild and can be dangerous.
•  Take all the litter that you brought away with you.
•  Keep to the designated tracks and paths when walking, and always be sure of where you are headed to

Facts about Mount Longonot 

Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano built from slow, sticky lava formed of many layers. You will see these layers throughout the hike. Stratovolcanoes are typically steeper than shield volcanoes.

The name of the mountain and park is derived from a Maasai word which translates to “steep ridges” or “mountains of many spurs.”

Mount Longonot sits within the Mount Longonot National Park, an area of 154 sq km.

Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano, but there is considerable volcanic activity within the area. You can see steam vents from the volcano during your hike. It last erupted 150 years ago, but is likely to erupt again. The local area has hot springs and geothermal vents that make an exciting volcano tour. 

How to Get to Mount Longonot National Park?

Driving: Mount Longonot National Park is about 90 Kilometers west of Nairobi. From the city centre, follow A104 and then join Mai Mahiu Road. You will see the park’s signpost a few kilometres from Mai Mahiu town (towards Naivasha). Turn left and follow murram road to the park’s gate.

Public Transport: Matatus travel frequently to Mai Mahiu, from there you can catch a Boda Boda or Matatu to the park gate.

Visiting hours for Mount Longonot Hike

Visiting time is from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Mount Longonot Hike Entrance Fee

• Citizens: 200 KSH 
• Residents: 300 KSH 
• Visitors: 20 USD

Camping at Mount Longonot

There is a KWS campsite near the park entrance called Oloongonot Campsite. It isn’t very private, being off the main pathways, but will offer calm and serene surroundings by evening. The site has bathroom facilities and tables and chairs.

For booking contact https://www.kws.go.ke/content/oloongonot-campsite

Where to Stay Near Mount Longonot Hike

Lake Naivasha is a magnificent lake filled with hippos and surrounded by glorious wildlife. Naivasha is a destination tourist spot and the perfect place to base yourself when hiking Mount Longonot. 

My recommended places are below, but also check out my blog on Things to do In Naivasha. 

Savage House – glorious ranch-style house just below the slopes of Longonot and overlooking the lake. Book Savage House

Loldia House – luxury house in Naivasha – Book Loldia House  

Fish Eagle Cottage Crescent Island Sanctuary – Wildlife Sanctuary with Cottages – Book Fish Eagle Cottage  

Camp Carnelly’s cottages and camping on the shores of Lake Naivasha – Book Camp Carnelleys

Naivasha Country Club, sizeable resort-style country club – Book Naivasha Country Club 

Ol Malo – Luxury lodge with different options for accommodation and activities – Book Ol Malo

For more Mount Longonot information

https://www.kws.go.ke/content/mount-longonot-national-park

Hotline: 0774 337 577

Email: longonotnp@kws.go.ke

Further Mount Longonot Hike Reading

Hells Gate National Park – a day trip from Nairobi

Savage House Naivasha – luxurious Ranch Living in Kedong

What to do at Naivasha Farmers Market

10 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Lake Naivasha

Kenya Travel Guidelines – What you need to know before you get here.

Sharing is caring!