Mount Longonot National Park lies in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, about 60 kilometers from Nairobi. It is centered around Mount Longonot, a dormant stratovolcano with a wide, forested crater. The park is small, covering 52 square kilometers, but it offers big rewards for outdoor lovers. Its proximity to the capital makes it ideal for a Mount Longonot day tour or short safari escape.
The main activity here is the Mount Longonot hike. This is a thrilling climb that challenges even fit hikers. The trail begins at the park gate and climbs steeply to the rim. From there, hikers can walk the entire Longonot crater rim. The whole loop offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and beyond.
The Longonot crater trail is about 7.2 kilometers round trip to the rim and back. The full rim circuit adds another 7.2 kilometers, making it 14.4 kilometers. Most hikers complete the whole hike in four to five hours.
The Mount Longonot crater is its most iconic feature. It’s massive, roughly 1.8 kilometers wide and forested inside. The Mount Longonot volcano last erupted in the 1860s, but geothermal activity remains deep underground. Steam vents along the trail remind you of the mountain’s fiery past.
Walking the Longonot crater rim lets you peer into the dense forest below while enjoying panoramic views. The path is rugged and dusty but offers one of the best natural trails in Kenya. Hiking Mount Longonot feels wild, yet it’s only a short drive from the city.
Although known for hiking, Mount Longonot National Park also offers wildlife viewing. Animals like giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and antelopes roam the lower slopes. Baboons and monkeys are common along the trail. At times, leopards have been spotted, though they remain elusive.
The forest inside the crater is unexplored, but teems with birdlife and smaller mammals. Mount Longonot wildlife is not as dense as in central reserves, but the wild atmosphere makes every sighting feel special.
A Mount Longonot day trip from Nairobi is popular for locals and tourists. The short distance and well-marked trail allow visitors to enjoy a complete adventure and return to the city by evening. Wild Sights Safaris offers a variety of Mount Longonot day tour packages. These include park entry, professional guides, transport, and optional stops at Lake Naivasha or Hell’s Gate.
Mount Longonot fitness challenge options make it a favorite for fitness enthusiasts. The steep climb tests endurance, especially under the hot Rift Valley sun. However, the reward at the summit makes the effort worth it.
There’s more to this park than just hiking. Popular things to do in Mount Longonot include:
The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Longonot National Park entrance fee for citizens, residents, and non-residents varies, with lower rates for children. Kenya Wildlife Service manages the park, ensuring safety and conservation.
The best time to hike Mount Longonot, Kenya, is during dry months: January to March and July to October. The trail can get slippery during the rainy season. Morning hikes are recommended before the sun becomes too intense.
Wild Sights Safaris offers expert-guided Mount Longonot adventure trips. Whether you’re doing a Longonot family hike or a solo challenge, we ensure safety, comfort, and fun. Our local guides know the trail, wildlife, and hidden viewpoints.
We also arrange custom tours that include Naivasha and Longonot visits. You can pair your crater hike with boating on Lake Naivasha or a cycle safari through Hell’s Gate. This creates the ultimate one-day Mount Longonot safari.
Crater hike Kenya experiences are ideal for those who love scenery and active travel. You don’t need technical gear—just good shoes, water, and determination. The climb is challenging but achievable for anyone with moderate fitness.
For photographers, the summit offers stunning sunrise or sunset shots. The changing light paints the Rift Valley in golden hues. The full rim walk provides endless photo ops of the landscape below.
If you’re seeking a less crowded alternative to Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro, trekking Mount Longonot is the answer. It’s faster, more accessible, and still dramatic. The hike gives you a sense of Kenya’s volcanic history and beauty.
Mount Longonot National Park is also an excellent destination for team-building events, school trips, and solo travelers looking for a day in nature. The mix of exercise, wildlife, and scenery makes it unforgettable.
Whether you’re based in Nairobi or visiting Kenya for a safari, don’t miss the chance to explore this dormant volcano. Volcano hiking in Kenya doesn’t get better than this. With Wild Sights Safaris, you’ll have an organized, exciting, and safe adventure.
Book your Mount Longonot hike with us today and discover one of Kenya’s top natural wonders in just one day.
