Offered by MtLongonot.org
A thrilling full-day hike to one of Kenya’s most iconic volcanoes
🌋 Overview
Conquer one of Kenya’s most breathtaking volcanic peaks on this full-day private tour from Nairobi to Mount Longonot National Park, a dormant stratovolcano rising dramatically from the floor of the Great Rift Valley.
Your adventure begins with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Nairobi through the escarpments of the Rift Valley, followed by an exhilarating hike up the crater rim of Mount Longonot (2,776 m). The trail climbs steeply through forested slopes to the crater rim, where panoramic views of Lake Naivasha, Mount Suswa, and the Rift Valley stretch endlessly in every direction.
Hikers can choose between a half-hike to the rim (3–4 hours round-trip) or a full-crater circuit (6–7 hours round-trip). It’s an unforgettable day of fitness, adventure, and natural beauty — perfect for active travelers, couples, or small groups looking to escape the city for a day.
🚙 Summary of the Mount Longonot 1-Day Tour
- Start Time: Pick-up between 6:00 – 7:00 AM from your Nairobi hotel, residence, or the airport.
- Return Time: Around 6:30–7:00 PM, depending on pace and traffic.
- Distance from Nairobi: 90 km (approx. 1.5 hours each way).
- Vehicle: Private Toyota Noah Minivan (up to 6 pax) or Land Cruiser 4×4 (up to 7 pax) with an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide.
- Core Experience: Hike the steep trail to the crater rim and (optionally) around the full rim for sweeping 360° views of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.
🕘 Suggested Day Plan & Schedule
6:00–7:00 AM – Pick-Up in Nairobi
Your driver-guide meets you at your location. Depart the city before traffic builds up, driving west toward Mai Mahiu via the Nairobi–Naivasha Highway. Stop briefly at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint for sunrise photos of the escarpment.
8:30 AM – Arrive at Mount Longonot National Park Gate
Register with KWS and warm up for your hike. Your driver helps with park entry tickets and logistics. Basic restrooms and small shops are available at the gate for water or snacks.
9:00 AM – Begin the Hike
Start your ascent along the 3.1 km trail from the park gate to the crater rim (approx. 2,560 m elevation). The path winds through dry bushland and volcanic ash terrain with occasional shaded sections. Expect steep gradients and loose footing on some parts of the climb.
10:45 AM – Reach the Crater Rim
Enjoy your first breathtaking view into the giant crater, 1.8 km wide, carpeted with green forest and teeming with birdlife. On clear days, you can see Lake Naivasha glimmering in the distance.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Optional Crater Rim Circuit (Full Hike)
Adventurous hikers can continue around the full rim — an additional 7.2 km loop with steep ascents and descents. The round-trip (gate → rim → loop → gate) is about 13–14 km total, typically taking 5–6 hours at a moderate pace.
1:30 PM – Descend to the Base
Return down the same trail, with your driver waiting at the gate.
2:00–3:00 PM – Lunch Break
Enjoy a picnic at the park or stop for a hearty lunch in Naivasha town or at a lakeside restaurant such as Fisherman’s Camp or Carnelly’s. Meals at guests’ cost.
3:30–4:30 PM – Optional Add-On (Choose 1)
If time allows, you may include one of the following activities before returning to Nairobi:
- 🚤 Lake Naivasha Boat Safari – Spot hippos, fish eagles, and waterbirds (KES 7,000 per group).
- 🦒 Crescent Island Walking Safari – Gentle walk among giraffes and zebras.
- 💦 Relaxation Stop – Coffee at a lakeside café or a quick swim at a nearby resort (guests’ choice).
5:00 PM – Depart for Nairobi
Drive back along the scenic Rift Valley escarpment, arriving in Nairobi around 6:30–7:00 PM.
🏞️ Highlights of the Day
🧗♂️ The Mount Longonot Hike
- Trail Distance: 13–14 km (full circuit) or 6 km (to the rim and back).
- Elevation Gain: ~630 m from gate to rim (2,150 m → 2,780 m).
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging — suitable for physically active travelers.
- Duration: 4–6 hours depending on pace and trail condition.
You’ll pass through savannah scrub, volcanic rocks, and forested slopes before reaching the crater rim. Along the way, look out for zebras, giraffes, Grant’s gazelles, and buffalo, often seen near the lower sections of the trail.
🌋 The Crater Rim & Panoramic Views
From the top, marvel at the 360-degree panorama — the lush green crater forest below and the vast Rift Valley stretching toward Mount Suswa and Lake Naivasha. The rim path features dramatic drops, wind-sculpted ridges, and natural photo points like the Eastern Ridge Summit (2,776 m), the highest point on the volcano.
🌿 Wildlife & Birdlife
While the main focus is hiking, Mount Longonot hosts a surprising range of wildlife. You may spot buffalo, hartebeest, impala, bushbuck, warthog, and giraffe along the lower slopes, and over 100 bird species, including verreaux’s eagles, buzzards, and weavers nesting on acacia trees around the crater.
🧭 Optional Lake Naivasha Extension
After your hike, unwind by Lake Naivasha, only 25 minutes away. A 1-hour boat safari offers close encounters with hippos and fish eagles, while Crescent Island allows walking safaris with plains game in a tranquil lakeside setting.
💰 Tour Pricing (Private Vehicle from Nairobi)
🚐 Toyota Noah Minivan (1 – 6 Guests)
| Guests | Price Per Person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $160 | $160 |
| 2 | $80 | $160 |
| 3 | $70 | $210 |
| 4 | $60 | $240 |
| 5 | $50 | $200 |
| 6 | $40 | $240 |
🚙 Land Cruiser 4×4 with Driver-Guide (1 – 7 Guests)
| Guests | Price Per Person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $200 | $200 |
| 2 | $100 | $200 |
| 3 | $80 | $240 |
| 4 | $60 | $240 |
| 5 | $50 | $250 |
| 6 | $45 | $270 |
| 7 | $40 | $280 |
Rates cover private transport only. Park entry and activity fees are paid separately at the gate.
🎟️ Mount Longonot National Park Entry Fees (2025)
Here’s a table for Mount Longonot National Park entry fees based on the new Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Conservation Fee Regulations (effective October 1, 2025):
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child (3–17 yrs) | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya Citizen / East African Citizen | 500 | 250 | KES |
| Kenya Resident / East African Resident | 675 | 350 | KES |
| Non-Resident | 50 | 25 | USD |
| African Citizen (non-EAC) | 20 | 10 | USD |
Category: Scenic Parks (includes Mt Longonot, Hell’s Gate, Mt Elgon, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Lake Elementaita, Shimba Hills, Kakamega Forest).
Validity: 24 hours per entry
✅ Inclusions
- Private vehicle (Toyota Noah or Land Cruiser) with English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel, insurance, and government taxes
- Vehicle park entry fees for driver and car
- Bottled drinking water
- Full-day service (up to 10 hours from departure → return)
- Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Nairobi
❌ Exclusions
- Mount Longonot park entry and guide fees
- Meals and drinks
- Optional activities (boat ride, Crescent Island walk, etc.)
- Tips or gratuities
- Personal insurance or medical cover
- Add-on transport beyond Naivasha (if requested)
📩 Booking Details
- Booking Email: bookings@mtlongonot.org
- Cut-Off Period: At least 1 day before departure
- Deposit: 50% required to reserve your vehicle and driver
- Balance: Payable before departure (same link or on the day)
- Accepted Payments: Pesapal (Card / M-Pesa), bank transfer, or cash
When booking, please include:
- Date of travel
- Number of guests
- Pick-up location (hotel / airport / residence)
- Preferred start time (6:00–7:00 AM)
- Whether you’d like to add Lake Naivasha options
🧢 Tips for the Best Experience
- Start early to enjoy cooler morning temperatures on the ascent.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes, hat, and sunscreen — the slopes can get hot and dusty.
- Bring 2–3 litres of water, light snacks, and a packed lunch if preferred.
- Hire a local guide for safety and navigation around the rim.
- Bring a swimsuit if you plan to relax at Lake Naivasha afterward.
- The park is safe, well-maintained, and family-friendly — but best suited for moderately fit travelers.
🌟 Why Travelers Love the Mount Longonot Day Trip
- Epic Views: Stand on the rim of an ancient volcano and gaze across the Great Rift Valley.
- Adventure in a Day: Challenge yourself with one of Kenya’s best one-day hikes.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot buffalo, antelope, and giraffe in the open plains.
- Convenience: Reach and return from Nairobi in a single day, no overnight needed.
- Expert Logistics: Seamless coordination by MtLongonot.org driver-guides who handle all park formalities and timing.
Ready to Hike Mount Longonot?
📧 bookings@mtlongonot.org
Experience Kenya’s Great Rift Valley from its most dramatic viewpoint — a thrilling day hike up Mount Longonot awaits!