If you’re looking for a challenging, scenic, and highly rewarding hike near Nairobi, Mount Longonot checks every box. This dormant stratovolcano offers a powerful mix of elevation, geological drama, and panoramic views — all packed into a single-day loop. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or trying your first volcano, this guide will take you through every aspect of the trail.
🗺️ Mount Longonot Crater Loop Hike
The Mount Longonot hiking trail is well-maintained and clearly marked by Kenya Wildlife Service. It begins at the park gate and takes you through scrubby forest, up a steep slope to the crater rim, and optionally around the full 7.2 km rim loop.
Trail Overview:
- Park Gate to Crater Rim: ~3.1 km
- Crater Rim Loop: ~7.2 km
- Total Distance (Round Trip): ~10.3 km
- Trail Type: Out-and-back with circular loop
- Elevation at Summit: 2,776 m (9,108 ft)
🧭 You can stop at the rim for a shorter hike, or complete the full loop for the true Longonot experience.
🌋 Hiking the Rim of Mount Longonot Volcano
The crater rim hike is where Longonot truly shines. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with an expansive 360° view over:
- The deep, forested crater interior
- Lake Naivasha in the distance
- Aberdares and Hell’s Gate National Park
- Occasional sightings of zebras or giraffes below
The rim trail itself is narrow and undulating, with steep ascents and descents — including one particularly tough stretch to the summit on the far side.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Sweeping views and photo ops from every angle
- Fewer crowds on the far side of the rim
- A full circuit gives a sense of the volcano’s sheer scale
🧱 Expect some loose volcanic rock and wind. Hiking poles can help, especially on descents.
🧗 Mount Longonot Hike Difficulty Explained
Mount Longonot is considered a moderate to challenging hike depending on your fitness level and whether you do the full loop.
Difficulty Breakdown:
- Base to Rim: Short but steep, with uneven volcanic rock
- Rim Loop: Long, exposed, with frequent elevation changes
- Total Elevation Gain: ~630 meters (2,067 ft)
What Makes It Tough:
- Steep initial climb
- Crumbly, dusty terrain that can be slippery
- Heat and sun exposure (little shade after the forest)
- Sharp inclines on sections of the rim, especially near the summit
Who Can Do It:
- Fit beginners can manage the base-to-rim climb
- Experienced hikers will love the full loop challenge
- Families or older hikers may opt to reach the rim and return
💧 Bring at least 2 liters of water, even more if doing the full loop. Hydration is key!
⏱️ How Long It Takes to Hike Mount Longonot
Hiking time depends on your pace, fitness, and whether you do the entire rim loop.
Average Time Estimates:
| Segment | Time (Moderate Pace) |
|---|---|
| Gate to Crater Rim | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Full Crater Rim Loop | 2 to 3 hours |
| Descent from Rim | 1 hour |
| Total | 4 to 5.5 hours |
If you stop for snacks, photos, or breaks, the total hike can take up to 6 hours.
🕖 Aim to start early (between 7:00–9:00 AM) for cooler temperatures and clear skies.
🧱 Mount Longonot Height and Elevation Profile
Mount Longonot may look deceptively small from a distance — but it’s a real climb.
Key Elevation Stats:
- Base Elevation (Park Gate): ~2,150 meters (7,054 ft)
- Crater Rim Elevation: ~2,566 meters (8,419 ft)
- Summit Point (Highest Peak): 2,776 meters (9,108 ft)
- Elevation Gain: ~630 meters (2,067 ft) total
Expect a strong cardio challenge, especially on the final push to the summit. You’ll feel the altitude in your lungs — and in your legs.
🎯 For comparison, Mount Longonot’s elevation gain is similar to climbing 200+ floors on a stair machine!
🗺️ Downloadable Map for Mount Longonot Hike
While the trail is clearly defined and easy to follow, it’s helpful to download a trail map before your visit — especially if you plan to hike the rim or need to track your location offline.
Trail Resources:
- AllTrails – Search “Mount Longonot Crater Trail”
- Wikiloc – Look for GPS-logged hikes
- [Google Maps Offline] – Download Naivasha region in advance
Most map apps show:
- Trailhead at the park gate
- Climb to the rim
- The full rim loop
- Key features: summit, rest points, viewpoints
📍 You can also request a basic paper map at the KWS entrance gate.
✅ Final Hiking Tips
- 👟 Wear hiking shoes or boots — terrain can be sharp and dusty
- 🧢 Bring sun protection — hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential
- 🧃 Pack snacks — nuts, fruits, and energy bars go a long way
- 🧑🤝🧑 Go with a group or hire a local guide if unfamiliar with trail conditions
- 🔥 Stay on the path — the terrain is fragile and can crumble at the edges
- 🧼 Carry out your trash — there are no bins on the mountain
🥇 Why You’ll Love Hiking Mount Longonot
It’s wild, windy, and wonderfully scenic. You’ll hike up the side of a volcano, stand on a rim overlooking a massive, forested crater, and feel like you’ve conquered something real — all in a single day.
No trip to the Rift Valley is complete without standing on the edge of Longonot’s crown and seeing the world fall away around you.