Mount Longonot’s dramatic crater trek may be the main draw — but its strategic location in the Great Rift Valley places it near some of Kenya’s top travel gems. From lakeside boat safaris to volcanic hot springs and gorges straight out of an Indiana Jones film, there’s no shortage of options nearby.
Let’s explore the best things to pair with your Mount Longonot adventure.
🛶 How to Visit Lake Naivasha After Hiking Longonot
Just 30–40 minutes from Mount Longonot, Lake Naivasha offers the perfect post-hike escape. Whether you want to picnic by the water or take a boat ride past hippos and fish eagles, this freshwater lake is a serene reward after a sweaty climb.
Best Things to Do:
- 🚤 Boat Safari – Spot hippos, birds, and giraffes along the shore
- 🌿 Picnic or sundowners at lakeside spots like Karagita or Marina Bay
- 🍽️ Lunch by the lake at Enashipai, Sopa Lodge, or Camp Carnelley’s
- 🦢 Birdwatching – Naivasha hosts over 350 species
📍 Distance from Longonot Gate: ~27 km (30–40 min drive)
🧭 Pro tip: Schedule your boat safari around 4–5 PM for cooler temps and golden-hour lighting.
🌋 Mount Longonot and Hell’s Gate: The Perfect Combo Trip
If you want to squeeze two geological marvels into one day, pair Longonot with Hell’s Gate National Park, located just 25 minutes away.
Why It Works:
- 🥾 Longonot in the morning (6–11 AM)
- 🏞️ Hell’s Gate in the afternoon for gorge walks, cycling, or hot springs
Top Activities at Hell’s Gate:
- 🚲 Rent a bike and ride among giraffes and zebras
- 🏞️ Hike the Lower Gorge to see rock towers, sulfur springs, and the “Devil’s Bedroom”
- 🛁 Soak in the Olkaria Geothermal Spa (see below)
🎫 Each park has its own entry fee, but both are KWS-managed and budget-friendly.
🗺️ Best Naivasha Attractions Near Mount Longonot
Looking for more to do in the area? The Naivasha region is packed with hidden gems and nature escapes.
Top Attractions Near Mount Longonot:
- 🌺 Crater Lake Game Sanctuary – Small, scenic lake with a rim trail and wildlife
- 🐴 The Sanctuary Horseback Safaris – Ride through wildlife conservancies near Longonot
- 🏞️ Eburru Forest – Misty forest hikes and elephant corridors
- 🛶 Oserian Wildlife Conservancy – Private game drives or sundowners by the lake
- 🧗 Fisherman’s Camp – Popular hangout with live music and camping by the lake
🚗 Most attractions are 20–45 minutes from Mount Longonot by car.
🦒 Pair Mount Longonot with a Crescent Island Boat Safari
For an unforgettable nature-lover’s combo, head to Crescent Island — a privately run sanctuary in the middle of Lake Naivasha, accessible only by boat.
What Makes It Special:
- 🛥️ Scenic boat ride to the island
- 🚶 Walk among giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and waterbuck — no predators!
- 📸 Ideal for wildlife photography in a unique setting
- 🐦 Birdlife is abundant, from kingfishers to cormorants
📍 Drive to Lake Naivasha (Karagita or Sanctuary Bay), then hire a boat to the island.
🧭 Combine with lunch by the lake or a sunset cruise for a full afternoon.
💦 Soak After the Hike: Visit Olkaria Geothermal Spa
After conquering Longonot’s steep crater rim, reward your muscles with a relaxing dip in Kenya’s only natural geothermal spa.
What to Expect:
- Warm, milky-blue pools fed by underground geothermal vents
- Temperature-controlled sections for comfort
- Changing rooms, lockers, and café on-site
- Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers needing recovery
📍 Located inside Hell’s Gate National Park (entry fee required)
🎫 Entry to the spa is paid separately from park fees, approx. KES 400–500 per person.
💧 The mineral-rich waters are said to aid skin and muscle recovery — and feel amazing after a dusty climb.
🚘 Planning a Nairobi to Mount Longonot Road Trip
The journey to Longonot is half the adventure. The drive from Nairobi takes about 1.5 hours, and there are plenty of scenic stops and photo ops along the way.
Route Overview:
- Depart Nairobi via Waiyaki Way (A104) toward Naivasha
- Turn left at Mai Mahiu junction toward Mount Longonot
- Continue to Mount Longonot National Park Gate
Optional Stops Along the Way:
- 📸 Great Rift Valley Viewpoint – Panoramic views just past Limuru
- 🏛️ Italian Catholic Church (Mai Mahiu) – Historic WWII-era chapel
- 🍴 Buffalo Mall Naivasha – Great for breakfast, coffee, or gear shopping
- 🌽 Roadside corn and roasted maize stalls – Must-try local snack
🗺️ Have a full tank and download offline maps — some sections may have weak signal.
✅ Final Thoughts: Build Your Perfect Longonot Adventure Circuit
Mount Longonot is just the beginning. With lakes, wildlife sanctuaries, bike trails, gorges, and geothermal pools all within a 45-minute radius, it’s easy to turn your day hike into a full-blown Rift Valley experience.
Mix and match the options above to fit your style — whether you’re after relaxation, adrenaline, wildlife, or scenic drives.