Mount Longonot is one of Kenya’s most iconic volcano hikes — and for good reason. Rising dramatically from the floor of the Great Rift Valley, it offers panoramic views, a rugged crater rim trail, and a rewarding summit hike that’s easily doable as a day trip from Nairobi. Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned adventurer, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.
🚗 Best Routes to Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot is located about 70 km northwest of Nairobi, near Naivasha. It’s an easy 1.5–2 hour drive via well-maintained highways.
📍 Main Route from Nairobi:
- Take A104 (Nakuru Highway) toward Naivasha
- Turn left at Mai Mahiu junction (well-signposted)
- Follow signs to Mount Longonot National Park Gate
🚙 Transport Options:
- Private car: Ideal for flexibility and time
- Self-drive rental: Nairobi-based rentals available
- Public transport: Take a matatu to Naivasha, then hire a boda boda or taxi to the park
- Guided day tours: Available with transport, guide, and meals included
🛣️ Pro tip: The earlier you leave Nairobi, the better the hike and weather conditions will be.
🥾 Mount Longonot Day Hike from Nairobi
This is one of the best day trips you can take from Nairobi — offering a full volcano hiking experience and back home by evening.
🕒 Suggested Itinerary:
- 6:00 AM: Leave Nairobi
- 8:00 AM: Arrive, register, start hiking
- 9:30 AM: Reach summit / rim
- 11:30 AM–1:00 PM: Complete crater rim circuit (optional)
- 2:00 PM: Descend and return to base
- 3:00 PM: Lunch in Naivasha or head back to Nairobi
🎒 What to Pack:
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Reusable water bottle (at least 2L)
- Snacks or light packed lunch
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Light jacket or raincoat (weather changes fast)
🔥 You don’t need technical gear — just a sense of adventure and moderate fitness!
🗺️ Mount Longonot Crater Trail Map
Mount Longonot has a clearly marked trail that starts at the park gate and climbs through forested slopes to the crater rim.
Trail Breakdown:
- Base to Rim: ~3.1 km, steep ascent
- Crater Rim Loop: ~7.2 km (optional but highly recommended)
- Total (round trip): ~10.3 km
- Elevation gain: Approx. 630m
- Highest point: 2,776 meters (summit)
📥 Maps are available at the gate or you can download a GPS trail from apps like AllTrails or Wikiloc.
🧭 Expect loose volcanic rock, a few steep scrambles, and killer views of the Rift Valley.
🌤️ When to Visit Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot is open year-round, but some seasons offer better hiking conditions than others.
☀️ Best Time to Visit:
- January to March: Dry, clear skies, best trail conditions
- July to October: Cool, dry weather with great visibility
🌧️ Avoid:
- April–May: Long rains can make trails muddy and slippery
- November: Short rains can still disrupt hiking plans
🕘 Best Time of Day:
- Start hike between 7:00–9:00 AM
- Avoid the midday heat and maximize views before clouds roll in
📸 Morning light is perfect for photography and views across Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, and even Mount Suswa in the distance.
💰 Park Entrance Fees for Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot is managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Fees are paid at the gate (cash or MPESA).
| Visitor Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Kenyan Citizens | KES 250 (Adult) / KES 200 (Child) |
| Kenyan Residents | KES 300 (Adult) / KES 250 (Child) |
| Non-Residents | USD 20 (Adult) / USD 10 (Child) |
| Vehicle Entry | KES 300 per car |
🏕️ Camping is allowed for an additional fee. Inquire at the gate for overnight stays.
✅ Final Tips Before You Go
- 🚻 Toilets and basic facilities are available at the park gate — not on the trail
- 🐃 Wildlife sightings may include zebras, buffaloes, and antelope — but are rare
- 🧑🤝🧑 Guides are optional but can enhance the experience (especially for groups)
- 🧼 Leave no trace — carry out all your waste
- ☎️ Phone signal is weak in some sections — download offline maps ahead of time
🌋 Why You Should Hike Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot gives you big adventure in a short time. It’s wild, quiet, beautifully raw, and surprisingly close to the city. Whether you’re chasing views, looking to train for bigger peaks, or just want to experience the wild side of the Rift Valley, Longonot never disappoints.
So grab your boots, your water, and your camera — and let the volcano lead the way.