Hiking at Mount Longonot
Day Tour
Mount Longonot is a perfect place for seasoned and non seasoned hikers, challenging but doable. The extinct volcano of Mount Longonot is 2100 m high, a unique feature is the thick forest that lies within the crater of the mountain. The crater rim also provides great scenic views across the beautiful Rift Valley all the way to Lake Naivasha. Mt Longonot is just less than 9100 ft. above sea level with a tree filled interior and a lonesome steam vent to the northeast. You start the assent at 6000 ft which give you a chance to get your lungs and limbs freed up for the second section, which is the most awesome.
At the end of each section there is a rest point where you can prepare yourself for the next part of your journey. It’s good to start early to avoid the heat of the sun, but by the time you reach the end of the second section you would have generated your own heat. The third section is slightly less demanding terrain, then make the final climb on the fourth section.
As you heave yourself over the rim of the crater your reward is the awesome sight of Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley and you know that it was all worthwhile. An armed ranger accompanies you on the hike and acts as a guide too as there are wild animals in the area. The whole tour is only about 8–9 km long but very steep.
- Distance from Nairobi: About 90 km.
- Walking Duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Terrain: Dirt road, swampy trail, rocky zones.
- Difficulty: Moderate to high. You need to be reasonable fit to do this climb.
- Round trip transport from Nairobi.
- Entry fee.
- Armed escort guide.
- Drinking water
- Meals (Please bring a picnic box)
- Tips for the driver
- Personal items/expenses
- Other Activities
- ID / Passport
- Warm clothes and jacket.
- Comfortable hiking boots/shoes with a good grip.
- Wooden walking stick (optional), sunglasses, sun hat.
- Lunch (please bring packed lunch) and healthy snacks.
- Extra drinking water.
- Camera with spare film and batteries.
- A fun spirit.
