Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot National Park is a dramatic adventure sanctuary located in the Great Rift Valley, just 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi near Lake Naivasha. Protecting an extinct stratovolcano that rises to 2,776 meters above sea level, the park is famous for its massive volcanic crater (caldera), lush crater-floor forest, and panoramic views spanning across the Rift Valley floor.

Why Visit Mount Longonot National Park?

Mount Longonot is one of Kenya’s top day-trekking and adventure destinations. Derived from the Maasai word Oloonong'ot, meaning "mountain of many ridges," Longonot offers an invigorating day hike that rewards adventurers with a walk along a narrow crater rim, geothermal steam vents, grazing wildlife, and sweeping 360-degree views of Lake Naivasha and Mount Suswa.

Best Time to Visit

• December to March & June to October (Dry Seasons): The premier months for hiking. Trails are dry and firm, weather is warm, and skies are clear, providing the best visibility for photography across the Rift Valley.
• April to May (Long Rains): Heavy rainfall can make the steep volcanic soil trails muddy and slippery. Good footwear and trekking poles are recommended during this period.
• November (Short Rains): Brief afternoon showers with crisp air and lush green vegetation covering the mountain slopes.

Natural Wonders & Wildlife Attractions

Mount Longonot combines unique volcanic geology with resilient highland wildlife:

• Volcanic Caldera & Crater Forest: A massive crater spanning 3.1 kilometers in diameter, filled with an untouched, dense indigenous forest canopy covering the crater floor.
• Geothermal Steam Vents: Active steam vents puffing geothermal vapor out of the volcanic rock walls along the crater rim.
• Highland & Savanna Wildlife: The lower slopes and crater rim harbor wildlife such as giraffes, plains zebras, Cape buffalos, hartebeests, bushbucks, Thomson's gazelles, and elusive leopards.
• Rift Valley Views: Breathtaking vistas overlooking Lake Naivasha, the Aberdare Mountain Range, and the surrounding Rift Valley escarpment.

Top Activities & Experiences

• Crater Rim Climb: A popular 3.1-kilometer trail leading from the main park gate up the volcanic slopes to the crater rim (takes approx. 1.5 to 2 hours).
• Crater Rim Loop Trek: An additional 7.2-kilometer circular trail around the entire crater rim, offering varying elevation viewpoints (takes approx. 2 to 3 hours).
• Wildlife Spotting on the Slopes: Spot zebras, giraffes, and buffalos grazing on the grassy volcanic foothills.
• Birdwatching: Search for raptors, eagles, and falcons soaring on thermal updrafts above the crater rim.
• Combine with Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate: Pair your morning climb with an afternoon boat safari on Lake Naivasha or cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park.

How to Get There

• By Road (Fastest & Standard): A smooth 1.5-hour drive (approx. 90 km) northwest from Nairobi along the scenic Great Rift Valley highway via Mai Mahiu.
• By Air: Scheduled domestic flights land at **Naivasha Airstrip (LKN)**, followed by a 20-minute road transfer to the park gate.

Where to Stay near Mount Longonot National Park

Because Mount Longonot is located just 20 minutes from Lake Naivasha, most travelers stay at Naivasha’s lakefront resorts, eco-lodges, or base campsites:

• Luxury (5-Star & Lake Naivasha Resorts):
  • Enashipai Resort & Spa: A luxury 5-star resort set on the shores of Lake Naivasha, offering plush executive suites, a world-class spa, and easy access to Longonot.
  • Chui Lodge (Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary): An exclusive luxury lodge built from local bush stone and acacia timber, set in a private wildlife sanctuary near Naivasha.
  • Swara Maiyan Naivasha: A high-end villa resort featuring rooftop plunge pools, manicured gardens, and panoramic views of the Rift Valley.
• Mid-Range (4-Star & Country Clubs):
  • Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort: A famous mid-range resort set on sprawling grounds where giraffes, waterbucks, and hippos roam freely along the lake edge.
  • Lake Naivasha Country Club: A historic 4-star lakefront resort featuring green lawns, comfortable cottage rooms, and a swimming pool.
  • Naivasha Kongoni Lodge: A comfortable lodge perched on a hill overlooking Lake Naivasha, offering spacious suites and an infinity pool.
• Budget (3-Star & Campsites):
  • KWS Olongonot Campsite: A budget-friendly public campsite managed by Kenya Wildlife Service located right at the base gate inside Mount Longonot National Park.
  • Camp Carnelley’s: A famous budget eco-camp on Lake Naivasha offering cozy wooden huts, an outdoor restaurant, and shaded lakefront camping pitches.
  • Crayfish Camp Naivasha: An energetic budget resort on Lake Naivasha offering simple chalets, tented rooms, and camping grounds.

Recommended Duration & Traveler Tips

• Ideal Stay: Day trip (approx. 4 to 6 hours for the full hike), or 1 to 2 nights when combined with Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate.
• Who It’s Best For: Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, active families, and day-trippers from Nairobi.
• Traveler Tips: Start your hike early in the morning (by 7:00 or 8:00 AM) to avoid the mid-day sun. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip for loose volcanic gravel, bring at least 2 liters of drinking water per person, a sun hat, and sunscreen.