Mount Longonot day trip hiking
Mount Longonot is a local Maasai word for Oloonong’ot meaning ‘steep ridges’ or ‘mountains of many spurs’.
Typifying the stormy volcanic roots of the Great Rift Valley floor, Mount Longonot Mountain (aka climbing Mt longonot) is a fascinating inactive volcano that overlooks the beautiful landscape of Lake Naivasha area in Kenya. Hiking Mount Longonot day trip is a perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.
Rising to 2776m above sea level (and also 750m above the nearby landscape), Climbing Longonot delivers trekkers with an interesting and inspiring day hike culminating into one of the best and exciting views in Kenya! Longonot hike day tour is one of the favorite activities and hiking trails in Kenya and more so for the adventurous traveler.
If looking to go hiking in Kenya, there are several hiking trails near Nairobi with Mount Longonot day trip being the most popular. In different parts of the country, there exists a number of hiking tracks. Some of these including Mount Kenya, Menengai Crater, Mount Ololokwe, Aberdare mountains, Karura Forest nature walk which is also a hiking trails near Nairobi and many more.
Ololokwe is the mainstay of local Samburu cultural significance and an striking trekking trail to many others. The unique flat-topped shape and high vertical cliff. The 2,000m high Mount Ololokwe soaring over the scenic Samburu plains is a short distance from the breathtaking Samburu Game Reserve.
Tag on those hiking boots, carry sunscreen and hit the road in exploring one of the Kenya’s least visited conservation parks. Explore this volcanic peak (reach the rim) while hiking Mt Longonot Kenya and may be include a visit to Lake Naivasha as an optional boat ride activity. The mountain is one the top hiking trails in Kenya and also hiking places around Nairobi. There are only a few active volcanic mountains in Kenya.
Kenya national parks and national reserves are protected wildlife areas home to flora and fauna. Kenya has 54 national parks and national reserves and many other private conservancies and sanctuaries across the country. Kenya’s national parks are popular for the traditional Kenya safari, known all over the world. No wonder Kenya is a popular safari destination to many international tourists. Mt Longonot park which is managed by Kenya wildlife services is a hiker’s paradise, one of the best hiking places in Kenya.
The question is, how long does it take to climb Mount Longonot or hike to the top? It takes approximately a total of 5hrs to accomplish this adventurous hike to reach the rim and back. There may be additional time for a hike around the crater.
The Longonot massif is a stratovolcano that is thought to have last erupted in the year 1863. Mt Longonot last erupted in 1863 whereby there were lava flows on the northern flank of the mountain. Is Mt Longonot an active volcano? Longonot is a young dormant volcano that is located southeast of Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, Africa.
And what is the what is the height of Mt Longonot? The height of the dormant volcano Longonot mountain is 2,776 m. Climbing Longonot day trip reaches the peak at 2,776m and there is an option to hike around the crater rim especially for the strong and fit hikers (excellent physical fitness), though it can be challenging to many.
This adventurous day hike isn’t an easy walk, but with a good level of physical fitness then it will be no problem to get to the summit of the crater. When you reach the rim of the crater, the reward you get is stunning views of the Great Rift Valley floor, the nearby fresh-water Lake Naivasha, and the surrounding areas. The strongest hikers can still be able to hike around the crater offering the best views and the best hiking places in Kenya.
Great Rift Valley Hiking Trail – Dormant Volcano
With an early in the morning drive from Nairobi along the floor of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the spectacular views of the volcanic Longonot massif beckons. Longonot is located barely 60km from of Nairobi. This remarkable colossus dominates the surrounding landscape. The mountain has lava canyons on its steep slopes or steep ridges. There is also a circular caldera over a kilometer in diameter. The mountain is a dormant volcano (extinct volcano) said to have last erupted in the mid-1800s.
The dormant volcano mountain is rises at about 750m above the floor of the Great Rift Valley and some 2776m above the sea level. There are a number of viewpoints on the highway to this mountain which have become popular stopovers for the motorists drawn by the splendor of this spectacular views.
The entire mountain is a National Park (Mount Longonot National Park) within the jurisdiction of Kenya Wildlife Services, at the park entrance. The park is home to a number of wild games, most of which harbor in the thick forest covering the crater floor. Spotting the animals (wildlife – flora and fauna) is not guaranteed. The mountain thick forest is home to various wildlife species, notably Thomson’s gazelle, buffaloes, plains zebra giraffe, and hartebeest. Leopards have also been reported though they are extremely difficult to spot.
Climbing Mount Longonot day trip Guaranteed route description
Hiking on this dormant volcano Longonot mountain takes approximately 2 hours from the Park Gate to reach the crater rim and descent back to the park gate / park entrance. The Kenya’s hike around rim of the crater would mean another two hours, thus the total hike takes approximately 4 hours for the round trip. You might want to include a visit to Naivasha for a sunset boat ride to see hippos before return drive to Nairobi (also a day trip from Nairobi).
The path up the mountain slope is pretty steep (with steep ridges) and can get slippery at some points. Thus, hikers need to be reasonably fit (good physical fitness level) to take part on this day trips hike. The spectacular views from the rim of the crater itself are however worth every painful step and the effort. This day hiking is of moderate difficulty with steep climbing and walking around the crater rim. Terrain has fine dust, with loose gravel in some areas of the hike. Ensure you have sufficient drinking water to keep you hydrated. Also, bring along face mask during the COVID period.
You should bring with you comfortable hiking shoes, light clothing, drinking water, snacks, face mask, and picnic lunch for this Mount Longonot day trips. You can combine this day hike with a Kenyan safari experience.
Guaranteed round trip hike of Longonot Mountain price: $170 per person inclusive of park entrance fees. Remember to bring drinking water for use alongside a face mask.
What to bring for Mount Longonot hike day trips: drinking water, hiking shoes, light clothes, face mask, snacks and a pair of hiking poles comes in handy.
Some of the FAQ’s about the hike tour
What is the size of Mount Longonot National Park? – This Kenya wildlife service national park is a protected area covering 52 sq. Km. Mt. Longonot is located only 1hr 30 minutes drive from Nairobi.
When is it best to go to Mt Longonot hike? – It is possible to go hiking Mount Longonot National Park all year round. The mountain day hike is an exhilarating activity worth every effort which is just a short drive from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Thus a short drive allowing one to hike to the top of this dormant volcano. Early in the morning hike is preferred before it gets too hot in the day.
How long does it take to climb Mount Longonot? – Ensure an early in the morning start. The entire day tour takes approximately 8-9km long hike to the top of the crater but steep to reach the rim. The round trip hiking from the Mount Longonot National Park gate to the Longonot peak and back to the gate takes about 5hrs walk.
How high is climbing Mt Longonot in Kenya? The mountain lies at an elevation of 2,776m above sea level, and a good pre-climb training for other hikes like Mt Kenya or Kilimanjaro. Mount Longonot National Park can be hiked in day trips from Nairobi. The spectacular views from the crater rim are stunning and rewarding.
How long is climbing Mount Longonot Massif? Longonot National Park is a hikers destinations for day trips from Nairobi. It is manageable by a novice hiker. From the base of the mountain, a 3.1 km trail runs from the park entrance reach the rim. The Mount Longonot day trip hiking walk around the rim of the crater is a 7.2 km loop and lush green vegetation covers the crater floor. The whole day tour of the mountain and day hiking takes approximately 4–5 hours.
How was Mt Longonot formed? Geologically, Mountain Longonot Kenya is considered a stratovolcano containing a large caldera formed by massive eruptions of trachytic lava which took place some 21,000 years ago. This cone is capped by 1.8 km crater, located in Kenya’s great rift valley. The mountain has several parasitic cones and vociferous lava eruptions occur on the rims and within the caldera floor, thought it is now an extinct volcano. There are few active volcanic mountains in Kenya.
The mountain last erupted in 1863 while Mount Kenya last erupted between 2.6 to 3.1 million years ago. In the Kenyan Great Rift Valley, Suswa volcano (active volcanic mountains in Kenya) is the southern-most caldera. Suswa is the adjoining active volcano (active volcanic mountains in Kenya) to Longonot mountain. Both are a short drive from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya which is some 50 km away.
Mount Longonot National Park has a unique feature of thick forest lying within the crater of the mountain. From the rim there are great views from the crater rim across the panoramic Great Rift Valley floor all the way to lakes Naivasha, Lake Oloiden, Lake Sonachi and hills. Some of the mountain major wildlife attractions to be seen here include lion, bushbucks, leopard, common zebra giraffe, buffaloes, elands, and Grant’s gazelles.
How difficult is it to hike Mt Longonot Kenya?: Walk cautiously as you scramble to the crater floor. It doesn’t have a distinct path to be followed and you could possibly slip and fall. It is important to be accompanied by a guide who is conversant with the Longonot crater to be assured that you will reach the rim.
You can conveniently hire one at the Mount Longonot National Park’s gate which is managed by Kenya Wildlife Services. The highlight of the hike Mt Longonot is definitely the gorgeous views of the freshwater Lake Naivasha, and the escarpments, beautiful gorges, and surrounding hills in the background.
Arguably, Naivasha Lake is one of the top 10 list of freshwater lakes (where you can take boat ride or cruise) in Kenya that can be enjoyed alongside the day trip hiking. Splendid 360 degrees panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley volcanoes like hike Mt Longonot day tour, escarpments adjoining the lake, Menengai Crater, water birds viewing among many others are some of the unique attractions.
There are scenic boat cruise safaris conducted on Lake Naivasha to allow one to get close to the water birds including Fish Eagle. The lake is also celebrated for a good population of hippos which are common sights lazing in the swampy areas of the lake.
Parts of the Mount Longonot day trip trekking trail are very steep and heavily eroded which is part of the hiking Mt Longonot Kenya adventure. The Mountain Longonot day hiking difficulty is moderate and with the only way up to the peak and summit area is by scrambling. Trekking this mountain is requires average level of fitness (good physical fitness) for one to be able to hike Longonot up to the crater rim and descent back to the base.
The inside of the crater floor ecosystem completely varies from the outside. The mountain sides are dry with thin vegetation cover. A sea of green plant life covers the crater floor of this rim may be due to the conducive fertile volcanic soils.
A forest composed of small trees covers the crater floor with small steam vents are to be found spaced round the walls of the crater.
Those wishing to hike around the crater rim need more stamina as this can be challenging to many but offers remarkable views from the crater rim . The sections of the part are greatly eroded and hikers must exercise extreme care and caution when attempting to scale the crater rim. You do not need to have a prior hiking experience though for this Mount Longonot day trip hiking.
Some of the National Park’s activities include:
*Biking
*Game viewing
*Hiking – hiking places around Nairobi
*Rock climbing
*Panoramic views of Lake Naivasha
*Walking, hiking trails in Kenya
Guaranteed trekking attractions include:
The main park’s attractions include crater forest, the volcano and the magnificent views of Naivasha, the fresh-water lake and the volcanic Great Rift Valley. It is also an abundant destination for birding and importantly the birds of prey.
The Kenya Wildlife Services national park is located in Kenya and is characterized by the majestic Rift Valley, home to volcanic mountains, craters and lakes denoting this magnificent feature ripping the continent apart. Here some of the hiking Mount Longonot day trips attractions in this crater park:
*Dormant volcano and crater thick forest. The mountain last erupted in 1863
*Scenic Landscape including great views of Naivasha Lake and The floor of the Great Rift Valley. It is one of the best hiking places around Nairobi. Longonot is located a short drive from Nairobi.
*The Mt Longonot wildlife park is a paradise for birds of prey. Observe some of these birds while on a Mount Longonot day trip hiking expedition.
Accommodation option for 1-day Mountain Longonot hike: This is available at Oloongonot campsite within the park precincts which is run by Kenya Wildlife Service, which manages Kenyan parks and national reserves. For better accommodation, you can consider going to the nearby Lake Naivasha. In addition, there are many hotels ranging from budget, standard and luxury options which can be booked alongside Mount Longonot day hiking trip.
After the 1-day trip Longonot hiking (Mount Longonot day trips), you might want to make a short drive to the nearby floor of the Great Rift Valley freshwater Naivasha Lake. The lake is fed from transient streams and the perennial Gilgil and Malewa Rivers. The lake does not have a noticeable outlet but it is assumed that it has a an underground drainage which makes the lake water relatively fresh.
Hiking Mt Longonot Kenya offers a possible option to visiting the nearby Naivasha Lake which is home to a variety of wildlife. Also, including over 400 different bird species. It is also home to a considerable population of hippos. Within the vicinity, two smaller lakes are to be found – Lake Sonachi (a green crater lake) and Lake Oloiden.
Nearby, there is The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary which is home to Crater Lake Tented Camp. You can request to combine this 1-day Mountain Longonot day hiking (hiking trails in Kenya) with a visit to the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. While in Naivasha you can schedul boat ride to see hippos and fish eagle.
To take part in a day trip for Longonot hike (Mount Longonot day trip), reach out to African Sermon Safaris here for an immediate assistance. This day trip is one of the many hiking places around Nairobi for the adventurous traveler.
Nearby in Nakuru near Lake Nakuru National Park, managed by Kenya Wildlife Services , you one can arrange to go hiking Menengai Crater. At 2278m above sea level, go for a day trip which is only 3 hours’ drive from Nairobi. Start early in the morning for this adventurous expedition. The Menengai Crater itself is an extinct volcano which is one of the world’s largest craters that is intact.
It is 12 Kilometers across and also approximately 500 meters in depth in some places. Menengai crater floor covers about 90-square kilometers. While one is standing at the top of the crater rim, you are able to have a panoramic view of the Northern Rift Valley floor. Also, including the Mau Hills, Aberdare Ranges, Mathew’s Range, Tugen Hills, Elgeyo-Marakwet escarpment and Cherenganyi Hills.
More striking is the beautiful views of the Rift valley floor lakes – Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria and the majestic beauty of the top of the crater itself. The Menengai Crater hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours fine walk from the base of the crater to the rim and back to the base.
Your hiking day tour of Menengai Crater begins downhill to the crater, which is a flat stretch. Subsequently, it is followed by a rocky and grassy uphill to the summit area. It is an enjoyable hiking trip with spectacular views comprising of various bird species, baboons and hyenas which can be spotted at the crater floor. However it is the long trek up that is challenging and torturous. To succeed in getting to the crater’s rim and the summit, you need to be an ardent hiker to conquer it!
To engage in this hike day tour, it is advisable to carry plenty of water and light refreshments to keep you going. At the foot of the crater, there are numerous food kiosks where you will get whatever you might need for this exciting hiking tour in terms of refreshments.
This Menengai Crater hiking tour can be combined with the day trip hiking. However, that would need an extra day to accomplish. Combine this with the Mount Longonot day trip.
Mount Longonot hiking 1 day trip safari from nairobi trekking. Reserve your spot now and explore the best hiking places in Kenya.