How to Hike Mount Longonot Kenya (Distance, Difficulty & Day Trip from Nairobi)

Welcome to Mount Longonot in Kenya.

Are you planning on HIKING THIS MOUNTAIN? Should you do the extended Mount Longonot crater rim hike? What about the mt Longonot entrance fee (prices were recently updated).

By the end, you’ll be a Mount Longonot expert, ready for a PERFECT HIKE!

Mount Longonot National Park

Established in 1984, Mount Longonot National Park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and is part of Kenya’s efforts to preserve its natural heritage.

Mount Longonot National Park covers an area of 52 square kilometers and has beautiful nature and wildlife such as buffalo, eland, lion, leopard, bushbucks, common zebra, giraffe, and Grant’s gazelles.

👉 KEEP IN MIND: There are no roads in the park, so hiking is the longonot volcano only option to reach the summit!

Mount Longonot facts

• Name origin: The name “Longonot” actually comes from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot, meaning “MOUNTAIN OF STEEP RIDGES” or “many spurs,” which is definitely true for the rugged terrain around the volcano.

• Dormant STRATOVOLCANO: Mount Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano, with its last eruption in the 1860s. The crater is now home to a unique crater forest that thrives. It’s so beautiful on Instagram pictures, it feels like you’re in Hawaii!

• Elevation: The volcano rises to an elevation of 2,776 meters (9,108 feet) (!) above sea level.

👉 FUN FACT: As a stratovolcano, Mount Longonot was built up through layers of lava, ash, and volcanic rocks. You can still see this in some parts of the trail!

Mount Longonot day trip from Nairobi

Mount Longonot National Park is located in the Great Rift Valley, 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Nairobi, making it an ideal day trip from Nairobi.

We left at 6 am to be ahead of traffic for our mt Longonot hike and got back at 3 pm before the evening rush.

Overview of hiking Mount Longonot

Best time to hike Mount Longonot

When you’re planning a day-hike up Mount Longonot, TIMING MATTERS. You don’t want to be hiking during the rainy season when the trail might even be closed!

The best time to hike the Longonot Crater is during the DRY SEASON (from June to October)

Clear skies, good trails, and amazing views across the Rift Valley make the crater-rim hike feel epic.

Early in the dry period (June), you’ll find fewer tourists, perfect light before the mid-riser heat, and a good chance of dramatic sunrise shadows on the slopes.

Hiking Mount Longonot Kenya

Now the million-dollar question is, ‘WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE HIKE?‘ Is it worth going there when you are only staying 5 days in Kenya for a western safari?

Mt longonot hike distance:

The Mount Longonot hike to the crater rim is 6.2 kilometers (3.8 miles) round trip.

If you want more adventure, you can do an extra 7.2 kilometers (4.5 miles) around the rim, making the total distance 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles).

The entire hike takes 4 to 6 hours.

Hiking to the Longonot crater:

The hike to the crater rim of Mount Longonot is 6.2 kilometers (3.8 miles) round-trip and is the most accessible part of the trail.

However, it is not easy, as the incline begins immediately after the flat section near the trailhead.

• Trail start (0-1 km): The trail starts just behind the information center, where the path is wide and flat. This section has beautiful views of the surrounding Great Rift Valley.

• Steep incline begins (1-2 km): As you approach the 1-kilometer mark, the trail inclines sharply. The terrain is mainly loose dirt and rocks, so be prepared for dusty paths!

• False peak (2-3 km): After about 2 kilometers, you’ll get to a false peak with a small pavilion that serves as a popular rest stop. This is an excellent place to catch your breath (or eat your lunch when you come back down, like we did). From here, the most challenging part of the hike begins.

• Steepest Section (3-3.5 km): The next section of the hike is the most challenging of the whole hike. The trail becomes very steep, so be prepared for some climbing with your hands.

• Crater rim (3.5 km): Once you finally reach the rim, the terrain levels out, and you’ll see amazing views of the forest-filled crater below.

Hiking along the rim

Now you’ll have to decide if you will add another 7.2-kilometer loop around the crater rim. If you do, which we recommend, you’ll need the information below.

• Initial rim hike: The trail along the rim is narrow and uneven, with steep drops into the crater on one side. We recommend you start COUNTER-CLOCKWISE (so go to the right), then you must do the steepest sections early. After those peaks, the rest of the hike is easy.

• Steep Ascents (0-2 km): The first 2 kilometers of the rim hike are the most challenging, with steep ascents that follow the natural ridges of the crater (these are secret viewpoints). You’ll continue to climb to the highest point of Mount Longonot at around 2,776 meters (9,108 feet), where you can take BEAUTIFUL INSTAGRAMMABLE pictures.

• Descents and rolling terrain (2-7 km): After reaching the summit, the trail alternates between rolling hills and gradual descents. Although the path is still narrow and steep, it’s less physically demanding than the ascent.

• Final descent and return: Once you complete the rim loop, you’ll return to the same trail you took to the crater rim. The descent is tough on the knees, so be prepared!

👉 FACTS: Mount Longonot sits on the Great Rift Valley floor, which was formed over millions of years as the African tectonic plate split.

Park entry fees and regulations

Mount Longonot National Park has different entry fees depending on whether you are a citizen, resident, or TOURIST.

• Citizens (Kenya):
  • Adults: 500 KSH
  • Children: 250 KSH

• Non-Residents (TOURISTS):
  • Adults: $50 USD (used to be 26 ISD)
  • Children: $35 USD 

*UPDATE PRICES: The prices for Longonot national park in this post has been updated according to the latest Kenyan legislation of September 2025. On average, Kenya National Park entry fees are 30% to 100% (!) more expensive. 

The entry fees support the maintenance and conservation of the park and the management of the wildlife and ecosystem in the area.

To pay for the entry fee, you’ll have to create an eCitizen account (the same one you use for a tourist visa), which you can create here in a few simple steps.

Then, you can select the ‘National Park Entry’ option, apply for your permit, and make the payment.

Don’t underestimate this, the portal is burdensome, not all buttons work as they are supposed to, and the payment might take a few times. You can ask the ranger to help with the payment so that you can pay with your card.

Safety tips for hiking Mount Longonot

• Altitude: Starting at 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) and reaching 2,776 meters (9,108 feet) at the peak, the high elevation can cause altitude sickness for some hikers. Symptoms of this include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

• Dehydration: Dehydration is a big risk due to the warm temperatures and steep sections. Pack plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person).

• Emergency Handling: Given the park’s remote location, you should have a basic first-aid kit with items like aspirin for altitude sickness, blister bandages, and pain relievers. Having a map or GPS device is also wise, as cell reception is patchy in some trail areas. You can find emergency numbers at the trailhead, so please take a picture of them!

What to pack for your Mount Longonot Hike

• Reusable water bottle: Single-use plastic bottles are PROHIBITED in the park, so bring a hard-plastic reusable water bottle. Otherwise, you can purchase one at the gate.
• Proper footwear: Wear hiking boots with good grip. The steep sections also require footwear with ankle support.
• Snacks and energy: Pack plenty of high-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars.
• Clothing: Dress in light layers that you can easily remove as you climb and warm up, but also pack a light rain jacket in case of sudden downpours. A hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
• First-aid kit: Always carry a small first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers.

Wildlife and nature in Mt Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot National Park has amazing views and many animals and plant life, both inside and around the crater.

Wildlife in the Longonot park

Mount Longonot National Park has a lot of wildlife:

• Buffalo: These large herbivores roam the park and are commonly seen grazing in open areas.
• Eland: The largest species of antelope, elands are often found in the grasslands surrounding the mountain.
• Zebra: Common zebras graze the grasslands and can be seen in herds.
• Giraffe: These gentle giants are known to wander through the park’s lower slopes.
• Grant’s Gazelle: A smaller antelope species, Grant’s gazelle is often seen in the park’s open areas.
• Predators: Lions and leopards are present, though harder to spot, as they stay in more secluded areas of the park.

Vegetation and forest ecosystem

• The crater floor is covered in dense forest. This forest creates a rich ecosystem that contrasts with the sparsely vegetated slopes outside the crater, offering a scenic landscape that showcases the beautiful Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha.
• The volcanic soil in and around Mount Longonot contributes to the fertility of the forest, allowing a wide range of plant species to thrive, despite the mountain’s dry outer slopes.

Acommodations

There are a few accommodations available near Mount Longonot National Park. We’ll list them below.

Oloongonot Campsite (KWS):

• Oloongonot Campsite is the ideal spot for visiting Mount Longonot. It offers basic facilities such as bathrooms, tables, and running water. It is located just behind the trailhead.
• You will need to bring your own camping equipment, and bookings can be made through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). For more information and reservations, you can contact KWS directly via their official site.

Hotels near mt Longonot

For more comfortable accommodations we recommend going to Lake Naivasha, which has a range of options catering to different budgets.

Naivasha Country Club:

One of the oldest and most popular lodges around Lake Naivasha. Naivasha Country Club is a mid-range option that offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s ideal for families or those looking for a relaxing retreat after hiking.

Lake Naivasha Resort:

Lake Naivasha Resort is a getaway nestled along the shores of Lake Naivasha. This mid-range resort features cozy cottages, a large swimming pool, and well-maintained gardens. It’s perfect for couples and families seeking a peaceful retreat after exploring the surrounding wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Nearby attractions to Longonot National Park Kenya

1. Lake Naivasha

• Distance: 30 km (18.6 miles) from Mount Longonot.
• Overview: Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake known for its birdlife (over 400 species) and large population of hippos. You can enjoy boat rides on the lake, where you can spot hippos and various bird species like fish eagles and pelicans.
• Activities: Boat rides, bird watching, walking safaris on Crescent Island, and visiting local flower farms.

2. Hell’s Gate National Park

• Distance: 50 km (31 miles) from Mount Longonot.
• Overview: Famous for its cliffs, gorges, and geothermal activity, Hell’s Gate is one of the few national parks in Kenya where you can walk or cycle alongside wildlife.

3. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

• Distance: Located on Lake Naivasha, 40 minutes by boat from the mainland.
• Overview: Crescent Island offers you a unique experience as it is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk among wildlife freely.
• Activities: Walking safaris, wildlife photography, and bird watching.

Conclusion

Visiting Mount Longonot offers a challenging adventure, even for the most fit of you, in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.

The 6.2 km (3.8 miles) round-trip hike to the crater rim, or the extended 13.5 km (8.4 miles) loop around the crater, provides views over the best Kenyan nature, including Lake Naivasha.

With high entry fees set at $50 USD for tourists and a lot of people on the trail, there are some disadvantages.

The mountain’s volcano and its rich wildlife and forest ecosystem inside the crater make it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

FAQ