1-Day Mount Longonot Crater Hike
Kenya · 1 Day · Road Safari
Duration
1 Day
Destinations
Kenya
Transport
Road Safari
Style
Mountaineering
Difficulty
Moderate
Price
On request
Overview
Mount Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano rising from the floor of the Great Rift Valley, about 90km from Nairobi. A steep path climbs its outer slopes to the crater rim, and from there a trail loops right around the crater — a forested bowl roughly 1.8km across — to the summit at 2,776m. It's one of the most rewarding day hikes in Kenya: no technical climbing, but a genuine workout on loose volcanic soil, with views over Lake Naivasha, the Rift Valley escarpment and, on a clear day, Mount Kenya. Giraffe, zebra and buffalo graze the lower slopes. Allow around four to six hours for the full rim circuit, and pair it with a night by Lake Naivasha if you'd like to make a weekend of it.
Highlights
- Walk the full rim of a volcanic crater
- The summit at 2,776m in Longonot National Park
- Views over Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley
- Giraffe and zebra on the lower slopes
- An easy day trip from Nairobi — or a Naivasha weekend
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Leave Nairobi early for the drive down the Rift Valley escarpment to Longonot National Park. Hike up to the crater rim, then around the crater to the summit (2,776m) before descending for a packed lunch and the drive back to Nairobi in the evening.
- Meals
- Packed lunch
Day 1: Nairobi to Mount Longonot and back. Leave Nairobi early for the drive down the Rift Valley escarpment to Longonot National Park. Hike up to the crater rim, then around the crater to the summit (2,776m) before descending for a packed lunch and the drive back to Nairobi in the evening.
What’s Included
- Return transport from Nairobi with a professional driver
- Longonot National Park entry fees
- Guide for the hike
- Packed lunch and drinking water
What’s Excluded
- Personal items — hiking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, day pack
- Tips for guide and driver
Optional Add-ons
Frequently Asked Questions
It's non-technical but steep in places, on loose volcanic soil. The climb to the rim is the hardest part; the loop around the crater adds distance and some ups and downs. A reasonable level of fitness is enough — go at your own pace.
Around four to six hours for the climb, the full rim circuit and the descent, depending on your pace. You can also turn back at the rim for a shorter outing.
Good walking shoes with grip, a hat, sunscreen, a light layer for wind on the rim, and a day pack. The trail is exposed, so start early to avoid the midday heat.
Yes — most people pair Longonot with a night at Lake Naivasha, which also opens up a boat ride, Crescent Island or cycling in Hell's Gate the next day.
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Price
On request