Mount Longonot is a young, extinct stratovolcano that rises dramatically from the floor of the Great Rift Valley. The challenging trek takes you up the steep, dusty volcanic ash slopes to the crater rim. From the top, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the massive, forest-filled crater caldera below and a sweeping panoramic view of Lake Naivasha in the distance.
One fun fact people love:
The name "Longonot" comes from the Maasai word Oloonong'ot, which translates to "mountain of many steep ridges" or "spurs."
Where in Lake Naivasha is it?
Located in Mount Longonot National Park, just southeast of Lake Naivasha.
How to reach:
Easily reached by taking a private taxi or local bus along the Old Naivasha Road from Nairobi or Naivasha town.
Best time to visit:
Dry seasons (January to March and July to October) to avoid slick, muddy slopes.
Best time of day:
Very early morning around 7:00 AM to complete the steep climb before the intense midday equatorial sun hits.
Entry fee:
Conservation entry fee of approximately USD 26 for international visitors and KES 300 for Kenyan citizens.
Commute difficulty:
Challenging; the trail is steep, dusty, and has sections of loose scree, requiring a good level of physical fitness.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The complete rim hike (an additional 7.2 km loop around the crater edge) has several steep, narrow, and windy ridges that can trigger vertigo.
- The dust from the volcanic ash is highly penetrating; wear tall socks and high-ankle shoes, and cover your camera lens when not in use.
- Wildlife such as buffaloes and leopards live inside the crater forest; while rare to see, they are sometimes spotted along the trail.
