Most people see the Great Rift Valley from a viewpoint on the road to Naivasha. Mount Longonot lets you stand on the rim of a volcano inside the valley itself. The mount longonot hike takes a fit visitor about four to five hours for the full circuit, the trailhead is only 90 km from Nairobi, and the view from the crater edge is one of the best half-day experiences in Kenya. This guide covers the route, distances, fees, what to bring and the mistakes that catch people out.
Mount Longonot at a glance
| Detail | Facts |
|---|---|
| Summit height | 2,776 m (9,108 ft) |
| Gate height | About 2,150 m, so the climb is roughly 630 m |
| Distance from Nairobi | About 60 km northwest as the crow flies; roughly 90 km and 1.5 to 2 hours by road |
| Trail distance | 3.1 km from gate to crater rim; 7.2 km rim circuit; about 13.5 km return including the descent |
| Time | 60 to 90 minutes to the rim; 4 to 5 hours for the full loop |
| Difficulty | Moderate to demanding, mainly because of the steep final section and the altitude |
| Park hours | 6 am to 6 pm daily |
| Park size | About 52 km², managed by Kenya Wildlife Service |
What is Mount Longonot?
Longonot is a stratovolcano in the Rift Valley, southeast of Lake Naivasha in Nakuru County. A huge eruption roughly 21,000 years ago created a caldera about 8 by 12 km across, and a smaller summit cone later grew inside it. The mountain last erupted around the 1860s, and scientists who monitored it in the mid-2000s measured active magma systems beneath it, so it is dormant, not dead. The crater at the top is about 1.8 km wide, with a forested floor and steep walls.
The name comes from the Maasai word Olongongot, usually translated as “mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges”, which describes the heavily creased flanks you see from the road.
How to get to the Mount Longonot hike trailhead
- By private car or taxi: Drive the Nairobi to Naivasha road (A104) and turn off towards the park gate. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours in normal traffic.
- By matatu: Take a matatu from Nairobi’s OTC station to Naivasha, then a local vehicle to the Longonot junction and park gate. It works, but it is slow and adds time to an already long day.
- With a tour: Longonot combines easily with a night at Lake Naivasha. See our Naivasha and Hell’s Gate guide for the area.
Mount Longonot hike: the route, step by step
1. Gate to the crater rim (3.1 km)
From the gate you walk across open grassland, usually with zebra or giraffe grazing within sight. The path then starts to climb. The first section is gentle, but after about the halfway point it becomes steep and rocky, with loose soil and some scrambling. Most people take 60 to 90 minutes. Expect to stop often; nobody is racing.
2. The false peak
At around 2 km you reach a gazebo-style viewpoint. Many people mistake this for the top. It is a good place to rest and photograph, but the true summit is farther along the rim.
3. The crater rim loop (7.2 km)
When you reach the rim, you can look straight down into the crater and across to Lake Naivasha. The rim path circles the crater and goes up and down along the edge; the true summit is on this loop and is marked by an orange sign. Hikers normally go counter-clockwise. The path is narrow, so keep a safe distance from the edge, especially in wind.
4. The descent
You return by the same path you came up. The descent is quicker, but the loose surface can be slippery, so wear shoes with grip.
Entry fees for Mount Longonot
Longonot is in the “Scenic” tier of the Kenya Wildlife Service fee schedule (October 2025):
- Non-resident adults: USD 50; children USD 25
- Kenya residents: KES 675 for adults; KES 350 for children
- East African citizens: KES 500 for adults; KES 250 for children
- African citizens (non-EAC): USD 20 for adults; USD 10 for children
Fees change from time to time, and payment is by eCitizen, so ask us to confirm the current rate when you book. See our Kenya national park fees page for the full table.
Best time for the Mount Longonot hike
- Season: The dry months (June to October, and December to March) give firm ground and clear views. After heavy rain the trail turns muddy and slippery.
- Time of day: Start by 9 am at the latest. The climb is exposed, and the sun gets strong by midday.
- Day of the week: Weekdays are quiet. Saturdays attract school groups, running clubs and weekend hikers.
What to bring
- At least 2 litres of water per person in a reusable bottle. Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed at the gate, though you can buy a reusable bottle on site.
- Trail shoes or light hiking boots with good grip.
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses; a light windproof layer for the rim.
- Snacks, such as nuts, fruit or energy bars.
- A camera or phone with a charged battery; there is little shade and no shop on the trail.
- Trekking poles if you have weak knees; they help on the descent.
Wildlife on Mount Longonot
You are not on a safari, but you will see wildlife anyway. Zebra, giraffe, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and Thomson’s gazelle graze the lower slopes. Klipspringer, duiker, hyrax, baboons and vervet monkeys live on the rocks and in the crater forest. A leopard lives on the mountain but is rarely seen. Eagles and other raptors ride the thermals along the rim. Keep your distance from buffalo and baboons, and do not feed any animal.
Tips for a better hike
- Go at your own pace. The altitude (over 2,700 m at the top) is enough to make a fit person breathless.
- Hire a ranger or guide if you want company, extra safety and some local explanations. It is optional but sensible for first-timers and solo hikers.
- Do not take the crater floor trail without a guide. The forest inside is dense and the paths are not clearly marked.
- Keep your phone charged and tell someone your route and expected return time.
- Combine it with a boat ride on Lake Naivasha or a cycling day in Hell’s Gate the next morning.
Is Mount Longonot worth it before or after a safari?
Yes, and for different reasons. Before a safari, it is an easy way to shake out jet lag and get your legs used to long days. After a safari, it gives your body the activity it missed while you were sitting in a vehicle. It is also one of the few places in Kenya where you walk among zebra and giraffe on foot, which is a very different feeling from a game drive. For other walking and hiking options see our Mount Kenya guide and the full list of national parks in Kenya.
Safety and park rules
- Stay on the marked path, especially on the rim, where the drop into the crater is steep and the edges can crumble.
- Start early so you finish well before the gate closes at 6 pm. The summit loop is long, and getting stuck on the mountain after dark is the most common problem.
- Carry water and a basic first-aid kit, and tell someone where you are going.
- Do not feed or approach baboons, and give buffalo plenty of room.
- Take all litter with you. No single-use plastic bottles are allowed through the gate.
Mount Longonot hike vs Hell’s Gate and Mount Kenya
Hell’s Gate is gentler: you walk or cycle between cliffs and see wildlife without a big climb. Mount Kenya is a serious multi-day trek with altitude risks above 4,000 m. The Mount Longonot hike sits in the middle. It is physically demanding but short enough for a single day, which is why it is popular as a training hike for people preparing for Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro. It works well in combination with a night at Naivasha.
A sample day itinerary
- 6:00 am: Leave Nairobi (or your Naivasha lodge).
- 8:00 am: Pay at the gate and start walking.
- 9:30 am: Reach the crater rim and rest at the viewpoint.
- 10:00 am to 12:00 pm: Walk the rim loop to the true summit and back.
- 12:30 pm: Descend to the gate.
- 2:00 pm: Lunch in Naivasha, then an afternoon boat trip on the lake or the drive back.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Mount Longonot hike take?
About 60 to 90 minutes to reach the crater rim and 4 to 5 hours for the full circuit, including the 7.2 km rim loop and the descent.
How hard is the Mount Longonot hike?
Moderate to demanding. The path is steep and rocky near the top and the altitude reaches 2,776 m, but there are no technical sections, and fit beginners can complete it with rests.
How much does it cost to hike Mount Longonot?
Non-resident adults pay USD 50 and children USD 25. Kenya residents pay KES 675 for adults, and East African citizens KES 500 (KWS, October 2025).
How far is Mount Longonot from Nairobi?
About 60 km northwest as the crow flies, or roughly 90 km by road, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can you do the Mount Longonot hike without a guide?
Yes, the main path to the rim is clear. A ranger or guide is optional but recommended for solo hikers and for anyone wanting to go down into the crater.
Are there animals on Mount Longonot?
Yes. Zebra, giraffe, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and gazelles graze the lower slopes, and baboons, hyrax and klipspringer live on the rocks. Leopard is present but rarely seen.
Want Longonot added to your safari? Ask our team and we will fit it around your route.
