Mount Longonot Guide

Mount Longonot National Park is one of the most popular day hikes from Nairobi. The park is approximately 90 km from Nairobi along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. Mount Longonot rises to 2,776 m above sea level and is a volcanic mountain with steep ridges and a large crater.

🥾 Hiking Distance

A typical Mount Longonot hike involves:

• Nairobi → Mount Longonot: about 90 km one way
• Park gate → summit/crater rim: approximately 3–4 km
• Crater rim circuit: approximately 7–8 km
• Total hiking distance: roughly 11–12 km for the ascent, crater-rim circuit and descent
• Elevation: 2,776 m above sea level
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Hiking time: approximately 4–6 hours, depending on fitness, weather and stops

The crater-rim section is considerably more demanding than simply reaching the viewpoint because of the repeated steep ups and downs along the volcanic ridges.

Mount Longonot 1-Day Itinerary from Nairobi

5:30 AM – Pick-up in Nairobi

Early morning departure from Nairobi. Pick-up can be arranged from your hotel, residence or agreed meeting point.

5:30–7:30 AM – Drive to Mount Longonot

Drive via Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, covering approximately 90 km to Mount Longonot National Park.

7:30–8:00 AM – Park Entry & Preparation

Arrive at the park, complete entry procedures, meet the guide and prepare for the hike.

KWS currently lists park gates as opening at 6:00 AM and closing at 6:00 PM, unless visitors are staying overnight.

8:00 AM – Start Hiking

Begin the hike from the park gate.

The initial trail gradually becomes steeper as you approach the mountain. The landscape consists of volcanic terrain, ridges and V-shaped valleys.

9:30–10:30 AM – Reach the Crater Rim

Reach the crater rim and take a short rest while enjoying views toward Lake Naivasha, the Rift Valley and surrounding landscapes.

10:30 AM–12:30 PM – Crater Rim Hike

Continue around the crater rim.

This is one of the most challenging and scenic sections of the hike because of the numerous ridges and steep sections.

12:30–1:00 PM – Lunch/Rest

Take a packed lunch and enjoy a short rest at an appropriate designated area.

1:00–2:30 PM – Descend

Begin the descent back toward the park gate.

Take care on the loose volcanic ground, particularly on steep downhill sections.

2:30–3:00 PM – Finish Hike

Arrive back at the park gate, freshen up and prepare for the drive back to Nairobi.

3:00–5:00 PM – Drive Back to Nairobi

Depart Mount Longonot and drive back via the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.

Around 5:00 PM – Arrive in Nairobi

Drop-off at your hotel, residence or agreed location.

📍 Mount Longonot Hiking Summary

Mount Longonot is also home to wildlife including buffalo, zebra, giraffe, eland and gazelle, so hikers should remain alert and follow KWS instructions.

🎒 What to Carry

• 2–3 litres of drinking water
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Hat/cap
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Light rain jacket
• Hiking poles
• Small backpack
• First-aid kit
• Camera/phone
• Extra layer of clothing

KWS specifically recommends clean drinking water, food, sunscreen, insect repellent, first-aid supplies, sunglasses and appropriate hiking gear.

💰 Current KWS Entry Fees

KWS currently lists Mount Longonot entry at:

• East Africa Citizen adult: KES 500
• Kenya resident adult: KES 675
• Non-resident adult: USD 50
• African citizen adult: USD 20

Rates can change, so confirm the applicable fee when booking.