Mount Longonot Hike: Complete Trail Guide

Mount Longonot is an extinct stratovolcano in Kenya’s Rift Valley, rising to 2,776m above sea level. It last erupted approximately 150 years ago. The perfectly preserved circular crater, visible from the highway, makes Longonot one of the most distinctive landmarks in the region. The hike to the crater rim and around it is one of the most accessible and rewarding day hikes from Nairobi.

Basic Facts

• Height: 2,776m (summit at Longonot Peak on the crater rim)
• Starting elevation: 2,200m (park gate)
• Vertical gain: 576m
• Trail distance: 3.5km to rim (one way); 9km crater rim circuit
• Total time: 3–4 hours (ascent + descent, no rim circuit) or 5–7 hours (full hike)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best months: January–February, June–October (dry seasons)
• Entry fee: Approximately USD 26 non-resident pp / KES 100 resident pp as of 2026

Getting There from Nairobi

By matatu:

1. From Nairobi’s Country Bus Station (OTC stage, near Globe Cinema roundabout in the CBD), take a matatu heading to Naivasha — KES 300–400 one way.
2. Ask to be dropped at Longonot town (on the A104 highway, 90km from Nairobi).
3. From Longonot town, take a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) to the park gate — approximately KES 200 (5km).
4. Return: reverse the route. Last matatus from Longonot towards Nairobi run until approximately 7pm.

By private vehicle: Take the A104 northwest from Nairobi toward Naivasha. Turn left at the signposted Longonot junction (approximately 90km from the CBD). The park gate is 5km from the A104. The gate road is gravel and manageable in a saloon car.

Driving time from Nairobi: Approximately 1.5 hours, allowing for Nairobi city traffic leaving before 7am.

The Trail

Ascent to the Crater Rim (1.5–2 hours)

The trail begins at the park gate at approximately 2,200m and climbs directly up the northwestern slope of the volcano. The path is clear and well-defined. The first section passes through open acacia scrub before transitioning to bare volcanic rock and loose scree.

The slope is consistent and steep — approximately 30–35 degrees in sections. This is the part that tests fitness. The volcanic rock is sharp and the scree slides underfoot. Proper hiking shoes (not sandals or tennis shoes) are necessary.

At approximately halfway (30–40 minutes from the gate), there’s a natural rest point on a rocky outcrop with the first views across the Rift Valley. The A104 highway and Lake Naivasha are visible below.

The trail reaches the crater rim at approximately 2,776m — Longonot Peak is the highest point on the rim. The view from the rim takes in the full crater interior (estimated 2km diameter), the entire Rift Valley floor, Lake Naivasha to the northwest, and, on a clear day, the Aberdare Range to the north and the Ngong Hills to the south.

The Crater Rim Circuit (2–3 hours additional)

A 9km path follows the entire crater rim. This is the full Longonot experience — the volcanic crater is deep and the internal walls are heavily vegetated with dense bush. Steam can sometimes be seen rising from the crater floor on cool mornings.

The rim walk is exposed and has some sections with significant drop-offs on the crater side. The path is well-defined but narrows in places. Wind can be strong on the eastern rim sections.

Several sections of the rim circuit have loose soil at the edge — stay on the marked path and don’t approach the edge casually. The signage is good in the key areas.

The full rim circuit: Start clockwise from Longonot Peak. The southern section of the rim is the most dramatic — the crater walls here are steepest. Complete the circuit back to the peak, then descend the same ascent trail.

Descent (1–1.5 hours)

The descent is faster than the ascent but harder on the knees due to the loose volcanic scree. Trekking poles are useful for the descent. Take the same trail down to the gate.

What to Bring

Essentials:

• Water (minimum 2 litres per person; the hike has no water sources on trail)
• Sunscreen (strong — the equatorial sun at 2,700m is intense)
• Hat
• Hiking shoes with good grip (not sandals)
• Light jacket or windproof layer (the crater rim at 2,776m can be cold in cloud)

Optional but useful:

• Trekking poles (particularly helpful on descent)
• Packed lunch (no food available inside the park)
• Binoculars (for the Rift Valley views)

Park Rules and Compulsory Guide

A KWS ranger guide is compulsory for the hike. Guides are available at the park gate for approximately KES 500 per group (regardless of group size, up to 10 people). The guide knows the trail well and provides safety monitoring on the crater rim.

The guide service is genuine value — they know which sections of the rim have recent landslip activity and can advise on weather coming in from the Rift Valley.

Wildlife on Mount Longonot

The lower slopes have buffaloes, zebras, and various small antelopes. Don’t approach buffalo — they are dangerous at close range. The gate rangers will brief you on any recent large animal sightings before the start.

The crater interior is vegetated with dense bush and has been reported to hold buffaloes and possibly leopards, though the animals are not visible from the rim.

Combining with Lake Naivasha

Longonot and Lake Naivasha are 25km apart. A long day from Nairobi can combine both:

• Depart Nairobi 6am
• Arrive gate 7:30am; begin hike
• Complete full hike by 1:30–2pm
• Drive to Lake Naivasha (25km)
• 2-hour boat trip on the lake
• Return to Nairobi by 7pm

For the full Lake Naivasha activities guide, see our Lake Naivasha guide.