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Mount Longonot · Adventure Tour

Mount Longonot Crater Hike

  • DurationFull day
  • Group size1–12 guests
  • DifficultyModerate
  • AvailabilityOn request
From KES 8,500 per person
Book now Request a quote
Mount Longonot Crater Hike

Overview

Mount Longonot crater hike

Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano rising from the floor of the Great Rift Valley, its distinctive cone visible from the main Nairobi-to-Naivasha highway. Inside Mount Longonot National Park, a steep but short trail climbs from the park gate to the crater rim, rewarding hikers with sweeping views over Lake Naivasha, the valley floor and, on a clear day, a wide stretch of the Rift Valley escarpment. It is one of the more accessible hiking day trips from Nairobi.

The climb

From the gate, the path climbs steadily through scrub and grassland to the crater rim, a walk of roughly one to one and a half hours that is steep in places but does not require technical skill. Once on the rim, hikers can either turn back after the view or continue around the crater edge, a longer circuit of two to three further hours that passes several viewpoints and requires reasonable fitness and a head for heights in places.

What makes it worth the climb

Inside the crater, forest has grown up on the floor, and steam sometimes still rises from vents near the base, a reminder that the volcano, though dormant, is not entirely inactive. Buffalo and other wildlife occasionally use the crater floor, so rangers ask hikers to stay alert and follow their guidance.

Planning the day

An early departure from Nairobi avoids the worst of the midday heat on the exposed slopes. We plan the day around whether you want the shorter rim viewpoint or the full crater circuit, and build in time for a rest and photographs at the top.

Good to know

Bring sturdy closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water; the slopes offer little shade. The price is a guide per adult and includes transport, park fees and a guide. Lunch is not included. Please tell us in advance if anyone in the group has a heart or respiratory condition, given the steep, sustained climb.

Highlights

  • A rim walk around a dormant volcanic crater
  • Views over Lake Naivasha and the Rift Valley floor
  • A steep but short ascent from the park gate
  • A rewarding day hike for fit, active travellers

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Morning – Nairobi to Mount Longonot

    Drive to the national park gate at the foot of the volcano.

  2. 2

    Climb to the rim

    A steep but short walk of roughly 60 to 90 minutes to the crater rim viewpoint.

  3. 3

    Optional crater rim circuit

    For fit hikers, a longer walk around the crater edge with further viewpoints.

  4. 4

    Afternoon – Descent and return

    Walk back down to the gate and drive back to Nairobi.

What’s included

Included

  • Return transfers from Nairobi
  • park entry fees
  • driver-guide
  • bottled water

Not included

  • Lunch
  • hiking pole or gear hire
  • tips
  • personal expenses

Practical information

Departure
Nairobi, early morning
Pickup
Nairobi hotels and airports
Meeting point
Confirmed after pickup location is provided
Accommodation
Day trip, no accommodation included
Best time to go
June–October and January–February (drier, clearer views); hiking is avoided during heavy rain
Recommended age
Ages 10+ with reasonable fitness
Cancellation & changes
Free request changes before final confirmation; final terms depend on the selected supplier.
How to book
Submit your dates and guest details. Our team confirms availability and the final itinerary before payment.
Guide price basis
Per adult, full-day hike from Nairobi with transport, park fees and a guide. This is an estimate based on current market rates; the final price is confirmed in writing before any payment.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mount Longonot an active volcano?

It is a dormant stratovolcano; its last confirmed eruption was in the 1860s, and it is monitored but not considered a near-term threat.

How difficult is the hike?

The climb to the rim is steep and takes roughly one to one and a half hours; walking the full crater rim adds another two to three hours and is more demanding.

Do we have to walk the whole rim?

No. Many visitors climb to the rim for the view and descend without circling the crater; we can plan either option.

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