Rising dramatically from the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Longonot is one of Kenya’s most spectacular natural landmarks — a dormant stratovolcano whose symmetrical cone and vast, forested crater have captivated hikers, scientists, and nature lovers for generations. Mount Longonot National Park, managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), protects this geological marvel and the remarkable ecosystem it supports.

The name Longonot is derived from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot, meaning “mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges” — a vivid description of the volcano’s jagged, dramatic silhouette. Formed approximately 400,000 years ago through explosive volcanic activity, the mountain last erupted around 1860, leaving behind a striking caldera lush with dense forest — a quiet, self-contained world teeming with wildlife and rare bird species.

The park covers an area of 52 square kilometres, with most of it occupied by the mountain itself. Elevations range from 1,875 to 2,776 metres above sea level. The flanks of this volcanic mountain are characterized by beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges, while the stony soils support sparse but resilient vegetation. Within the crater, however, lies an almost impenetrable forest — a microclimate entirely distinct from the exposed slopes above.

Unlike many Kenyan national parks, Mount Longonot has no roads inside. Visitors must hike to experience its wonders fully, making it a refreshingly raw, physical adventure. Declared a national park in 1968, it remains one of Kenya’s least-visited yet most rewarding destinations — a hidden gem that offers drama, wildlife, and sweeping views of the Rift Valley within a single extraordinary day.

GEOGRAPHY

Where is Mount Longonot National Park Located?

Mount Longonot National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Kenya, within the spectacular Great Rift Valley. More specifically, it lies in Nakuru County, southeast of Lake Naivasha, in the heart of the Eastern African Rift System.

The park is located approximately 60–90 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, making it one of the most accessible national parks in Kenya. This proximity to the capital has made it an extremely popular destination for day hikes, weekend escapes, and corporate team-building excursions.

Geographically, Mount Longonot sits at the southern end of the Naivasha trough, flanked to the northwest by Olkaria (a rhyolite dome field) about 20 km away, and to the south by Suswa volcano, roughly 30 km distant. The mountain occupies a fault-bounded depression in the Gregory Rift — the Eastern Branch of the East African Rift System — and represents one of the most visually striking features in an already dramatic landscape.

The summit stands at 2,776 metres (9,108 feet) above sea level, while the park gate sits at approximately 2,150 metres. The caldera near the top spans an impressive 8 by 12 kilometres, with the volcanic cone itself topped by a crater measuring 1.8 kilometres in diameter. The crater floor is blanketed with dense forest, and steam vents can still be spotted along sections of the crater walls — a reminder that, while dormant, Longonot is not entirely extinguished.

📍  Location & Coordinates Mount Longonot National Park is in Nakuru County, Kenya. GPS coordinates: approximately 0°54’S, 36°27’E. The park gate is located off the A104 Nairobi–Nakuru Highway near the town of Mai Mahiu, approximately 90 km from Nairobi’s city centre.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Best Time to Visit Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot National Park can be visited year-round, but the experience varies dramatically depending on the season. Kenya has a broadly dry-wet seasonal pattern, and the conditions on the mountain’s steep, eroded trails make timing a meaningful consideration for all hikers.

✅  BEST SEASON June – September (Dry Season) Dry, firm trails and excellent visibility. The most enjoyable hiking conditions. Wildlife easily spotted. Highly recommended.	☀️  ALSO EXCELLENT December – February (Short Dry) Warm and sunny. Very popular — expect more visitors. Book accommodation in Naivasha in advance during festive season.
🐦  BIRDWATCHING November (Early Short Rains) Migratory birds arrive and the landscape is lush. Early November still offers reasonable hiking before rains intensify.	⚠️  CHALLENGING April – May (Long Rains) Heavy rainfall makes trails muddy and slippery, increasing fall risk significantly. Not recommended without specialist gear.

Average daytime temperatures on the mountain range between 18°C and 26°C. Early mornings and late evenings can drop below 10°C, especially on the exposed crater rim. Dressing in layers is strongly recommended. The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a recommended last entry by 4:00 PM to allow sufficient time to complete the hike safely.

Whatever season you choose, start your hike as early as possible — ideally by 7:00 or 8:00 AM. This allows you to reach the crater rim in the cool of the morning, complete the loop at your own pace, and descend well before the afternoon heat or rain sets in.

WHAT TO DO

Activities in Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot’s rugged volcanic landscape, diverse wildlife, and extraordinary views offer a wide range of activities. The park is fundamentally a hikers’ destination — there are no game drive roads — but the rewards of exploring it on foot are exceptional.

1. Crater Rim Hiking

The centrepiece of any visit. A 3.1 km trail ascends steeply from the park gate to the crater rim, followed by an optional 7.2 km loop encircling the caldera. The complete hike — gate to rim to loop and back — covers approximately 13.5 km and takes 4 to 5 hours. The trail is challenging, with heavily eroded sections and steep gradients requiring reasonable fitness. The panoramic rewards at the top — sweeping views across the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and the vast forested crater below — make every step worth it. Regular hikers prefer a counter-clockwise direction for a smoother ascent and more rewarding views.

2. Nature Walks

For those not undertaking the full crater hike, the park offers shorter nature walks. A gentle gate-to-forest trail (approximately 1.5 km) is ideal for birdwatching and wildflower photography. Partial rim hikes with scenic stop points are also popular. These walks provide an immersive way to experience the park’s geology, flora, and fauna at a relaxed pace without the demands of the full ascent.

3. Birdwatching

Mount Longonot is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 100 species recorded in and around the crater. The park is particularly renowned for raptors — Verreaux’s Eagle and the Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) are regular sights, catching thermals over the crater rim. Augur buzzards, eagles, sunbirds, starlings, and barbets also feature prominently. The wet season attracts migratory species, making November and early December particularly rewarding for birders.

4. Wildlife Viewing & Photography

The visual drama of Mount Longonot offers world-class photographic opportunities. From the abstract geometry of the crater and the misty forested floor, to wide-angle vistas of the Rift Valley, sunrises over Lake Naivasha, and wildlife portraits on the slopes, the park delivers extraordinary imagery. Early morning light on the rim is particularly spectacular. Wildlife commonly encountered includes zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elands, Thomson’s gazelles, and bushbucks.

5. Camping

The Olongonot Campsite, located 2 km from the main gate, accommodates up to 150 people and offers basic facilities including ablution blocks with showers. Equipment including tents, blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags, and cooking gear can be rented from Mount Longonot Tour Guides. Camping allows visitors to experience the mountain at dawn — the finest time to begin the hike — and on clear nights, the star-filled Rift Valley sky is breathtaking.

6. Trail Running

Mount Longonot has become increasingly popular among trail runners in the Nairobi athletic community. Running the crater rim loop is an exhilarating challenge for fit and experienced runners. Note that cycling is not permitted inside the park due to the steep and fragile nature of the trails; however, nearby Hell’s Gate National Park does allow cycling and is well worth combining with a Longonot visit.

💡  Combine Your Visit Mount Longonot’s proximity to Lake Naivasha makes a combined day trip ideal. After your hike, head to the lake for a boat ride among hippos and flamingos, or cross to Hell’s Gate National Park for a cycling safari through its dramatic gorge and geothermal steam vents.

WHAT TO SEE

Attractions in Mount Longonot National Park

The Crater & Crater Rim

The most iconic attraction of the park is the volcanic crater itself — a vast, roughly circular depression measuring 1.8 kilometres across. The crater floor is blanketed in a surprisingly lush and largely undisturbed forest, which creates a unique microclimate teeming with wildlife and rare bird species. The steep crater walls drop approximately 500–600 metres from the rim to the floor. Walking the 7.2 km crater rim loop offers a continuously changing 360° panorama: the Rift Valley escarpments to the west, Lake Naivasha shimmering in the east, the distant peaks of the Aberdares to the north, and the sweeping grasslands below.

Great Rift Valley Views

From the crater rim, visitors are treated to some of the most spectacular views in all of East Africa. The Great Rift Valley stretches in every direction, its geological immensity brought home by the sight of the valley floor thousands of metres below. On exceptionally clear days, multiple Rift Valley lakes — including Naivasha, Elementaita, and Nakuru — are visible simultaneously. These views alone justify the effort of the hike.

Wildlife

The park supports a diverse range of mammals. Common sightings include zebras grazing on the lower slopes, giraffes browsing in the thickets, buffaloes near the crater rim forest, warthogs, baboons, elands, Thomson’s gazelles, hartebeests, and bushbucks. Though elusive, leopards also inhabit the park. Importantly, the park does not have lions or elephants, making it one of the few Kenyan national parks safe for unguided hiking. Wildlife tracks — buffalo, warthog, and hyena prints — are frequently spotted on the dusty trail.

Flora & Volcanic Vegetation

The park’s vegetation reflects its volcanic geology. The lower slopes are characterized by dry bushland dominated by acacia and leleshwa shrubs. As you ascend, wild olive trees and croton give way to the sparse, wind-beaten vegetation of the crater rim. Inside the crater, the protected microclimate sustains tall trees, climbing vines, and dense ground cover — a botanically rich and largely undisturbed habitat of great scientific interest.

Steam Vents (Fumaroles)

A fascinating geological feature of the mountain, steam vents are found along sections of the crater walls, offering a visible reminder that Longonot, though dormant for over 160 years, still possesses an active magmatic system beneath its surface. Geodetic activity recorded between 2004 and 2006 confirmed the continued presence of these living magmatic systems, making the mountain a subject of ongoing scientific study.

Lake Naivasha (Nearby)

While technically outside the park, Lake Naivasha is an integral part of the Longonot experience. Visible from the crater rim, this freshwater lake is one of Kenya’s most beautiful, supporting large populations of hippos, hundreds of bird species including flamingos, and a thriving ecosystem of its own. A boat trip on the lake makes for a perfect complement to the morning’s hike.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

How to Get to Mount Longonot National Park

Getting to Mount Longonot National Park is relatively straightforward, particularly from Nairobi. The park is served by a single gate accessible by road, and the route is entirely on tarmac until the final 3 km dirt approach to the gate.

By Private Vehicle

The most comfortable and flexible option. From Nairobi, take the A104 Nairobi–Nakuru Highway westward toward Mai Mahiu. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. From Mai Mahiu town, continue briefly on the B3 road. The park entrance is clearly signposted — turn left onto a dirt road leading approximately 3 km to the park gate. Secure parking is available at the entrance.

By Public Transport (Matatu)

Shared minibuses (matatus) depart regularly from Nairobi’s CBD (River Road and the Railway Station area) toward Naivasha via the Mai Mahiu route. Alight at Longonot Junction or Mai Mahiu town, then hire a motorbike taxi (boda boda) for the final stretch to the park gate — a journey costing approximately KES 100 to 400 depending on your starting point. Tuk-tuks and taxis can also be arranged from Naivasha town, about 15–20 km from the gate.

By Organised Day Tour from Nairobi

Numerous Nairobi-based tour operators offer all-inclusive day packages covering transport, park entry, and guided hikes. These are an excellent option for first-time visitors or those without private transport. Prices vary by operator but typically represent good value when compared to arranging all logistics independently. Many operators also offer combination packages that include Hell’s Gate National Park and a Lake Naivasha boat trip on the same day.

By Air

International visitors typically fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, located about 15 km southeast of the city centre, then make the approximately 90-minute drive to the park. There is no airstrip within the park itself.

DEPART EARLY Leave Nairobi by 6:30–7:00 AM to arrive at the gate by 8:00 AM and beat both the heat and the crowds.	PAY VIA KWSPAY Entry fees are paid digitally via KWSPay on eCitizen. No cash accepted at the gate.
FUEL UP Fill your tank before Mai Mahiu. Fuel stations on the route can be unreliable.	STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES No food vendors inside the park. Buy water, snacks, and lunch in Mai Mahiu or Naivasha before arriving.

PARK FEES 2025/2026

Mount Longonot National Park Entry Fees

Following new Kenya Wildlife Service Conservation Fee Regulations effective October 1, 2025, Mount Longonot National Park underwent its first major fee revision in nearly two decades. The park is classified as a Scenic Park (Category B) under the new tariff — the same category as Hell’s Gate, Mount Elgon, and Ol Donyo Sabuk.

Visitor Category	Previous Fee	Current Fee (Oct 2025)
Non-Resident Adults (International)	USD 26	USD 50
Kenyan / East African Citizens (Adult)	KES 300	KES 500
Kenya Residents (Valid Work Permit)	KES 400	KES 675
Children under 5 years	Free	Free
Camping (per person / night)	—	KES 500
Annual KWS Pass	—	KES 45,000

All entry fees are valid for 24 hours from the time of entry. Students on recognised educational trips may qualify for discounted rates with prior KWS approval and an official institutional letter. Groups of 20 or more employees or visitors are encouraged to notify KWS beforehand.

💳  Cashless Payment Only — KWSPay KWS has fully committed to cashless entry across all parks. Payment must be made through KWS Pay, the official KWS payment platform integrated into eCitizen (kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke). Accepted methods include M-Pesa, Visa/MasterCard, RTGS, and EFT. Download your QR-coded receipt and present it with your ID or passport at the gate. Cash is NOT accepted at any KWS gate. For assistance: Call 0800 597 000 (toll-free) email: info@marriottsafaris.com

Even after the 2025 fee increases, Mount Longonot remains one of Kenya’s most affordable national park experiences, offering outstanding value given its dramatic scenery, accessible location, and unique volcanic ecosystem.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Mount Longonot National Park: Safety, Risks & Incidents

Mount Longonot is widely regarded as a safe and manageable hiking destination, particularly compared to more remote Kenyan mountains. The absence of lions and elephants within the park boundaries makes it suitable for unguided hiking. However, the mountain’s volcanic terrain presents genuine physical hazards that every visitor must take seriously.

The Crater — The Greatest Danger

The most significant safety concern at Mount Longonot is the steep, unstable crater. The crater walls drop roughly 500–600 metres from the rim to the floor, and the terrain inside is heavily vegetated, loose, and extremely treacherous. Entering the crater interior is not permitted for safety and ecological reasons; all visitors must remain strictly on the established crater rim trail.

Trail Hazards

Parts of the hiking trail are heavily eroded and very steep, particularly the initial ascent from the gate to the rim. Loose volcanic gravel is common throughout, significantly increasing slip risk — especially during or after rainfall. The trail is entirely on foot; there are no roads, guardrails, or safety barriers anywhere on the mountain. Hikers should wear boots with excellent ankle support and grip.

Wildlife Encounters

While the park lacks lions, leopards are present but very rarely encountered. Buffaloes can be extremely dangerous if startled — always give them a wide berth and never approach. Baboons may approach hikers for food; never feed them, as this encourages aggressive behaviour. Warthogs and zebras are generally docile but should be observed from a respectful distance.

Volcanic Risk

Longonot has been dormant for approximately 160 years, but it is not fully extinct. Periodic geodetic activity has been recorded as recently as 2004–2006, confirming an active magmatic system beneath the volcano. While the risk of eruption in the near term is very low, it is not zero. The crater walls are also structurally unstable in places, with loose rock and crumbling edges posing fall risks on the rim trail.

Essential Safety Guidelines

• Start early — begin your hike by 7:00–8:00 AM to reach the rim in cool conditions and allow time for the full loop.
• Carry at least 2–3 litres of water per person. There are no water sources or vendors on the trail.
• Wear sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots with strong grip. Trainers or sandals are not suitable for the eroded volcanic terrain.
• Stay strictly on marked trails. Do not venture into the crater interior under any circumstances.
• Hike in groups where possible. Solo hiking is allowed but not recommended.
• Dress in layers. Temperatures on the crater rim can drop significantly, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
• Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before setting out.
• Check the weather forecast before visiting. Avoid the trail during or immediately after heavy rain.
• Ensure you begin your descent with ample time to exit the park before the 6:00 PM closing time.

QUICK REFERENCE

Practical Information at a Glance

🕕  Opening Hours Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Recommended last entry: 4:00 PM.	🚗  Distance from Nairobi ~60–90 km via A104 Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. Approx. 1.5–2 hours.
🏨  Accommodation No lodges inside the park. Wide range available in Naivasha town and along Moi South Lake Road.	📡  Mobile Coverage Decent signal at the entrance. Patchy on the crater rim. Safaricom has best reception.
🚿  Facilities Basic pit latrines at entrance gate only. No running water on trails. No food vendors inside the park.