Mount Longonot National Park Guide
Mount Longonot National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular hiking destinations, located in the Great Rift Valley near Lake Naivasha.
Quick Facts
Peak Season
July – October
Best Time to Visit
June – September and January – February
Famous For
Volcanic crater hiking and panoramic Rift Valley views
Safari Cost
~600$ – 700 $ per person per day
Known For
Mountain hiking, crater rim walks, scenic photography, and nature adventures
Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular hiking destinations, located in the Great Rift Valley near Lake Naivasha. The Park is centered around Mount Longonot, a dormant stratovolcano famous for its massive crater and breathtaking panoramic views.
The name “Longonot” comes from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot, meaning “mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges.” The park offers visitors a unique adventure safari focused on hiking, nature walks, and volcanic landscapes rather than traditional wildlife game drives.
It is ideal for day trips from Nairobi and is loved by hikers, photographers, and adventure travelers seeking outdoor experiences.
Location
Mount Longonot National Park is located southeast of Lake Naivasha, approximately 90 kilometers from Nairobi.
By Road
It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Nairobi via the Nairobi–Naivasha Highway.
By Air
Visitors can fly to Naivasha Airstrip followed by a short road transfer to the park.
History of Mt Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park was officially established in 1984 to protect its striking volcanic landscape, crater forest, and the wildlife habitats found along the Great Rift Valley.
Named after the Maasai word Oloonong’ot, meaning “mountains of many spurs or steep ridges,” the park is centered around the extinct volcano Mount Longonot, one of Kenya’s most dramatic natural landmarks.
Over the years, Mount Longonot has become widely known for its scenic hiking trails, panoramic crater-rim views, and rich natural beauty, making it one of Kenya’s most popular destinations for adventure, nature, and day excursions from Nairobi.
Park Size
Wildlife and Landscape
While mainly known for hiking, Mount Longonot also supports wildlife within the forested crater and surrounding plains.
Wildlife you may see includes:
The park’s landscapes include:
- Massive volcanic crater
- Crater rim hiking trails
- Forested crater floor
- Great Rift Valley escarpments
- Scenic viewpoints
- Lava formations and volcanic terrain
Safari Experiences in Mt. Longonot
Visitors enjoy a variety of adventure activities including:
Mountain hiking
Challenge yourself with a rewarding hike up Mount Longonot, one of Kenya’s most iconic dormant volcanoes. The park has no internal roads, so the main experience is on foot, taking visitors up the mountain through rugged terrain to sweeping viewpoints over the Great Rift Valley.
Crater rim walks
Walk along the crater rim for one of the most dramatic outdoor experiences in Kenya. From the top, visitors enjoy expansive views into the forested crater and across the surrounding Rift Valley landscape, making the rim walk the highlight of a Mount Longonot visit.
Scenic photography
Capture spectacular views of volcanic landscapes, crater scenery, and the wider Rift Valley stretching toward Lake Naivasha. Mount Longonot is especially popular with photographers for its rugged slopes, panoramic viewpoints, and striking natural light during morning and late afternoon hikes.
Birdwatching
Discover a variety of birdlife around Mount Longonot’s slopes, crater environment, and surrounding Rift Valley habitats. The park and nearby Naivasha region attract bird enthusiasts looking for raptors, grassland birds, and other species that thrive in this volcanic and lakeside ecosystem.
Picnic experience
Mount Longonot is ideal for relaxed outdoor breaks before or after the hike, with many visitors combining the climb with a picnic-style stop while enjoying the fresh Rift Valley air and scenic surroundings. It is a popular choice for weekend outdoor escapes and short adventure outings.
Day trips from Nairobi
Located about 80 kilometers from Nairobi, Mount Longonot is one of Kenya’s most accessible national parks for a day excursion. Its proximity to the capital makes it a favorite for travelers seeking a full adventure experience without needing an overnight stay.
Combined excursions with Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate
Many visitors pair Mount Longonot with nearby Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park for a fuller Rift Valley experience. This combination offers hiking at Longonot, lake activities and birdlife at Naivasha, and walking or cycling adventures in Hell’s Gate, all within the same region.
Nature walks
Enjoy immersive nature walks through a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, open plains, and native vegetation. Because Mount Longonot is explored mainly on foot, visitors experience the park more directly, with chances to appreciate its scenery, geology, and occasional wildlife along the trails.
The full crater rim hike is challenging but highly rewarding, offering unforgettable panoramic views.
Lodges and Camps – Accommodation
Most accommodation options are found around Lake Naivasha and nearby towns.
Luxury safari lodges
Mid-range safari camps
Budget hotels
Private villas
Lakeside resorts
Boutique eco-lodges
Many travelers combine Mount Longonot with Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha boat safaris.
Park Entrance Fees
These fees help support wildlife conservation and park management.
Park Opening Hours
Activities at Mount Longonot are best enjoyed in the morning, when the weather is cooler and hiking conditions are more comfortable. Early starts also offer clearer views, better photography opportunities, and a more enjoyable experience along the mountain trails and crater rim.
Why Visit Longonot with Phronesis Tours?
we create unforgettable safari experiences that showcase the best of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes.
Experience Mount Longonot with Phronesis Tours for a seamless adventure in one of Kenya’s most iconic volcanic landscapes, where well-planned day trips, expertly guided hikes, and reliable logistics help you make the most of your visit. With professional support, personalized service, and carefully curated experiences, Phronesis helps you enjoy scenic crater rim walks, breathtaking Rift Valley views, and an unforgettable, stress-free outdoor escape.
Start Your Mt. Longonot National Park Safari Adventure