How long does it take to hike up Longonot? Travel to the fascinating stratovolcano known as Mount Longonot National Park, which is located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley southeast of Lake Naivasha. Experience the different ecosystems, thrilling Kenya safari activities, and geological wonders that this park has to offer. A prominent example of Kenya’s geological diversity is Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano that last erupted in the 1860s. The Maasai term “Oloonong’ot,” which translates to “steep ridges” or “mountains of many spurs,” aptly describes the untamed beauty of this stratovolcano. Mount Longonot, which rises 1,000 meters above the valley level, creates a dramatic shadow against the African sky.
Kenya safari attractions in Mount Longonot National Park
Hiking Mount Longonot National Park
Steep climbing and moderate difficulty are features of this day’s hike. There is loose gravel in several places of the walk, along with fine dust. You should pack light clothing, drinking water, and comfortable hiking shoes. The ascent is steeper while going anticlockwise. The steeper parts are simpler to walk downward in the dust, therefore it would be a good idea to go in a clockwise direction. Along the journey, you can occasionally observe wildlife and birds, and the paths are really impressive with a great perspective. The walk is worthwhile. There is a trail that around the Crater and leads from the Park entry up to the Crater Rim. Although the entire journey is only 8 to 9 kilometres long, it is extremely steep, requiring around 5 hours of climbing to complete the round trip from park gate to Longonot Peak.
The Crater
There are tiny steam vents scattered throughout the Crater’s walls, and the Crater Floor is covered in a forest of tiny trees. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife species, including hartebeest, buffaloes (who leave droppings on the rim), zebras, and giraffes. Leopards are quite hard to spot, however reports of them have been made.
Wildlife
Buffaloes, Elands, lions, leopards, bushbucks, giraffes, common zebras, Thomson gazelles, Grant gazelles, and numerous more antelopes are among the major wildlife attractions. Views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley, as well as the extinct volcano and crater forest, are additional kenya safari attractions.
Great views
The breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley and Naivasha as you push yourself over the crater’s edge makes it all worthwhile. You can see the entire planet at a look, and the view is so rewarding that you won’t believe you are here. Options for Activities Walking, Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Seeing Lake Naivasha.
Hiking Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot, an attractive, dormant volcano, is the focal point of Mount Longonot National Park. It was produced during the Great Rift Valley’s formation by volcanic explosions. In Kenya, climbing Mount Longonot is an exciting experience. The Masai word Oloonong’ot, which means mountains with numerous spurs or steep ridges, is the source of the name Longonot. The majority of the 52 km that make up Longonot Park is occupied by Mount Longonot. Beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges may be found on the mountain’s slopes. There isn’t much vegetation on the hard soils, but there is an impenetrable forest inside the crater.
The hike begins at Mount Longonot National Park’s gate after a briefing at the park headquarters. After that, you and your group leave for the hike starting point and just follow the single track. There is no guide present, but the walk is within the park; perhaps your drive guide could accompany you. You begin the climb at 6,000 feet. As with all good uphill walks, the gradual ascent to the first peak will lull you into a false sense of security. For the second, and most amazing, part, you have the opportunity to liberate up your arms and lungs.
There is a rest area at the conclusion of each stretch where you may get ready for the following phase of your journey. Even though you started early to avoid the sun’s heat, you would have produced your own heat by the time you finished the second section. Although this is a challenging walk, individuals with a moderate level of fitness can complete it. The first viewpoint (2340m) is reached after a steeper portion that starts off rather flat. The distance to the rim, which offers a striking perspective of the crater, is short (3.1km and 2560m).
Along the walk, one can see a variety of wildlife and bird species, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, gazelles, and a glimpse of Naivasha. The breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley and Naivasha awaits you as you leap over the crater’s edge, and you realise that it was all worthwhile. Either clockwise or anticlockwise, one can follow the crater rim to the top, Mount Longonot (2780m). The ascent is steeper while going anticlockwise. The steeper parts are simpler to walk downward in the dust, therefore it would be a good idea to go in a clockwise direction.
It takes around five hours to walk from the park gate to Longonot Peak to the park gate because the entire journey is just 8 to 9 km long but extremely hilly. Participants in this walk must be at a reasonable level of physical fitness. But every painful step and the effort are worthwhile because of the breathtaking vistas from the crater rim itself. Steep climbing and moderate difficulty are features of this day’s hike. There is loose gravel in several places of the walk, along with fine dust. You should pack light clothing, drinking water, and comfy hiking shoes. Take a rest at the Mount Longonot National Park headquarters after you descend the mountain, and then continue on to Lake Naivasha or Nairobi.
Despite being in a national park, the walk does not require a guide. You may be able to see gazelles and zebras in the distance. Moreover, a trail descends into the crater. In order to minimise sun exposure during the hot hours, make sure you drink enough water and arrive early.
Safety alert
You should be alert even if the animals are not thought to be dangerous in this area. Additionally, entering the crater without a ranger is not advised or permitted. Expect to see leopards and other possibly dangerous animals.
Opening hours
Every day, including public holidays, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Both walking and driving are permitted up to the parking bay, which serves as the starting point for hikes. In addition, there is a 2-kilometer game road circle to the lava flow (for small cars).
