Hiking Mt Longonot – Day Trip from Nairobi
Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano that overlooks Lake Naivasha. The mountain has lava canyons on its steep slopes and a caldera that is over one kilometre wide. Walk around the caldera. The view from Mt Longonot’s caldera is simply stunning. It is also a national park, meaning you could see some wildlife, though not the Big 5.
Mount Longonoto is one of Kenya’s most popular hiking destinations. This adventure hiking to Mt Longonot offer you a day out of Nairobi. One the way, you will enjoy the scenic views for the Great Rift Valley. On the hike itself, enjoy the walk with possibility of sighting wild animals too – small mammals and birds. There are animals like Giraffe, warthogs, Zebra and many antelopes.
The Road trip from Nairobi to Mount Longonot makes sightseeing easy from the car with several view points on the escarpment. As you ascend and descent, on the meandering road to Mount Longonot from Nairobi, the sight of the mountain can be intimidating enough to deter many would-be hikers. However, the hike to Mount Longonot really does offer something for everyone.
The hike up to the Mt Longonot crater rim takes about half a day, though going up the 4.1 kilometres to the rim of the crater can take anything from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your speed and stamina. You also need a walking stick, as the hike can be quite stiff for the first 3 kilometres or so.
You might want to include a visit to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride and walking safari at Crescent Island before getting back to Nairobi.
Highlights of the Mount Longonot Day Hike
Easy access from Nairobi
Ideal for adventurers
Ideal for bird-watchers
Scenic views from escarpment