Mount Longonot National Park: Kenya’s Wild Playground for Hikers and Nature Lovers

If you’re looking to swap the cityscape for raw volcanic beauty, look no further than Mount Longonot, a dormant stratovolcano located just an hour’s drive northwest of Nairobi. Towering at 2,776 meters (9,108 ft) above sea level, Mount Longonot is a magnet for hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers seeking panoramic views, unique wildlife, and a true taste of Kenya’s Rift Valley wilderness.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a casual traveler looking for a one-day outdoor escape, here’s why Mount Longonot National Park should be high on your list.

 1. The Hike: Challenging, Rewarding, Unforgettable

The climb to the crater rim is about 3.1 km (2 miles) but steep, gaining roughly 630 meters in elevation. It’s a moderate to challenging hike that typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the rim.

Once at the top, you’re greeted with jaw-dropping 360° views of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and the vast plains stretching beyond.

 2. A Dormant Volcano with a Living Heart

Despite being dormant, the volcano is very much alive with life. The massive crater is over 2 km wide and filled with a dense, untouched forest  home to zebras, buffalo, antelopes, baboons, and even leopards (though rarely seen).

Mount Longonot is part of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)  protected areas, which helps conserve its biodiversity and make it a safe yet wild hiking experience.

 3. Scenic Views That Will Blow Your Mind

On a clear, beautiful day, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of:

• Lake Naivasha shimmering in the distance, its calm, glassy waters reflecting the surrounding highlands.

• The vast Rift Valley escarpment, stretching dramatically across the horizon with rugged cliffs and rolling landscapes.

• Neighboring volcanoes and endless plains, creating a stunning contrast of rocky peaks and open wilderness that seems to go on forever.

• Wide, endless skies, especially magical at sunrise when the first golden light spreads across the landscape, painting everything in warm, glowing colors.

It’s no wonder Mount Longonot has become a favorite for photographers, drone pilots, and Instagram adventurers alike.

 4. Wildlife Encounters in the Wild

While the hike may be the main event, keep your eyes open — Mount Longonot is a wildlife sanctuary. You may spot: Zebras, Giraffes, Thomson’s gazelles, Warthogs, Baboons and other animals. Birdlife is also rich, with raptors like eagles and vultures soaring above the cliffs.

 5. Easy Day Trip From Nairobi

Mount Longonot is just 60–90 minutes from Nairobi, making it a perfect day trip or a great add-on to your safari itinerary. It’s accessible via the Mai Mahiu–Naivasha Road, and the park is well-marked and organized.

The park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and early mornings are best for hiking before the sun gets intense.

 Bonus Tip: Combine It with Lake Naivasha or Hell’s Gate

Turn your Longonot adventure into a full Rift Valley experience by adding a visit to:

• Lake Naivasha – for boat rides and bird watching

• Hell’s Gate National Park – for cycling among giraffes and hiking through gorges

• Olkaria Geothermal Spa – for a relaxing soak after your hike

 Plan Your Mount Longonot Adventure with Cross Wild Safaris

At Cross Wild Safaris, we help travelers experience Kenya beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re looking to summit Mount Longonot, spot wildlife on safari, or combine nature with culture, our guided trips are tailored to your pace and passion.

 Book your Mount Longonot hike or custom safari and discover why Kenya is one of Africa’s most thrilling and diverse destinations  from volcanic peaks to vast savannahs.