As you climb the rugged trails of Mount Longonot you will enjoy panoramic views of the mountain slopes and the surrounding Great Rift Valley floor and plains. You will also see a glimpse of Lake Naivasha from a distance.

You will get an opportunity to capture unforgettable moments against the backdrop of sweeping savannahs and distant mountain ranges. Whether you are a experienced photographer or simply a hiking enthusiast, Mount Longonot promises scenes that will leave you mesmerized.

If you are wondering about Mount Longonot hike difficulty it ranges from moderate to difficult. The first hiking trail to the crater rim has easy-moderate difficulty and just 3.1-kilometer trail which takes about 1 hr average. The second stretch hiking round the crater is difficult and covers 7.2 km via Kilele Ngamia peak and takes 2 hours average.  This means that the Mount Longonot hike distance is a total of 10.3 km in total including going round the crater.

Mount Longonot, plus other moderate to difficult hikes like Elephant Hills, is a good preparation hike for Mount Kenya Climbing expedition. It helps one to prepare for more difficult hikes by building the required physical fitness.

Mt. Longonot Hike Distance & Stats

• Distance: 10.3 km
• Maximum Elevation: 2776m, Maximum Elevation Gain: 996m
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Beginner-friendly: Yes
• Child-friendly: Yes, 10 years and above

Why Mount Longonot Hike Day Trip is A Must Do

The diverse terrain of Mount Longonot changes from lush forests to rocky slopes, each step unveils a new and exhilarating challenge. While hiking through the bushes be on the look out for the Whistling Thorn Acacia (Acacia drepanolobium) trees which are special plants which have a symbiotic relationship (mutualism) with ants. The thorns offer shelter to the ants while the ants protect the plant from grazing animals.

Getting to the crater rim is very fulfilling and it gives one a chance to look into the depths of the volcano's caldera which is about 500 metres deep! Watch out your steps!

Along the way, keep an eye out for native wildlife, including buffalo, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. With every twist and turn of the trail, you'll find yourself immersed in the thrill of exploration.

You will also learn about the rich cultural heritage of Mount Longonot including origin of its name which comes from Maasai words. You will discover the significance of the volcano in local folklore and its role in shaping the surrounding landscape.

At the end of your Mount Longonot hike day trip, you will take a moment to reflect on the memories you have created as you enjoy your packed snack lunch.  Whether you reached the Oloonongot Crater Point or conquered the Kilele Ngamia Mt Longonot Summit othe journey will stay with you long after you have returned home.

From the thrill of the hiking adventure to the serenity of the wilderness, Mount Longonot offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to connect with nature and explore the wonders of Kenya's Great Rift Valley.

Requirements/What to Carry

1. ID/Passport

2.Proper hiking shoes/sport wear; NO heels and skirts

3.Sun glasses (optional)

4.Sunscreen (optional)

5.Adventure spirit

6.Extra drinking water or soft drinks (recommended)

7. Snack lunch (healthy)

8.Rain coat (recommended)

9. Sun Hat (Recommended)

The Mount Longonot hike cost starts at 60 USD per person inclusive of transport (from Nairobi and other areas), park entry fees, guide fees, drinking water, photography, and a snack lunch.

At Kifaru Discover Safaris we have some of the best Mt Longonot hike packages and you can contact us on call/message or WhatsApp +254 727 944 748 or email us at info@kifarudiscoversafaris.com.