
Activities to do in Mount Longonot National Park
Activities to do in Mount Longonot National Park : On your Kenya safari, Mount Longonot offers a plethora of activities to choose from. They consist of the following, which could occupy your time while you’re there.
Hiking
Because Mount Longonot National Park is a mountain, it has opportunity for individuals who enjoy climbing to high altitudes. The six-hour trek, round-trip, is strenuous and daring, but it also rewards you with a beautiful vista at the summit.
Biking
For those of you who enjoy riding a bike, the park provides an ideal option where you can relax and enjoy the scenery while riding your bike or hitting the trails to explore this wonderful park on two wheels.
Birding
The environment of the birds has been enhanced by the flora found on the mountain slopes. Undoubtedly, Mount Longonot is a haven for avian enthusiasts; a plethora of avian species can be observed on a stroll through the park’s natural areas.
Nature walk
You enjoy going for leisurely walks and taking in the scenery. Why not go to this park and have a walk about it? You’ll be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, hear the birds from a distance, and see some wildlife. It will be worthwhile to walk for two to four hours.
Game watching
The various wildlife species that call the national park home, some of which were already stated, are the reason behind the game-watching activities. Mount Longonot’s game viewing opportunities are a major draw for tourists wanting to explore the national park. Numerous species of wildlife can be seen in this area. It is also possible to watch game while walking around.
Things to Bring With You
Drinking water, picnic supplies, and gear for camping in case you decide to remain overnight. Binoculars, a camera, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and guidebooks are additional helpful items.
Attractions of Mount Longonot National Park
In Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, southeast of Lake Naivasha, sits Mount Longonot, a dormant stratovolcano. The 1860s are believed to have been the last eruption. The Masai word oloonong’ot, which means “Mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges,” is the source of the name. As a portion of Mount Longonot National Park, Mount Longonot is under the protection of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
The Nature
The floor of the Crater is covered in a forest of tiny trees, and there are tiny steam vents scattered around the walls of the Crater. The Mountain is home to a variety of wildlife species, including Zebra, Giraffe, and Buffaloes (which leave droppings on the rim), Hartebeest, and Leopards, which are reportedly present but very hard to spot.
Wildlife
The common zebra, giraffe, Thomson gazelles, Grant gazelles, Elands, Lions, Leopards, Bushbucks, 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 among the other attractions.
Trails
This day walk features steep hills and is of a moderate level.
There is fine dust on the walk, along with occasional patches of loose gravel. It is advisable to pack light clothing, drinking water, and comfy hiking shoes.
The climb is steeper in the opposite direction. Walking in a clockwise direction could be a good option because it’s simpler to walk the steeper parts downhill in the dust. There are plenty of animals and birds to be seen along the journey, and the trails are stunning with a breathtaking perspective. The walk is worthwhile. A trail round the Crater and extends from the Park entry all the way up to the Crater Rim. Although the entire trail is just 8–9 km long, it is extremely steep, requiring roughly 5 hours of climbing to reach the Longonot Peak Park gate on a round trip basis.
The Crater
The breathtaking view of Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley greets you as you lift yourself over the crater’s edge, confirming that your efforts were rewarded. With the entire world at your fingertips, the vista is truly so rewarding that you won’t believe you are here.
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Biking
- Walking
- Viewing Lake Naivasha
How to access Mount Longonot National Park
This is the route from Nairobi to Mount Longonot. In Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, southeast of Lake Naivasha, sits the stratovolcano Mount Longonot. The 1860s are believed to have been the last eruption. Oloonong’ot, a Maasai word that means “mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges,” is the source of the name.
The dormant volcano, which was formed 400,000 years ago, rises 1000 metres above the scorching valley floor. Its most recent eruption occurred in the 1860s. The park, which is only 52 square kilometres in size, was established primarily to save the ecosystem of the volcano. The Maasai term Olo Nongot, which translates to “Mountain of Many Summits,” is whence the word “Longonot” originated. A dense canopy of tiny trees covers the deep crater on top of the mountain. The steep crater walls are lined with steam vents.
A asphalt road may take you to Mount Longonot, which is 90 kilometers—roughly an hour and a half—northwest of Nairobi. The park is 4 kilometres from the main road. Longonot is also the name of a nearby town. To the south of the mountain is the Longonot satellite earth station.

Cars can be parked in a lot one kilometre past the gate. From a distance on your ascent to the rim, you can also see Longonot from Lake Naivasha, which is just a short drive away from Longonot.
To make the travel across the Marram Terrain Road to the park convenient, you will need a decent 4 x 4 car.
Where to Stay at Mount Longonot National Park
In Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, southeast of Lake Naivasha sits the stratovolcano Mount Longonot. The 1860s are believed to have been the last eruption. Oloonong’ot, a Maasai word that means “mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges,” is the source of the name.
You will get so much satisfaction from hiking the volcano that it will be a complete experience. To make things easier for yourself, you might want to come a day early and spend the night here. This will allow you to start your hike early on the day of the hike and avoid the early morning reckless drive from Nairobi. Alternatively, you might want to stay a night here after your hike to take advantage of the stunningly serene surroundings far from the bustling city of Nairobi. There aren’t many lodging options close to this park. Camping is the most common type of lodging. Olongonot Campsite is where we’ve usually gone camping; it provides rudimentary lavatory facilities and toiletries. Two campsites with full ablution block toilets and men’s and women’s showers are available in the park. Equipment from Mt. Longonot Tour Guide’s porters, including mattresses, sleeping bags, lanterns, and cooking supplies, is also available for rental.
Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp
Lake Naivasha Crescent, the camp The camp is situated outside the town of Naivasha along Moi South Road, approximately ninety minutes’ leisurely drive northwest of Nairobi on the banks of a freshwater lake in Kenya. All of the canvas tents include private restrooms with flushing toilets and hot and cold running water. All accommodations offer all the conveniences of home combined with the ambience and design of a classic tent.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Acacia trees and plants abound at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, which is situated on 150 acres of grassland. Not only does it harbour resident giraffes, waterbucks, and Vervet and Colobus monkeys, but every night the hippos come here to shave their grass on the vast lawns that surround the lake. The structures were thoughtfully positioned to minimise tree chopping in an effort to preserve the ecosystem.
Enashipai Resort & Spa
Enashipai Resort & Spa, located on Moi South Lake Road, offers a rich sense of warmth through a blend of absolute elegance, abundant nature, and a strong local heritage. Nairobi’s coasts are only an hour’s drive away at Enashipai Resort and Spa. The accommodation is historically sumptuous, surrounded by lush surroundings, and rich in culture.
Lake Naivasha Country Club
Lake Naivasha Country Club Is a bustling starting point for travelers wishing to experience Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha’s serene natural beauty. The Naivasha Country Club, situated on 55 acres and adorned with opulent grounds, an outdoor swimming pool, expansive lawns, a spa, and plenty of shade-giving acacia trees, is renowned for being the oldest property in Naivasha.
It has a variety of tastefully decorated, cosy guest rooms and villas. Along with the country club’s on-site amenities, which offer plenty of room for both indoor and outdoor parties and gatherings, visitors may also take advantage of the fitness centre and enjoy cocktails while lounging in front of the big bay windows in the resident’s lounge or the crackling fireplace.
The country club frequently hosts unique bird watching events and boat trips to Crescent Island, a nearby island with an abundance of wildlife.
The Masada Hotel, Eminipasha Lodge, and Panorama Lodge are a few of the other lodges.
