Mount Longonot Day Hiking: Your Adventure Out of Nairobi

Dreaming of a hike that’s not too far from Nairobi and promises some pretty amazing views? Mount Longonot, could be, just what you need. It’s close enough for a day trip, yet very far from the city’s clamor, so you get a sweet escape into nature without spending a ton of time on the road, you know?

Why Mount Longonot is such a special spot

Mount Longonot isn’t just, like, any old mountain. That dramatic crater is what makes it special, you know? That volcanic feature makes you feel pretty small when you get up close. This volcano has its place within the Great Rift Valley, so it’s an amazing place from a geological standpoint. That history you see as you walk around isn’t something you experience every day, is it?

Wildlife likes to hang around the area, too, it seems. It is possible you might spot zebras, giraffes, or maybe even a cool-looking bird or two while you are walking. It adds a little extra something to, you know, just being out in nature.

Planning your Hike

Planning can be a bit overwhelming, yet, so getting ready is more than half the battle, isn’t it? Here is a breakdown to smooth things out.

• Getting There: So, the drive from Nairobi is, maybe, an hour and a half, depending on traffic. You could arrange transport with a tour company or, too it’s almost, drive yourself if you’ve got a vehicle that can handle the slightly rough roads, that is.
• Entry Fees: KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) manages the park, so you’ll need to pay an entry fee. It’s, like your, usually around $20-$30 USD for non-residents, but very check the current rates before you go, that is.
• Best time to go: It’s best to visit during the dry season, from June to October or January to February, when the trails are easier to manage. It is something you will thank yourself for later on, isn’t it?
• What to wear: It’s best to wear clothing appropriate for the hike, very sturdy hiking boots, that is, plus layers. It’s, arguably, pretty important since the weather can switch up on you, too. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, ok?
• What to pack: A backpack, loads of water (at least 3 liters), snacks like energy bars or fruit, sunscreen, a basic first-aid kit, and, well, a camera to capture all the awesome views! You might even consider binoculars. How else will you see those small animals and birds at the base of the caldera?

The Hiking experience at Mount Longonot

Ok, so the hike itself, it tends to be, fairly challenging but really rewarding. It is probably important to mentally prepare, right? Here’s a bit about what you can expect:

• The Trail: It’s about a 8km round trip, yet, very the first part is a pretty steep climb to the crater rim, that is. Once you reach the top, you can hike around the rim – that is, about another 5-6km, right? It is very something, you know?
• Difficulty: Moderately strenuous, as a matter of fact. The steep incline can be a bit tough, plus the altitude, yet it is nothing too extreme. Just take your time, it’s like your, and listen to your body, I would suggest.
• Views: Spectacular. That crater looks quite amazing and you’ll get expansive views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley. That really does make the effort worth it, so, you know?
• Wildlife Encounters: As previously stated, you, very, just might see some animals along the way, so keep an eye out, so, too it’s almost, keep your distance, that.

Starting that hike in the morning is a very popular time to do it, it tends to be. The temperatures are cooler and the light’s so awesome for photographs. It’s, actually, not a bad idea at all.

Making the most of your day

To do other cool stuff in the area, what are your options? Since you’re already in the neighborhood, as a matter of fact, you know? Why not consider checking out a couple more spots to, more or less, round out your day trip?

• Lake Naivasha: It’s nearby, and you can enjoy a boat trip to see hippos and birds. This is very different than Mount Longonot but something you will be just as excited about.
• Crater Lake Game Sanctuary: Go on a nature walk, see the wildlife, yet it is fairly, slightly smaller scale than Longonot, isn’t it? That is your prerogative, though.
• Hell’s Gate National Park: Great for biking and rock climbing and experiencing some truly unbelievable scenery, so it’s a pretty unique spot for a day trip from Nairobi, you see?

Spending the entire day outside might sound exhausting. It does a whole lot of good for, you know, your mind, too, as a matter of fact. Isn’t that worthwhile?

Other bits of wisdom

• Guide vs. No Guide: It really can be safe enough to hike Mount Longonot without a guide. That said, having a guide makes for a more enriching experience since that guide can explain geological features or point out animals that you would otherwise miss, alright? The trail tends to be fairly well-marked and you are fairly unlikely to get lost if you choose not to hire someone, you see?
• Keeping Safe: So, be aware of the weather conditions because things can get, sort of, slippery if rain rolls around and, you know, wears good hiking boots with ankle support, so that will make for better traction and avoid injuries, you know? Let somebody, like your, friends or family know that you’re going to hike on the mountain so people notice and help if you become delayed for any reason, right?
• What to Budget: That price for transportation is arguably different depending on whether you hire a taxi for the day, it could be about 5,000-7,000 KSH (about $40-60 USD). Also, take the fees from KWS into account – around $20-$30 USD for foreign residents as a baseline so that your pockets can have some funds to cover costs, so you, too it’s almost, are not surprised by anything. Do note that the cost of hiring the official mountain guide that might take the average up by 1,500-2,500 KSH and bring small snacks to make that experience better, ok?

Quick notes for adventurers

• A cool day trip very near to Nairobi and something worth doing for nature lovers.
• Get there early, put on comfortable shoes and lots of sunscreen.
• You could very much see wildlife like zebras, giraffes on the way!

Frequently Asked Questions

The information I have shared is just the beginning! Planning that visit to Longonot that best fits what you would like to gain for those hikes is important and also fun.

Happy hiking!