Mount Longonot Hike & Lake Naivasha Boat Ride Review: Is it Worth it?

Looking for a fantastic day trip from Nairobi that combines a bit of a challenge with some tranquil wildlife viewing? The Mount Longonot hike followed by a boat ride on Lake Naivasha might just be what you are looking for! It is, after all, a popular choice, but, you know, is it really worth your time and money? I took the plunge recently, and I’m here to give you my, like, super-honest take on the whole experience. Get ready, then, for a breakdown of everything from the hike itself to the creatures you might see out on the lake.

Conquering Mount Longonot: A Volcanic Venture

Mount Longonot, you see, is basically a dormant volcano rising majestically from the Great Rift Valley floor. So, reaching the rim involves a pretty steep climb, I mean, it’s approximately a 3.1 km trail from the park gate to get there. Expect a steady uphill trek, and yet the altitude – Longonot peaks at around 9,111 feet – can really leave you gasping for air, particularly if you are coming straight from sea level. You, kind of, definitely feel the burn in your legs, I would say!

The terrain, after all, is something you want to be prepared for. You’ll encounter loose volcanic soil and rocky paths, that are just crying out for hiking boots with good ankle support. I spotted some folks trying it in sneakers, which, honestly, didn’t seem all that comfortable. The first half of the climb, too, is quite exposed, meaning that the sun can really beat down on you. So, bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as a matter of fact, are practically requirements, really.

You get amazing views all the way, though! Looking back, there are panoramic vistas of the Rift Valley spreading out beneath you. I have to say that it made the huffing and puffing worth every moment. At the rim, though, things get truly special. You can, potentially, walk the entire circumference of the crater, it’s about 7.2 km, viewing the incredible interior of this extinct volcano. Parts of this trail are pretty overgrown and a bit steep in places, to be honest. So, if you are not feeling that adventurous, you could definitely just soak in the view from the initial viewpoint and skip the rim walk altogether.

That said, for those who decide to tackle the full crater rim hike, you know, give yourself at least another 2-3 hours. This really isn’t something to rush. What I mean is, give yourself enough daylight, and take water. Like, plenty of it! It could be, arguably, the most rewarding part of the whole experience if you have the time and energy. You should bring some trail snacks to munch on as you hike along.

Wildlife Encounters on the Slopes

Mount Longonot National Park, I would say, is not just about the hike; there’s wildlife too! Although you’re not likely to encounter, say, the “Big Five” here, keep your eyes open for some incredible animals along the trail. We spotted zebras grazing peacefully on the lower slopes, too, and some playful baboons scampering about. Remember, of course, to keep a respectful distance from any wildlife, and certainly, don’t ever attempt to feed them. The park is also home to a lot of different bird species, that makes it a delightful spot for birdwatchers. You will, undoubtedly, want to pack your binoculars!

And so, for what it’s worth, here’s a heads-up: there are no facilities – you heard me! – once you’re inside the park. So, it is important to make sure you use the restrooms near the entrance before you start the hike, right? Also, carry all your trash out with you to help preserve the natural beauty of this park.

Lake Naivasha: A Serene Boat Safari

After conquering Mount Longonot, the next stop on the agenda is generally Lake Naivasha, right? The transition from rugged volcanic slopes to the serene waters of the lake offers a pretty striking change of scenery. Lake Naivasha, obviously, is a freshwater lake, and really is a haven for wildlife, especially birds.

Taking a boat ride on Lake Naivasha is definitely the main activity here. There are local boat operators eager to offer their services, but you, in a way, should try to negotiate the price a bit before committing. We paid approximately $30 USD for an hour-long tour. Depending on who you book with, the tour covers many attractions. So, expect to get pretty close to hippos wallowing in the shallows. These, in fact, are fascinating creatures to watch, but, you know, keep a safe distance and listen to your guide’s instructions, I would say.

Lake Naivasha is extremely popular with birders and so there are a massive number of bird species, everything from majestic fish eagles to colorful kingfishers. Our guide was super knowledgeable, and he pointed out so many different types of birds that I wouldn’t have spotted on my own, as a matter of fact. It makes the experience even more enriching. If, perhaps, you have a good zoom lens for your camera, it’ll come in handy for capturing clear shots of the birds and wildlife from the boat.

Crescent Island: Walking Among the Animals

Many boat tours include a stop at Crescent Island, which, obviously, is a privately-owned wildlife sanctuary. What I mean is that, unlike most national parks, here you can actually walk among the animals! There aren’t, you see, any predators on the island, so you’re free to roam around safely with zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and gazelles.

The freedom to wander, more or less, among these wild animals is a truly unique experience. The animals here, too, are accustomed to human presence, so they’re not easily spooked. Still, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid any sudden movements. You are still, after all, in their space.

And yet, it can be really magical to observe giraffes gracefully munching on acacia trees or zebras grazing in the open fields. Just that little trip, in itself, offers unbelievable photo opportunities, that’s why it’s essential to keep your camera ready! The entry fee to Crescent Island is separate from the boat tour price, by the way. It’s about $30 USD per person. Be sure, then, to factor that into your budget. Also, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, since you will be doing a bit of walking on the island.

Planning Your Day Trip: What You Need to Know

So, that this day trip involves some planning, that’s really going to help you to get the most out of your experience. A great number of tour operators in Nairobi offer combined Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha day trips. It can, maybe, be a convenient option, since they take care of all the logistics. Just make sure, naturally, to compare prices and read reviews before you book with one.

Alternatively, in some respects, you could also organize the trip yourself. To get to Mount Longonot from Nairobi, you can take a matatu (Kenyan public transport van) to the town of Longonot, that’s before hiring a taxi or motorbike to get you to the park entrance. For Lake Naivasha, I think it is best to hire a taxi from the park. You might also decide to stay overnight at one of the many lodges or campsites around Lake Naivasha for a more relaxed experience. This would let you, arguably, enjoy other activities in the area, like visiting Hell’s Gate National Park or Elsamere Conservation Centre.

In either case, it is better to bring plenty of water and snacks for both the hike and the boat ride, actually. The sun can be intense, so you want to be adequately hydrated and have enough energy for the day, right? Wearing comfortable hiking shoes, obviously, is a must for Mount Longonot. Pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. If you are visiting during the rainy season, arguably, carry a light rain jacket. I mean, that should definitely be taken into account! It will make your hike comfortable even if the weather decides to turn. Also, bringing a camera, without doubt, to capture all the incredible scenery and wildlife that you’ll encounter!

For the boat ride, you see, bringing binoculars will greatly enrich your wildlife viewing experience. Most boat operators do provide life jackets, yet double-check that they’re available and in good condition before you set off. To respect the local environment, be a responsible traveller, dispose of your waste properly, and don’t disturb the wildlife, alright?

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

To round it all up, I have to say that, based on my experience, the Mount Longonot hike combined with the Lake Naivasha boat ride is very worthwhile, I think. The hike offers a challenge with incredibly rewarding views, while the boat ride provides an unforgettable opportunity to see African wildlife up close. However, that this trip is not for everyone. The Mount Longonot hike does demand a reasonable level of fitness, you know, and the sun can be quite intense.

You might enjoy the hike, and so, if you are seeking a bit of adventure and appreciate spectacular landscapes. The Lake Naivasha boat ride is also something special. You might like that a great deal, if you are a wildlife enthusiast or enjoy birdwatching. A reasonable level of planning can enhance your experience. So, factor in travel time from Nairobi (expect around 2-3 hours each way), entrance fees, and costs for the boat ride and Crescent Island visit.

But, anyway, there you have it: my detailed review of the Mount Longonot hike and Lake Naivasha boat ride. If perhaps you’ve been considering this day trip, I hope, very, that my experience can make the right choice for you!

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