Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano in the Great Rift Valley, reaching an altitude of 2,776 m. Located south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, it offers a loop hike around a vast caldera and sweeping views across the Rift Valley. The site is protected within Mount Longonot National Park, which covers an area of 154 km².

Note: Mount Longonot is located in Kenya, not Tanzania as stated in some sources. It remains a popular stop on East African circuits, sometimes combined with a trip to neighboring Tanzania.

Why visit Mount Longonot

Mount Longonot attracts primarily hikers. The classic route involves reaching the crater rim, then completing a full circuit before descending. The reward is twofold: the sweeping views down into the forested caldera, and the panorama beyond to Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate Reserve, and the Olkaria geothermal power station, whose plumes testify to the volcanic activity still present beneath the region.

The site remains relatively uncrowded compared to major safari destinations, making it an engaging outdoor interlude between more conventional stops.

History and etymology

The name Longonot derives from the Maasai term oloonong'ot, meaning "steep ridges" or "mountains of many spurs." This designation accurately describes the volcano's silhouette: the flanks of the cone are deeply carved by erosion, forming a succession of radial ridges visible from the plain.

Mount Longonot is part of a line of volcanoes born from the progressive opening of the East African Great Rift. Its last documented eruption dates back to the 1860s. Today, fumaroles persist within the crater, bearing witness to residual geothermal activity that is exploited further south at Olkaria.

What to see

The caldera and summit crater

The summit is crowned by a caldera measuring 8 km by 12 km, within which stands the actual volcanic cone. This cone is itself topped by a secondary crater roughly 1.8 km in diameter, its floor occupied by dense forest. Fumaroles still escape in places along the walls.

The panoramas

From the ridge, views extend to Lake Naivasha to the north, the Great Rift Valley on either side, and Hell's Gate Reserve and the Olkaria geothermal site to the southwest.

Park wildlife

On the lower slopes and in the approach plain, it is possible to observe buffalo, giraffes, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelles, and zebras. Animal density is moderate compared to larger neighboring parks, but the presence of herbivores adds interest to the approach walk.

Practical information

The full circuit around the crater, round trip from the park entrance, typically takes between 5 and 8 hours of hiking depending on your pace and chosen route. The elevation gain is substantial and the climb to the ridge can be taxing in hot conditions. Bring good hiking boots, plenty of water, a hat, and sun protection.

Opening hours and entrance fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service; it is advisable to verify this information before departure as it may change. Budget for a standard entry fee to a Kenyan national park.

When to go

The region experiences two rainy seasons (long rains from March to May, short rains from October to November). The most favorable months for hiking are January, June, September, and December, when trails are dry and visibility is clear. Start early in the morning to avoid heat and enjoy clear skies.

How to get there

Access is by road from Nairobi, approximately 90 km to the northwest. The route is paved to the park's edges, then a track leads to the entrance. Most visitors combine Mount Longonot with a stay at Lake Naivasha, roughly half an hour further north. Several accommodations are available in the immediate surroundings.

Nearby

Mount Longonot is part of a collection of sites characteristic of the Great Rift Valley. To extend your experience of East African national parks, consider the Arusha National Park on the Tanzanian side, or cultural stops such as the Boma Natural History Museum.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

To incorporate a hiking stop such as Mount Longonot or equivalent sites into your East African itinerary, explore our ideas for travel to Tanzania and combined circuits.