Mount Longonot National Park Kenya

The ecosystem of Longonot National Park comprises of mountain rising 2,776m above sea level. On the sides of the mountain are V-shaped valleys and ridges with little vegetation. A 3.1 km trail runs from the park entrance up to the crater rim, and continues in a 7.2 km loop encircling the crater. A unique feature of a thick forest occurs within the mountain crater.  The crater rim also offers stunning scenic views across the beautiful Rift Valley all the way to Lake Naivasha. Major wildlife attractions in Mount Longonot National Park include buffaloes, elands, lion, bushbucks, common zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles, Thomson gazelles and many other antelopes. Leopards have also been spotted but can be difficult to spot.

The crater rim of Mount Longonot in Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya.

While at the crater rim, look out for geothermal steam coming out from several fissures around the crater rim, a reminder of the energy trapped beneath your feet.

Stunning Scenery in Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya;

The views from the rim of the volcano are dramatic!  From the elevated perch you will get a perfect birds-eye view over a large section of the amazing southern Rift Valley, all the way to Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains in the distance. Beautiful Lake Naivasha will also be beckoning, as will Hell’s Gate National Park, both of which you can visit when you leave Mount Longonot.

Wildlife in Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya;

On good day you see a selection of wildlife on your way up to the rim, and those who venture into the forested crater should also be on the lookout for; Buffalo, Zebra, Giraffe, several species of Antelopes, Baboons and Leopard which is very elusive, but tracks have been spotted inside the park.

A good number of Rift Valley birds may be spotted like a host of raptors which can be seen catching the thermals over the crater. Specifically, look out for Verreaux’s Eagle and Lammergeier.

Tourist Safari Activities in Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya

Hiking at Mount Longonot in Mount Longonot national Park-Kenya

One of the rare hiking destinations in Kenya is Mount Longonot where you have the opportunity to hike up to a breathtaking viewpoint on the rim of a volcano, in just an hour or two (depending on how fit one can be).  Right from the park gate, a 3.1km trail takes you up to the crater rim. Now, although 3.1km sounds like a piece of cake to any tested hiker, Mount Longonot is here to challenge your acumens!  you will climb almost vertically up the steep and rocky side of a volcano!  It is a demanding hike, and you do need to be reasonably fit to accomplish it, but the view from the rim and the sense of achievement make all the effort worthwhile.

Once you reach the rim you can chose to walk along the perimeter of the caldera, which is a further 7.2km, and will give you amazing views all the way around. Regular hikers suggest that you set off in a counter-clockwise direction for the best views and a better ascension to the peak. The entire loop of 13km to and from the gate should take you around 4 to 5 hours, allowing for necessary rest stops.

Heroic hikers have ventured into the caldera; you will need to get permission from the park ranger and a guide if you plan to follow in their footsteps, as this part of the trail is not well marked and could be quite dangerous.  It is planned to establish a campsite inside the crater, but currently you would need permission to do so on your own.

Some of the Hiking Tips to the Crater Rim of Mount Longonot in Mount Longonot National Park include;

• Set out as early as possible because heat can be punishing at midday. The park opens at 6am.
• Bring at least 2litres of drinking water per person and snacks because its quite grueling.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect from scotching sun.
• The landscape in very steep and eroded in places. Firm hiking boots and a hiking pole- (can be hired) are essential
• Start slowly, don’t drain yourself before the situation dictates! the first part of the trail is deceptively easy and you could wear yourself out before you reach the really steep sections if you set off at a cracking pace.

Wildlife viewing in Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya

Although there is a fair selection of wildlife inside the Mount Longonot National Park you should consider wildlife encounters as a bonus rather than a certainty! Most of the animals live down in the dense forest inside the crater, and are quite shy. Birdlife is abundant, and there are many raptors to be seen from the rim of the volcano, including Verreaux’s Eagle, and the Lammergeier.

Mountain biking in Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya

Cycling is allowed on the circuit road towards the volcanic lava flow about 2km. Bikes are available for hire. Have fun!

Accommodation in Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya

There is no accommodation inside the park, with the exception of the Olongoonot Campsite, which is situated just inside the park gates, along the access road to the crater.  The campsite provides just the basics – place to pitch a tent, a toilet and running water.  You will have to bring everything you need with you.

However, a wide range of accommodations options are available in Naivasha Town and along Moi South Lake Road. Some nearby accommodation facilities include;

 Lake Naivasha Country Club in Naivasha Town near Mount Longonot National park-Kenya

The lake Naivasha Country club borrows its name from the lake as you can see it sparkling in the sun thousands of feet below from the top of the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. Just an hours’ drive from Nairobi, it offers a variety of activities to please both active and leisure travelers.

Lake Naivasha Country Club became famous in the 1930s as a staging post for Imperial Airways’ flying boat service from Durban to London. The Old Colonial architecture is solid and comfortable with accommodation in rooms and cottage set in 12 hectares of green lawns shaded by mature acacias and spreading fever trees. The guest rooms are elegant and cool. The residents lounge has large bay windows. The bar is cosy and adjoins an immaculately equipped snooker room.

Masada Hotel in Naivasha Town near Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya

Masada is the name for a site of ancient palaces and fortifications in Southern District of Israel, on top of an isolated rock plateau, or horst, on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. As the name suggests Masada Resort is a fortress of relaxation.
Situated on the Naivasha South road, 500 meters off the Mai Mahiu – Naivasha Highway, Masada Hotel is the getaway destination you have been waiting for.

Facilities at Masada Hotel in Naivasha near Mount Longonot National Park-Kenya

• Accommodation
• Conference Halls & Meeting Rooms
• Swimming Pool
• Bar and Restaurant
• Gardens for outdoor activities