Mount Longonot Day Trip Hike

Mount Longonot Day Trip Hike Overview

Mt Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano mountain located some 68km from Nairobi. Mount Longonot’s height is 2780m above sea level and it has a wide crater at the top with small green trees and volcanic spaced steam vents along the crater wall. The mountain is located inside a park bearing the same name. Mt Longonot 1 day hike is very popular due to its short distance from Nairobi city and the lower park entrance fees.

The hike on Mt Longonot takes between 3-5 hours depending on pace and fitness. The hike from the gate to the crater rim is 3.1km in length but the height gain is rapid and this makes for a stiff climb. One can also decide to circumnavigate the crater rim which is a distance of 7.2km. The hiking trail is provided with some rest points but it is narrow, especially on the crater rim.

The total length of the hike up, around the crater rim, and back is 10.3km through some narrow paths and treacherously steep inclines.

1 Day Mount Longonot Hike

The trip departs Nairobi at 7:30am and the journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Your start the ascent at 2150m from the gate and like all good uphill hikes, it will lull you into a false sense of security with a slow gentle rise to the first hill. This gives you a chance to get your lungs and limbs freed up for the second section which, in our opinion, is most awesome. At the end of each section there is a rest point for the preparation of the next part of your journey.

You start the hike from the main gate of the National Park, hiking vertically up the dormant volcano, rising over 630 meters to the rim of the crater at 2776 meters above sea level. The walk is very steep and craggy in parts and a trek encircling the rim and back to the gate is around nine kilometers. This day trek is a good warm up to experience the conditions of a mountain trek and test your stamina for a longer trek, like Mount Kenya or Mount Kilimanjaro.

Despite setting off early to avoid the heat of the sun, by the time you reach the end of the second section you will have surely generated your own heat. This hike is not an easy hike but is achievable by people of reasonably good fitness. Once you have finished the second section, you are on the rim of the crater.

There is another respite of slightly less demanding terrain, before making the final climb on the fourth section. This again is a demanding section. As you heave yourself over the rim of the crater you are rewarded with the awesome sight of Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley and a feeling that it was all worthwhile.

7:00am: Leave Nairobi for mt Longonot national park

8:30am: Start the hike up the mountain

10:30am: Reach the Mt Longonot crater rim and go around the crater.

12:30pm: Descend to the base and depart for lake Naivasha.

1:00pm: Enjoy a lunch at the fisherman camp

2:00pm: Optional boat ride in the lake Naivasha

3:30pm: Depart for Nairobi

5:30pmDrop off in town or hotel. End of Mt Longonot national park Tour.

Mount Longonot Day Trip Hiking Tour Requirements:

  • Good pair of walking boots (broken-in)
  • Walking stick. An adjustable spring-loaded stick is best
  • Camera, sun cream, plus your sweater that will be removed during the climb
  • Pair of woollen socks as recommended by the boots manufacturer/salesman
  • All of this hike is over rough ground and has all the hazards of hiking up steep inclines
  • Do not underestimate dehydration. Drink water at the end of each section, and as required.
  • Rucksack. Large enough to carry 2 x ½ litter of water plus few sandwiches to eat at the top
  • The ranger’s advice on all matters including your rate of progress should always be listened to
  • Animals – There are numerous animals in the area; the most commonly seen is the giraffe or dik-dik.
  • The crater can be circumnavigated; this takes another 4 hours via a narrow path. In some places, this path has steep slopes on both sides and is not without danger.

Price includes

  • All applicable game Park Entrance fees.
  • All Camping Fees
  • Finest accommodation offered in tent.
  • Three meals a day while on Safari.
  • Airport picks up on arrival in Nairobi.
  • Professional Safari Guide/Driver.
  • Guaranteed departures for two or more passengers booking this safari.
  • Round trip transport from Nairobi to the designated National Park.
  • Pre–tour itinerary document.
  • Extensive Game drives.

Price excludes

  • Personal expense such as communication charges like emails, faxes, and phone calls
  • Drinks like sodas, water, beer and wines
  • Gratuity for the driver guide, waiter
  • Laundry
  • The cost of obtaining visa
  • Pre- tour accommodation which can be arranged on request.

Cost of Safari

The cost of this safari will vary depending on date of travel, type of accommodation, transport mode and number of people on the safari.

Please contact us on email info@leisuredealstours.com or phone +254 794 505 050 / +254 795 928 669 and we shall get back to you within the shortest time possible.

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