Skip to main content
Imara Africa Safaris
Hikes & Treks

Mount Longonot Day Hike

Climb a Rift Valley volcano and circuit its crater rim in a day

  • Full day (4–6 hours hiking)
  • Mount Longonot National Park · Great Rift Valley
  • Confirmation within minutes
WhatsAppEmail

Quick answer

Mount Longonot is Nairobi's classic day hike: a dormant Rift Valley volcano whose trail climbs to the crater rim at 2,776 m, with an optional full rim circuit overlooking a forested crater floor and Lake Naivasha views. Expect 4–6 hours of hiking on steep, dusty paths — a genuine workout with a big reward. We run it as a private day trip from Nairobi with pickup, park entry logistics and a guide. Request a quote for current rates.

Mount Longonot Day Hike — photo 1
Mount Longonot Day Hike — photo 2
Sample day plan

How the day unfolds

Indicative timings — your exact schedule is confirmed in the written quote.

  1. 06:00

    Nairobi pickup, drive down the Rift Valley escarpment

  2. 08:00

    Longonot gate — briefing and start of the ascent

  3. 09:30

    Crater rim at 2,776 m — optional full rim circuit (2.5–3 hrs)

  4. 13:00

    Descend and picnic lunch at the base

  5. 14:30

    Return drive, Nairobi drop-off by early evening

Highlights
  • Summit the crater rim at 2,776 m
  • Optional full crater-rim circuit
  • Sweeping Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha views
  • Wildlife sightings on the lower slopes
What's included
  • Return road transfer from Nairobi
  • Private vehicle with professional driver-guide
  • Bottled water

What to bring

  • Hiking shoes with grip — the scree is slippery
  • 2+ litres of water per person
  • Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Windproof layer for the exposed rim
FAQ

Mount Longonot Day Hike — questions, answered

How much does the Mount Longonot Day Hike cost?+

Pricing depends on group size, vehicle and season, so we confirm an exact written quote for your date. Priced per group size — request availability and a quote. Availability on request — response and confirmation within minutes, or a few hours at busy times. T&Cs apply.

How long is the Mount Longonot Day Hike and where does it start?+

Full day (4–6 hours hiking). The tour starts from any Nairobi hotel or residence.

What is included in the Mount Longonot Day Hike?+

Return road transfer from Nairobi; Private vehicle with professional driver-guide; Bottled water. Final inclusions are itemised in your written quote before you pay anything.

What should I bring on the Mount Longonot Day Hike?+

Hiking shoes with grip — the scree is slippery; 2+ litres of water per person; Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses; Windproof layer for the exposed rim.

“Imara” means strongin Swahili. We build every safari with that same strength — expert knowledge, honest pricing, and relentless attention to detail.

Imara Africa Safaris

Ready for the trip of a lifetime?

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll build a custom itinerary — free, no obligation, within 24 hours.

Start Planning

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Safari AI Expert Live

Instant safari advice — 24/7

Ask me anything about safaris, destinations, wildlife or planning your trip.

Open Safari AI Expert

Chat with us

Online now

Our safari experts are ready to help you plan the perfect African adventure.