Mount Longonot National Park
National Park Stratovolcano and hiking park near Lake Naivasha
East of Naivasha, Mount Longonot is an extinct stratovolcano with a rim trail; hikers circle the crater for views over the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha.
Mount Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano in Nakuru County, Kenya, within the East African Rift. The peak reaches about 2,776 metres above sea level and the site is managed as a national park.
Hiking is the primary activity, with a well-used trail that climbs from the park gate to the crater rim and continues around the rim to viewpoints. The rim walk and summit offer broad panoramic views across the Great Rift Valley and nearby Lake Naivasha.
The mountain was formed by volcanic activity associated with the Rift Valley. Later it was placed under protected status to conserve the volcanic landscape and to provide managed access for recreation and wildlife.
The park sits on the floor of the Great Rift Valley near Lake Naivasha in Nakuru County, western Kenya, and is accessed from towns around Lake Naivasha and the Rift highlands.
- Best time to visit: Best visited early in the day when temperatures are cooler and visibility across the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha is clearest.
What to See #
- Crater rim: A continuous trail follows the crater rim and provides the principal vantage over the collapsed crater and surrounding Rift Valley landscapes; the rim walk is the most commonly used route for visitors.
- Summit: The summit sits above the crater rim and is reached via the main hiking trail; it offers panoramic views over nearby Lake Naivasha and the surrounding highlands.
Tips for Visiting Mount Longonot National Park #
- Start at dawn from the park gate/trailhead so you avoid the intense midday sun and catch clearer views across the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha; the gate is where the main trail begins and early starts also help you miss the busiest hours.
- Expect a very steep initial ascent onto the crater rim followed by a much gentler rim circuit; allow about 3-4 hours for the return trip so you can set a steady pace on the climb and enjoy the panoramic viewpoints without rushing.
- Buy your entrance permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service at the park gate and consider hiring a local guide at the entrance if you want orientation and geology/history details; also avoid weekends and public holidays when local crowds are heavier.
Best Time to Visit Mount Longonot National Park #
Visit during the drier months (especially June-October) for the best hiking and crater-rim views; rainy periods make trails muddy and visibility poor.
Weather & Climate near Mount Longonot National Park #
Mount Longonot National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (981 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
