Mount Longonot National Park

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.

• 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.