Mount Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano rising above the floor of the Great Rift Valley near Naivasha, about two hours from Nairobi. The climb takes you up a steep, dusty trail to the crater rim at around 2,600 metres, from where the whole caldera opens out below, a forested crater floor roughly eight kilometres around and completely enclosed.
Most hikers stop at the rim, but the full circuit around the crater takes a further three to four hours and includes the true summit, with views over Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate and the Aberdares on a clear day. The ascent is short but demanding, on loose volcanic scree with almost no shade. Park entrance fees, transfers from Nairobi, mineral water and a guide are included.
