From Nairobi: Full-Day Hiking at Mount Longonot

Nestled on the western rim of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Longonot is a majestic volcanic mountain standing majestically at an impressive height of 2,776 metres. It is situated in Naivasha District and while not as tall as some of the other peaks located in the Great Rift Valley such as Kenya’s highest peak Mount Kenya, Mount Longonot provides an exciting full-day trekking and hiking experience.

The majestic mountain is a popular destination for those who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in some stunning views for a day or two. The trekking of Mount Longonot provides a range of exciting experiences, from the challenging hikes to taking in the breathtaking views of the seemingly never-ending plains known as the Great Rift Valley.

If you’re looking for a unique hiking experience and something a little different to your average day in Nairobi, then you’ll definitely want to venture out to Mount Longonot and take on the full-day trekking adventure!

Getting to Mount Longonot

One of the major benefits of Mount Longonot is that it’s only about an hour drive from Nairobi, making it perfect for those who live in the capital city or those who are even just visiting for a weekend. You can either choose to get to it by car or hire a taxi from Cab Services in Nairobi to get you there.

The journey is relatively straightforward and once booked you’ll be provided with detailed directions on how to get there. Depending on the time of day you should expect your trip to take no longer than an hour and a half, allowing you plenty of opportunity to explore the mountain.

What to Expect at Mount Longonot

The main attraction of Mount Longonot are its seven summits otherwise known as ‘rings’. Each point provides a unique view with absolutely stunning scenery, with views of the savannahs, Lake Naivasha and miles upon miles of rolling hills.

The ring trek itself is not overly challenging despite being slightly challenging at times. You reach the summit of each point at different points throughout the hike, and while it can be slightly strenuous at times, it’s certainly worth it. However, if you do find it challenging you can always make use of the stunning scenery and sit down for a few moments to take it all in and have a rest before heading on to the next summit.

The trek offers a range of sights and opportunities for exploration and the overall experience could last for anything up to eight hours, depending on how long you choose to stay exploring or take rests along the way. Even if you decided to just do some of the routes it will still be worth a visit, offering an amazing experience with plenty of time for taking pictures and other sightseeing activities such as birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

In addition to its unique seven summits, it also features two spectacular waterfalls which make for great photo opportunities along your journey. Both are incredibly picturesque and rarely seen in most city hikes.

Information Regarding the Trek

The main point of entry is situated at the main gate though it is recommended that you arrive early in order to avoid any potential long queues at the gate. Entry is usually open from 7am – 4pm, though opening times may vary based on season. Total cost for entry for those over 18 years old is KES300, with a KES100 fee for any accompanying children between 6 – 17 years old.

Once inside, there will be Rangers who will help guide you through the trek itself. Similarly there are also resting points along the way where visitors can rest and enjoy snacks etc before undertaking their journey back down the mountain.

Once you’re up there, feel free to explore one of the seven summits or venture down one of the two waterfalls before making your way back down. Depending on your own ability and energy levels, it could take an entire day up there.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Mount Longonot is one of Nairobi’s premier hiking locations for a range of experienced hikers and those just looking for a challenge or to take a break from city life. The breathtaking views from each summit make it worth every second spent traipsing up its winding trails, especially as you’ll be rewarded with unrivaled views of Kenyan hill country once you make it up there. Don’t forget to book your day or weekend getaway through GetYourGuide, so that you don’t miss out on this spectacular full-day adventure!