Mount Longonot hiking: Crater rim views and Lake Naivasha

Climb a volcano, walk the crater rim, then descend to the lake

A full-day hiking tour from Nairobi that takes you up Mount Longonot volcano, around its crater rim, and down to Lake Naivasha for optional boat rides and lunch. The hike covers roughly 8–9 km over steep terrain with two main sections separated by rest points. A professional guide accompanies you throughout, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Park entrance fees are optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mount Longonot hike and Lake Naivasha visit

• Depart Nairobi after breakfast
• Drive to Mount Longonot
• Begin ascent at 6000 feet
• Take rest breaks during hike
• Reach crater rim and enjoy views
• Return to park gate
• Rest at Mount Longonot Park headquarters
• Visit Lake Naivasha
• Optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha
• Return to Nairobi hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Nairobi hotel and a one-hour drive to Mount Longonot National Park. You begin the ascent at 6,000 feet, and the first section eases you in with a gentle rise that lets your body adjust before the terrain steepens. The second section is the hardest push. This is where the real climbing happens. Rest points sit at the end of each section so you can catch your breath and prepare for what comes next. The whole hike runs about 5 hours round-trip from the park gate, covering roughly 8–9 km of fine dust and loose gravel, with steep grades throughout. When you crest the crater rim, Lake Naivasha spreads out below you alongside the Great Rift Valley: the payoff for the effort.

After descending, you'll rest at Mount Longonot National Park headquarters before heading to Lake Naivasha. Here you can buy lunch at the lakeside Marina Camp if you want it, and you have the option to book a boat ride on the lake, where hippos and hundreds of bird species share the water. The tour wraps with your return transfer to Nairobi.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Nairobi.
• professional English-speaking guide for the full day.
• access to Mount Longonot National Park (entrance fee optional at checkout).
• rest points during the hike.
• time at Lake Naivasha with the option to purchase lunch at Marina Camp and book a sightseeing boat ride separately.

Options for this experience

2 options

Park entrance fee not includedGuide in English · 06:00Longonot entrance fee not included: The Mount Longonot entrance fee of USD50 is not included; you pay it at the park gate. Pickup is included.

Park entrance fees are includedGuide in English · 06:00Longonot entrance fee included: Your Mount Longonot entrance fee is included. Optional visit to Lake Naivasha boat ride: pay the boat owners directly USD20 per person. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Gracepatt Ecotours Kenya

Is this one for you?Choose the option with park entrance fees included if you want one price that covers everything but the boat ride and lunch. Pick the option without entrance fees if you'd rather pay at the gate or are visiting the park on another day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How steep is Mount Longonot and what fitness level do I need?

Mount Longonot is a moderate-difficulty hike with steep climbing, and it is achievable by people of average fitness. The terrain is fine dust with loose gravel in some areas. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, light clothing and bring drinking water. The hike is not easy but the views from the crater rim make it worthwhile.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Nairobi and a professional English-speaking guide are included. Park entrance fees are optional at checkout. Lunch and boat rides at Lake Naivasha are available to purchase separately.

How long does the whole day take?

The tour runs about 8 hours total, including the one-hour drive from Nairobi, roughly 5 hours of hiking, and time at Lake Naivasha afterward.

What will I see at Lake Naivasha?

Lake Naivasha is home to hippos and hundreds of bird species. If you book the optional boat ride, you'll get out on the water to see them. Otherwise you can explore the lakeside and grab lunch at Marina Camp.

What should I bring on the hike?

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, light clothing, and drinking water. The terrain is dusty with loose gravel in places, and you'll be climbing in the sun, so sun protection and a hat are smart choices too.