Mt. Longonot Activities: Hiking Trails, Bird Watching, Biking

MOUNT LONGONOT ACTIVITIES

Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya. This mountain erupted in the 1860s. The name Logonot was derived from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot, which means mountain of many spurs’ or the steep ridges.’ The trails up the mountain are steep.

ACTIVITIES AROUND MOUNT LONGONOT

Mount Longonot is rich in different kinds of activities for you to enjoy.

• Hiking at Mount Longonot

The main activity around Mount Longonot is hiking. Hiking up Mount Longonot is not an easy one. The trails are rocky and slippery due to the loose sand that is formed from the weathering of the rocks.

The hike starts on a flat road surrounded by savannah. The road is easy, but you should start your hike early before the sun is up. After a few kilometers, you will start climbing up the mountain. This is the toughest part of the hike.

The hike up will take you through some stairs for a few kilometers, then it will open up to a rocky, slippery area.

The hike around the rim is also not easy. Its rocky, and you will ascend and descend peaks as you make your way around the rim. The struggle is worth it because the views from the summit and around the rim are just amazing.

• Sightseeing at Mount Longonot

As you hike along the savannah, you will be lucky to see wild animals grazing. There are animals like gazelles, impalas, buffaloes, and giraffes. As you climb up, you will have a beautiful view of the savannah and the landscape around it.

From the summit, you will enjoy the view of Lake Naivasha, the Mount Longonot crater, the Great Rift Valley, and the Ngong Hills from afar.

• Picnics at Mount Longonot

You can have a small picnic at the summit and enjoy the beautiful view of the crater. This will act like a reward after the struggle of climbing up the mountain. There is a picnic area after the stairs as you climb up. This picnic area has a beautiful view of the landscape around the mountain.

Come well-equipped with enough snacks to enjoy with family and friends as you bond and have fun. This is a great way to relax and breathe the fresh air of the mountain.

• Game viewing at Mount Longonot

Mount Longonot has wildlife that you can see depending on the season. Wildlife you can look forward to is: the elands, bushbucks, gazelles, zebras, impalas, and buffaloes.

You can go for a game drive or see them as you hike.

• Bird viewing at Mount Longonot

Are you a bird lover? Mount Longonot has bird species for you to take photos of and add to your collection. Some bird species you should look forward to are the  African cuckoo, Black cuckoo, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Blacksmith Plover, and Levaillant’s cuckoo.

Carry your camera and binoculars to capture new species to add to the list.

• Rock climbing

This being a volcanic mountain, expect to climb rocks as you hike up the mountains. You can study the rocks and learn more about them. The rocks are also evidence that this is not an easy hike.

Rock climbing is also a great way to exercise.

• Biking At Mount Longonot

You can bring along your bike and enjoy cycling around  Mount Longonot National Park as you enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife. This is also a great way to exercise and keep fit.

• Photography at Mount Longonot

Creating every moment of your adventures is always a must. When coming here, carry your camera and capture great moments and beautiful scenery. The view from up on the mountain of the Great Rift Valley and its escarpment is just amazing, something you can’t miss capturing.

The beautiful scenery of the crater is very scenic. You can’t forget the wildlife around, just a full package of adventure.

• Camping at Mount Longonot

You can consult with the Kenya Wildlife Services guides at the park about camping, what you need, and what they will offer. Do not forget to ask about your security while camping at the park.

There are two campsites around Mount Longonot; one of them is Oloongonot Campsite. They provide basic toiletries and washroom services. They have a complete ablution block of toiletries with showers for both ladies and men. There are tents, blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags, lamps, and cooking equipment for hire.

Alternatively, you can consider camping at the nearest park, Hell’s Gate National Park, in campsites like Nairbuta campsite and Endachata campsite.

There is also another camping area you can consider and a chance to explore more. You can try the Lake Naivasha campsites like The Fisherman’s Camp at the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, the Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, which offers luxurious tents and a great view, and Camp Carnelley’s.

Come prepared to spend the night under the stars with beautiful scenery and a chance to explore more for the days you plan to camp.

Related: 5 Best Hiking Trails Near Nairobi

ESSENTIALS TO PARK WHILE VISITING MOUNT LONGONOT

As you plan to visit Mount Longonot, there are things you should have like:

1. 2-3 liters of water.

2. Sunscreen since the place is hot.

3. A hat to shield your face from sun rays.

4. Wear easy-to-dry clothes.

5. Wear shoes with a firm grip since the trails are sandy and slippery.

6. Carry enough snacks to boost your energy.

Camping essentials

If you are planning to camp, you should carry the following:

1. A tent if none is provided.
2. A sleeping bag.
3. Enough food.
4. A head lamp and a lighter.
5. A cooking stove.
6. Your personal essentials.

Amenities Around Mount Longonot

1. Elwai visitor center, at Jaguar filling station, Kayawe Road off C88 Old Naivasha Road.

2. Sweet Water Resort at Moi South Lake Rd., Karagita, Naivasha.

3. Lake Naivasha Resort at Moi Southlake Road, off Mai Mahiu Road, Naivasha.

4. Enashipai Resort and spa

5. L. Naivasha country club

6. L. Naivasha Sopa Lodge.

DIRECTIONS TO MOUNT LONGONOT

You can get to Mount Longonot by public transport. You will board a matatu at Tea Room, Nyamakima, or Odeon to Naivasha via Mai Mahiu and ask to be dropped off at Longonot Centre.

You can use private transport. From Nairobi via Kamandura-Mai Mahiu-Narok RD/B3, it is 78.7 km and approximately 1 hour 49 minutes.

From Nairobi via Limuru RD and Kamandura-Mai Mahiu-Narok RD/B3, it is 75.3 km and approximately 1 hour 56 minutes.

You can also travel through a travel company, which is essential and saves you money and trouble getting to your destination.

Related: Top Things to do at Ngare Ndare Forest

Mount Longonot is a great destination you can visit and enjoy; this is your sign to explore Kenya.