Mt. Longonot Hike — Crater Circuit
The most popular day hike around Nairobi.
Take the trek around the massive Mount Longonot volcanic crater
Located approximately 60 kilometers from the capital city of Nairobi, the Mt. Longonot hike is a popular escape for outdoorers seeking fun and adventure. At the very basic level, hiking to its rim provides a fitness challenge, with the reward of a spectacular view across the Rift Valley.
Mt Longonot hike offers a good challenge for everyone, from kids and beginners to advanced hikers. The 3.1-kilometer trail up the mountain from the gate to the rim of the crater takes 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on one’s competence. Once you reach the rim, you have the choice to descend (6.2km in total), hike to the peak and back down (10km in total), or hike all the way around the crater and back down (13.5km in total). A trek around the rim typically takes 2-3 hours.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Mount Longonot is hot all year round. Please wear light clothing and bring a sun cap and sunglasses.
- The crater circuit trail is very dusty. Consider terminating at the peak if you have severe dust allergies.
- Most sections of the trail are steep and rugged. A trekking pole is useful but not mandatory.
Mt. Longonot Hike Distance & Stats
Distance: 13.5km
Maximum Elevation: 2780m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 996m
Duration: 4-6 hours
Trail Grading: Steep footpath with some concrete staircases and rugged sections up to the rim; a dusty, rugged terrain all around the crater, with loose scree and debris.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Difficult
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 7+
Mt. Longonot Hike Itinerary
4:45 a.m Meet up on Simba Street, off City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
5:00 a.m Departure for Mt. Longonot National Park.
07:30 a.m Arrival at Mt. Longonot National Park.
08:00 a.m Hike Starts
01:00 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent
EST 04:30 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KES 3,750 | KES 2,600 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 3,950 | KES 2,800 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 76.00 | NA |
* Non-Resident African Citizen: $30 off the non-resident rate
Mpesa Till 989985
Trip Includes & Cancellation Policy
Included in your ticket
The Outdoorer Promise:
- 7:1 hiker to guide ratio on day hikes and 4:1 hiker to guide ratio on expeditions.
- Additional guidance and support from Outdoorer Champions.
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 5 depending on the group size).
- A thorough emergency action plan for any emergencies that may arise.
- Other ticket-includes as detailed below.
Day Hike-Includes:
- Transport from Nairobi and back
- Park fees & charges
- Armed ranger fees where applicable
- Guide services
- Paramedic services
- A liter of water, glucose, and fruits
- 5% discount on gear purchases
What to Wear
- Quick-drying tshirt
- Quick-drying pants
- Fleece jacket
- Sun hat or cap
- Well-treaded hiking shoes
What to Carry
- 3L water and suitable snacks
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Trekking pole
- Identification documents
How to Prepare for the Hike
- Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
- Set aside the day before the hike for resting--take a break from exercises.
- Increase your hydration at least two days to the hike.
- Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike.
- If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike. This way, you will build up your energy reserves for the arduous task ahead.
- Cut your toe nails!
- Have a generous breakfast at least 3 hours before the start of the hike. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
- Use the bathroom before leaving the house to reduce the need for bathroom breaks on the commute.
- Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is more about your mindset than physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!