Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot National Park – Monumental Expeditions and Safaris. Located in the Great African Rift Valley in Kenya, Mount Longonot National Park is a stunning natural attraction situated southeast of Lake Naivasha. The park is named after the impressive stratovolcano, Mount Longonot, which is the centerpiece of the park. Thought to have last erupted in the 1860s, Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano. Its name is derived from the Maasai word “Oloongong’ot,” meaning “mountains of numerous steep ridges.” The park spans 52 square kilometers, encompassing Mount Longonot and its crater, which is covered by a dense and impenetrable forest. This forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife and birds.

The park’s diverse landscape includes V-shaped valleys and jagged lava rocks, offering breathtaking views to visitors on safaris in Kenya. Mount Longonot is one of the most scenic volcanoes for hiking in Kenya. The volcano rises between 2,150 meters and 2,776 meters above sea level. A 3.1 km hike takes visitors from the park entrance to the crater rim, while a 7.2 km loop encircles the crater. The full 13.5 km hike (gate-around-the-rim-gate) takes around 4-5 hours, with appropriate rest stops. Some sections of the route are steep and eroded.

Getting to Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot National Park is located 60 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. It can be reached by road via a tarmac road, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. The nearest town to the park is also called Longonot.

Attractions in Mount Longonot National Park

Wildlife

Mount Longonot National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, which can be seen on the way up to the crater rim. The forested crater supports species such as buffaloes, Grant’s gazelles, giraffes, zebras, elands, bushbucks, baboons, lions, and leopards.

The park is also a prime destination for bird watchers, with over 100 bird species recorded, including many Rift Valley birds. Notable species include Verreaux’s Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Common Scimitarbill, Augur Buzzard, Lanner Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Pied Kingfisher, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Kori Bustard, Montane Nightjar, Helmeted Guineafowl, Spur-winged Lapwing, Black Kite, and African Grey Hornbill.

Scenic Views

One of the highlights of Mount Longonot National Park is its stunning scenery. The vistas from the volcano’s rim are remarkable, offering views of the southern Rift Valley, Mount Kenya, and the Aberdare Mountains in the distance. Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park can also be seen from the rim. Geothermal steam flows from fissures around the crater rim, providing a reminder of the energy trapped beneath the surface.

Top Tourist Activities in Mount Longonot National Park

Mountain Climbing/Hiking

Hiking is the park’s primary tourist activity. The 3.1 km trail from the park’s gate leads to the crater rim. For those looking for more adventure, the 7.2 km loop encircles the caldera, offering fantastic views of the crater and surrounding area. A full 13.5 km hike takes about 4 to 5 hours, including breaks.

For experienced hikers seeking a more challenging experience, it is recommended to seek permission from a park ranger and guide. This trail is not clearly marked and can be dangerous. Camping inside the crater requires prior permission.

Game Viewing

Game viewing in Mount Longonot National Park offers an authentic and memorable experience, even though the park does not have a high concentration of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game viewing while hiking to the crater rim and exploring the forested crater floor. Species such as leopards, lions, buffaloes, elands, impalas, hartebeests, baboons, bushbucks, and Grant’s gazelles can be spotted.

Bird-Watching

Mount Longonot National Park is a birding paradise, with over 100 recorded bird species. Bird-watching tours take visitors along the crater rim and through the forest, providing excellent opportunities to observe species like Verreaux’s Eagle, Kori Bustard, Lesser Kestrel, and hornbills.

Cycling

Cycling in Mount Longonot National Park is a unique experience. Tourists can cycle along the mountain slopes and through the vast wilderness, catching glimpses of various animal species. The park offers a 2-kilometer cycling circuit toward the volcanic lava flow, allowing cyclists to enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Bike rentals are available at the park.

Best Time to Visit Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot National Park can be visited year-round, but the best times to visit are during the dry season, typically from January to March and from July to October. During these months, game viewing is optimal, and hiking is more manageable.

Accommodation in Mount Longonot National Park

There are no safari lodges within Mount Longonot National Park itself. The Olongoonot campground is located near the park gate and offers basic amenities, including tents, toilets, and running water. However, there are a variety of accommodations in Naivasha Town, including:

Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Located on 150 acres of grassland, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge is surrounded by Acacia shrubs and trees. The lodge is situated on the southern shore of the lake and features 82 en-suite rooms, including 6 interconnecting rooms and 2 wheelchair-accessible rooms. Guests can enjoy conference facilities, a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, and a children’s playground. The lodge is home to resident giraffes, waterbucks, and monkeys, and serves as a night stop for hippos.

Lake Naivasha Country Club

Naivasha Country Club, the oldest property in Naivasha, spans 55 acres of lush gardens. The club offers an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, expansive meadows, and shaded acacia trees. The lodge features comfortable rooms and villas, as well as a fitness facility. Guests can enjoy drinks by the fireplace or relax in the lounge with views of the park.

Burch’s Resort

Located south of Lake Naivasha, Burch’s Resort offers a tranquil escape with a variety of spacious accommodation options. The resort is fully equipped with modern amenities to cater to both business and leisure travelers.

For a memorable and adventurous experience in Mount Longonot National Park, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can provide expert guidance and tailored itineraries to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.