Mount Longonot Hike – Summiting The Volcanic Peak

A Mount Longonot hike has been on my radar ever since I crested the highest of the Nice Rift Valley and spied Mt Longonot hovering above the patchwork of agricultural land, mud devils and shining lakes that mark the rifts staggering melancholy. We move Mount Longonot each time we drive to Lake Naivasha and ponder its Toblerone-esque peak as I sail and kayak previous hippos on the lake. It’s ever there, a behemoth to be overwhelmed.

A Mount Longonot hike is a recreation of two halves. For the primary half, is an ‘simple’ hike as much as the rim (the ‘simple’ half is a whole lie, however extra on that later), or you may lengthen it by mountaineering across the perimeter of the volcano. Each elements of the hike supply unbelievable views throughout the rift. You possibly can observe the sheer drop from the highlands down into the escarpment, the city of Mai Mahiu, the shimmer of Lake Naivasha, and the crumpled partitions of the volcano and its doughnut-shaped parasitic cones. Flip 180 levels, and there earlier than you is the ‘misplaced world’ of the crater’s inside. The crater’s ground is virtually inaccessible, a forested land of thick indigenous bushes and occasional cloud-like puffs that emerge from volcanic steam vents. An eerie remind of the exercise that rumbles under the earth’s floor.

Mt Longonot Hike Distance – To The Rim and Again

The three.1 Mount Longonot hike to the rim shouldn’t be for the faint-hearted. I had imagined this was a reasonable stroll just like a jaunt throughout the Ngong Hills, however the latter half of the hike is extremely steep. My mountain goat good friend leapt forward whereas I needed to cease and catch my breath each 10 metres. The hike begins at Mount Longonot Nationwide Park automobile park, the place you could pay the doorway price to the Nationwide Park. The primary kilometre is a leisurely stroll alongside a street and thru groves of small Whilsting Thorn bushes (Vachellia drepanolobium). These bushes are notable for the black pods that cowl their branches, indicators of the symbiotic relationship between 4 species of biting ants and the bushes themselves. The ants take secure harbour within the branches of the thorn bushes in return for shielding the bushes from predators. You possibly can spot quite a few hyena holes all through the forest. There’s a small hut about 1.5 km in that offers you an opportunity to cease and relaxation and admire the view. Then you definitely start to climb in earnest. In some locations, there are steps, however in others, you need to clamber up the eroded partitions of the volcano. It’s steep. And sizzling. And really, very steep. The views are unparalleled, so do as I did and faux you might be admiring them relatively than preventing down the nausea of deep ranges of unfitness. I’ve googled this hike fairly a bit, and a few folks say it’s simple; it wasn’t for me. Nonetheless, my 10-year-old youngsters hiked it with their faculty final yr, which can say extra about my health than the trouble required for the hike. 

The hike as much as the rim is between 1 hour and an hour and a half, relying on health. So approx. 2 – 3 hours (6km) in whole

Mt Longonot Hike Distance – Across the Rim 

When you arrive at Mount Longonot Crater Rim, you might be greeted by probably the most staggering views of the within of the caldera. Steep partitions stretch all the way down to a verdant inexperienced forest, an ecosystem reduce off from the remainder of the world. I actually imagine there could also be dinosaurs down there! The rim path follows the just about good circle of the crater, nevertheless it isn’t flat. Mount Longonot’s stately peak rises one other 200 metres above the crater rim and is one other difficult ascent. We walked clockwise across the perimeter as we have been informed it was simpler, we discovered that it takes longer to achieve the height, however the climb is gentler. Going anti-clockwise, you may have a extra strenuous climb however a extra sedate and straightforward stroll again. The rim stroll is 7.2 kilometres and extra manageable than the preliminary climb (apart from the sections close to the height). Some elements of the trail are very steep and difficult to climb again down.

The Mount Longonot hike as much as and across the rim is between 4 – 6 hours relying on health.

Mount Longonot Climbing Info

Mount Longonot sits inside Mount Longonot Nationwide Park, and there are various animals are within the park. These embrace buffalo, eland, lion, leopard, hyena, bushbuck, widespread zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelle. We noticed zebra and eland. In actuality, the possibilities of seeing a lion or leopard are extremely distant, so the one aggressor you must watch out of is buffalo and these largely stay confined to the lowland.

• Path Sort: Out and Again 6.2 km to the rim / 13.8 km, together with the 7.2 Km hike across the crater.
• Distance: To the rim – 2 – 3 hours / across the rim 4 – 6 hours
• Most Elevation: 2780m
•  Most Elevation Achieve: 996m
• Hike Problem: Reasonable – Bodily match adults, and youngsters over eight years.

Mt Longonot Hike Know Earlier than You Go

What to Carry 

• Identification Doc if you’re a resident or citizen for cheaper entrance.
• Cash for the doorway.
• Plentiful water and snacks.
• Sunscreen and a hat.
• Snug footwear and clothes.
• Digicam.
• Test the climate and contemplate bringing a sweater or rain gear if it seems to be more likely to rain. N.B. If extreme rain is predicted, I wouldn’t try this hike. 

Taking a Information

There are guides accessible to take you alongside the Mount Longonot hike path. The path is clearly marked, and there’s no actual want for a information… except: 1. You’re a customer to the nation – an area information will level out numerous fascinating info in regards to the wildlife of the world. 2. The hike is empty; there are few accounts of theft or animal assaults alongside the path, however if you’re one of many solely folks round, it could be prudent to take somebody with you to maintain you secure. Guides begin from round 1500 / 2000 KSH. 

Altitude 

Mount Longnonot trailhead sits 2100 metres above sea degree, and also you hike to 2700 metres. For guests to Kenya, this altitude may cause altitude illness; be careful for complications and fatigue. The dearth of oxygen will make it tougher for individuals who aren’t acclimatized to catch their breath. 

Higher to take a couple of days in Nairobi or Naivasha to get used to the altitude first. 

No Plastic 

There isn’t any plastic allowed inside the park, even single-use water bottles. Carry your water containers, or be ready to buy a reusable water bottle on the entrance to the park. 

Go to early 

It may possibly get very popular, notably between December and April. Go to early to keep away from the warmth of the day (and the crowds). 

How one can Hike Mount Longonot Safely

•  Cease to permit wildlife to maneuver off tracks earlier than you move.
•  Don’t feed wild animals.
•  Don’t begin fires.
•  Don’t take away animals, animal merchandise, crops or plant elements.
•  Don’t mark or deface tree stems, stones and different options.
•  Keep away from noise because it disturbs each wildlife and different guests.
•  Watch out, as animals listed here are wild and could be harmful.
•  Take all of the litter that you just introduced away with you.
•  Preserve to the designated tracks and paths when strolling, and at all times make certain of the place you might be headed to

Info about Mount Longonot 

Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano constructed from gradual, sticky lava fashioned of many layers. You will note these layers all through the hike. Stratovolcanoes are sometimes steeper than protect volcanoes.

The title of the mountain and park is derived from a Maasai phrase which interprets to “steep ridges” or “mountains of many spurs.”

Mount Longonot sits inside the Mount Longonot Nationwide Park, an space of 154 sq km.

Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano, however there’s appreciable volcanic exercise inside the space. You possibly can see steam vents from the volcano throughout your hike. It final erupted 150 years in the past, however is more likely to erupt once more. The native space has sizzling springs and geothermal vents that make an thrilling volcano tour. 

How one can Get to Mount Longonot Nationwide Park?

Driving: Mount Longonot Nationwide Park is about 90 Kilometers west of Nairobi. From town centre, comply with A104 after which be a part of Mai Mahiu Highway. You will note the park’s signpost a couple of kilometres from Mai Mahiu city (in direction of Naivasha). Flip left and comply with murram street to the park’s gate.

Public Transport: Matatus journey ceaselessly to Mai Mahiu, from there you may catch a Boda Boda or Matatu to the park gate.

Visiting hours for Mount Longonot Hike

Visiting time is from 6.00 am to six.00 pm.

Mount Longonot Hike Entrance Charge

• Residents: 200 KSH 
• Residents: 300 KSH 
• Guests: 20 USD

Tenting at Mount Longonot

There’s a KWS campsite close to the park entrance referred to as Oloongonot Campsite. It isn’t very personal, being off the primary pathways, however will supply calm and serene environment by night. The location has toilet services and tables and chairs.

For reserving contact https://www.kws.go.ke/content material/oloongonot-campsite

The place to Keep Close to Mount Longonot Hike

Lake Naivasha is a powerful lake crammed with hippos and surrounded by wonderful wildlife. Naivasha is a vacation spot vacationer spot and the proper place to base your self when mountaineering Mount Longonot. 

My really helpful locations are under, but in addition try my weblog on Issues to do In Naivasha. 

Savage Home – wonderful ranch-style home slightly below the slopes of Longonot and overlooking the lake. Ebook Savage Home

Loldia Home – luxurious home in Naivasha – Ebook Loldia Home  

Fish Eagle Cottage Crescent Island Sanctuary – Wildlife Sanctuary with Cottages – Ebook Fish Eagle Cottage  

Camp Carnelly’s cottages and tenting on the shores of Lake Naivasha – Ebook Camp Carnelleys

Naivasha Nation Membership, sizeable resort-style nation membership – Ebook Naivasha Nation Membership 

Ol Malo – Luxurious lodge with completely different choices for lodging and actions – Ebook Ol Malo

For extra Mount Longonot data

https://www.kws.go.ke/content material/mount-longonot-national-park

Hotline: 0774 337 577

E-mail: longonotnp@kws.go.ke

Additional Mount Longonot Hike Studying

Hells Gate Nationwide Park – a day journey from Nairobi

Savage Home Naivasha – luxurious Ranch Residing in Kedong

What to do at Naivasha Farmers Market

10 Unforgettable Locations to Go to in Lake Naivasha

Kenya Journey Tips – What you must know earlier than you get right here.

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