"Adventure awaits at Mount Longonot National Park"
Mount Longonot National Park Tourism
Located in Kenya's Rift Valley region, Mount Longonot National Park is renowned for Mount Longonot, a cone-shaped stratovolcano perfect for hiking. The hike is suitable for beginners too. Due to its proximity to Nairobi, the park attracts both locals and tourists, making it a popular choice for day trips.
Mount Longonot National Park may not have all the "Big Five" animals, but it's home to various wildlife like buffaloes, lions, and giraffes. Bird enthusiasts will find pleasure in spotting diverse bird species there. The park holds significance for the Maasai people, who view the mountain as sacred. Guided tours offer insights into Maasai traditions. Its name, "Longonot," originates from the Maasai word "Oloonong'ot," which means "mountains of many spurs or steep ridges."
Entry Fee to Mount Longonot National Park:
Citizen: Adult - KSH 300, Child - KSH 215
Resident: Adult - KSH 300, Child - KSH 215
Non-Resident: Adult - USD 26, Child - USD 17
Entrance Gates to Mount Longonot National Park:
Mount Longonot National Park has a single entrance gate, located near the main park office. The entrance gate is closest to Naivasha town and provides convenient access to the park's trails, viewpoints, and other attractions.
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Things to do in Mount Longonot National Park
1. Mountain Climbing / Hiking up Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot National Park is renowned for its volcanic mountain, Mount Longonot, and offers hiking safaris for adventure enthusiasts. Hiking to the crater rim is a popular activity that rewards vis (Read More)itors with breathtaking views of the park and surrounding landscapes. The duration of a hiking safari depends on the chosen route and individual hiking pace, typically ranging from 3 to 5 hours. It is important to come prepared with suitable hiking gear, sufficient water, and physical fitness to undertake the ascent.
2. Game Drive Safari
Game drives typically last for a few hours, allowing ample time to explore the park. It offers the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelope specie (Read More)s. The dry season, from June to October, is considered the best time for game drives as wildlife sightings are more frequent. It is available in both morning and afternoon, providing flexibility for visitors.
3. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha offers a range of activities including boat safaris, hippo watching, and birdwatching. Boat safaris and lake cruises are best enjoyed in the early mornings or late afternoons. Guided tou (Read More)rs provide opportunities to spot resident hippos, with early mornings and evenings being optimal times. Lake Naivasha is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with diverse species to observe throughout the day, but early mornings offer the best bird activity.
4. Rock Climbing
With challenging rock faces and cliffs suitable for climbers of various skill levels, the park is an ideal destination for this exhilarating activity. The best time to engage in rock climbing is durin (Read More)g the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more favourable. Expect a range of routes catering to different abilities, from beginner-friendly options to more advanced and technical climbs. Safety measures and appropriate climbing gear are essential for a successful and enjoyable rock climbing experience.
5. Biking / Cycling
The park features designated trails for cycling, allowing visitors to explore its diverse terrain and enjoy panoramic views. The best time to embark on a cycling adventure is in the morning or late af (Read More)ternoon when the temperatures are more moderate.
6. The Great Rift Valley
The scenic landscapes and viewpoints are most captivating during sunrise or sunset. Nature walks, photography, and overall appreciation of the valley's beauty can be enjoyed at any time during the day (Read More).
7. Birdwatching Safaris
Birdwatching safaris allow visitors to observe and identify a diverse range of bird species within the park's habitats. The duration of birdwatching safaris can vary, ranging from a few hours to a ful (Read More)l day, depending on the level of interest. It can be enjoyed throughout the year in Mount Longonot National Park, with migratory birds present during specific seasons. Engaging a knowledgeable guide is recommended to enhance the birdwatching experience and gain insights into avian life.
Must Know Before You Travel to Mount Longonot National Park
- Timings: The park is open from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM throughout the year.
- Payment Method: This park does not work on Smart Cards. It is recommended to carry local cash while travelling.
- Park Fees: Daily fees at the park cover single entry and are payable every 24 hours.
- Year-Round Destination: Mount Longonot can be visited all year round given its favourable weather.
- Trail Options: There's one main trail offering two choices: hike to the crater rim (6 kilometres roundtrip) or continue around the rim (13.5 kilometres roundtrip). Plan for 3 to 6 hours.
- Hiking Level: The difficulty level for hiking Mount Longonot is considered moderate to advanced.
- Ideal Day Trip: Mount Longonot makes for a great day trip from Nairobi or a valuable addition to your Naivasha itinerary. You can also visit Hell’s Gate National Park for a biking safari or enjoy Olkaria Hot Springs.
- Accommodation: Limited accommodation options near Mount Longonot. The nearest lodges are found around Lake Naivasha. However, the park offers two campsites with complete ablution block toilets and showers for both genders.
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Top Hotels In Mount Longonot National Park
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Wildlife in Mount Longonot National Park
While Mount Longonot National Park's main attraction lies in its scenic beauty, visitors may also encounter a variety of wildlife during their exploration. The park is home to notable species such as eland, hippos, buffalo, lion, giraffe, zebra, leopard, impala, Grant's and Thomson's gazelle, klipspringer, hyrax, and mountain reedbuck. Visitors can spot black and white colobus monkeys inside the volcano rim and see lammergeyers (bearded vultures) circling above.
Additionally, over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including unique ones like Kori bustard, black-headed Heron, Hadada Ibis, Spur-winged lapwing, Scissor-tailed Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Verreaux's Eagle, Montagu's Harrier, Shikra, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Black Kite, Augur Buzzard, African Grey Hornbill, Common Hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill among others.
Additionally, over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including unique ones like Kori bustard, black-headed Heron, Hadada Ibis, Spur-winged lapwing, Scissor-tailed Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Verreaux's Eagle, Montagu's Harrier, Shikra, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Black Kite, Augur Buzzard, African Grey Hornbill, Common Hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill among others.
One Day Itinerary for Mount Longonot National Park
- Depart from your Nairobi accommodation around 6:30 AM.
- Arrive at Mount Longonot National Park gate by 8:00 AM.
- Meet your park guide for safety info.
- Hike to the summit (3-4 hours).
- Enjoy the scenery and lunch at the top.
- Descend (2-3 hours), watching for wildlife.
- Return to the park gate by late afternoon.
- Head back to Nairobi or your accommodation.
- Arrive in Nairobi early evening.
Travel Tips for Mount Longonot
- Start Early: It is recommended to begin your hike early at Mount Longonot to enjoy cooler temperatures and make the most of your experience.
- Guide Recommended: While you may have the physical fitness to hike on your own, it is highly recommended to hire a knowledgeable guide for your expedition.
- Walking Stick: It is advisable to carry a walking stick for the hike, especially for the descent. You can rent walking sticks at the park for around 50 KES.
- Plastic Ban: Due to the plastic bottle ban in the park, it is essential to bring a reusable bottle during your visit.
- Watch the Weather: Be aware of rainy conditions turning paths muddy. Wear appropriate shoes and monitor the weather.
- Altitude Awareness: Watch out for altitude effects like fatigue and dehydration. Bring snacks, water, and aspirin if needed.
- Follow the Trail: Start hiking to the right around the crater rim.
- Hike with a Friend: Consider hiking with a friend for safety and companionship.
Best Time to Visit Mount Longonot National Park
How to Reach Mount Longonot National Park
How to Reach Overview
From Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, the park is located approximately 90 kilometres (53 miles) away. The preferred mode of transportation is by road, with the journey taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Visitors can hire private vehicles, or taxis, or opt for rental cars to travel comfortably along the A104 highway. Alternatively, for those seeking a shorter travel time, domestic flights are available from Nairobi to Naivasha Airstrip, which is close to the park.
How to reach Mount Longonot National Park by flight
The nearest major airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which is approximately 90 kilometres (56 miles) away from the park. From the airport, visitors can take a domestic flight to the nearby Naivasha Airstrip, which is about a 20-minute drive from the park entrance.
How to reach Mount Longonot National Park by road
The most common way to reach the park is by road. From Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, the distance to Mount Longonot National Park is approximately 90 kilometres (53 miles) via the A104 highway. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Private vehicles, taxis, and rental cars are popular transportation options for travelling by road.
How to reach Mount Longonot National Park by bus
Public transportation options, such as matatus, are available from Naivasha town to the vicinity of the park entrance. From there, visitors can hire local taxis or motorcycles (boda-bodas) to reach the park's gate.
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