Strenuous · 4 days
Naivasha · Rift Valley
Mount Longonot Rim
A punchy climb to the crater rim of a dormant volcano, then a full loop around the caldera with Rift Valley views.
Moderate · 1 day
Elevation
2,776 m
Ascent
+600 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
Half day (4–5 hrs)
Best season
Year-round · best in the dry season
Group
Max 15
Overview
Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano rising straight out of the Rift Valley floor. The trail climbs steeply to the crater rim, where a forested caldera drops away beneath you.
From the rim you can loop the full 7 km circuit around the crater — rolling, exposed and spectacular, with Lake Naivasha shining to the north. A big day out that's still doable before lunch.
Highlights
- Steep, rewarding climb to the crater rim
- Full 7 km loop around the caldera
- Views over Lake Naivasha & the Rift
- Forested crater floor far below
The plan
- 6:30 AM
Meet at Longonot Gate
Registration, safety brief and warm-up before the trail.
- 7:00 AM
Ascent to the rim
A steep, steady climb of ~600 m to the crater rim viewpoint.
- 8:30 AM
Crater loop
Circle the full caldera rim — undulating and exposed, with the best views of the day.
- 11:00 AM
Descend & wrap up
Return down to the gate for a well-earned rest.
What's included
- Certified hiking guide
- Park entry & conservation fees
- Optional trailhead transfer from Naivasha town
- Bottled water
- Transport from Nairobi
- Lunch & snacks
- Personal gear
What to carry
Trail shoes with gripSun hat & sunscreen1.5 L waterLight rain layerSnacks
Upcoming departures
🗓 Sat 9 Aug 2026
8 spots left
KES 4,500
🗓 Sun 10 Aug 2026
12 spots left
KES 4,500
🗓 Sat 16 Aug 2026
10 spots left
KES 4,500
Your guide
GW
Grace Wanjiku
Rift Valley Guide
Certified, first-aid trained and vetted by Trail Culture. Your guide leads the group, sets the pace and handles permits, safety and logistics from the trailhead onward.
Reviews
4.6
★★★★★
176 verified reviews
WN
Wanjiru N.
Absolutely unforgettable. Our guide read the weather perfectly and the camps were far more comfortable than I expected. Strangers at the gate, a real crew by the summit.
BK
Brian K.
Well organised from the M-Pesa booking to the trailhead transfer. Pacing was spot on for acclimatising. Would book again in a heartbeat.
LM
Lena M.
Tough but so worth it. Bring more layers than you think — it gets cold up top. Guides were patient and encouraging the whole way.
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