2-Day Mount Longonot & Hell's Gate Hike — Rift Valley Crater Rim, Cycling & Wildlife
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (active hiking/biking ~8–9 hours)
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness recommended; comfortable on sustained uphill hikes and several hours of walking and light cycling.
Overview
Climb a living volcano, circle its crater rim and bike through gorges—this two-day circuit pairs Mount Longonot’s crater loop with Hell’s Gate’s cycling trails and walking safaris. Expect crisp Rift Valley views, close wildlife sightings and varied terrain.
2-Day Mount Longonot & Hell's Gate Hike — Rift Valley Crater Rim, Cycling & Wildlife
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Dawn on the Nairobi skyline is still a bruise when the minivan threads out toward the Rift Valley. By the time the road opens and the air thins, the volcano’s grey cone—Mount Longonot—appears, its shoulders cleaved by old lava flows and crowned by a jagged rim. The trail starts steep and honest: a switchback climb that urges you into a steady rhythm, breath matching bootfalls as the crater opens up above you.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start at first light
Depart Nairobi early—cool morning air makes the steep ascent manageable and the light sharp for Rift Valley views.
Hydrate for altitude and heat
Carry 2–3 liters per person and sip frequently—the climb gains several hundred meters and mid-day sun is strong.
Sturdy footwear matters
Choose ankle-supporting hiking boots; crater rim terrain is rocky and can be loose or muddy after rain.
Respect wildlife distances
Do not approach or feed animals; use binoculars and follow ranger instructions inside the parks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Giraffe
- Plains zebra
History
The Longonot area sits within the Great Rift Valley, a geologic rift that shaped human migration and pastoral grazing routes for centuries.
Conservation
Both parks balance tourism with conservation—stay on marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife and pack out any waste to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Naivasha
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Protects ankles on loose volcanic rock and provides traction on the crater rim.
Daypack with 2–3L hydration
Holds water, layers, snacks and camera—essential for day-long hikes and cycling segments.
Light windproof jacket
Afternoon Rift Valley winds and cooler summit temperatures make a lightweight layer useful.
Wide-brim hat & sunscreen
Equatorial sun is intense; protect skin and eyes during open sections of trail and cycling.