Hells Gate & Mount Longonot: 2-Day Rift Valley Hike, Bike and Camp from Nairobi
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with regular aerobic fitness who can manage sustained uphill hiking (several hours) and short cycling sections.
Overview
A two-day, guided circuit that pairs the steep crater rim hike of Mount Longonot with biking, walking and light scrambling through Hell’s Gate. Expect exposed ridgelines, Rift Valley panoramas and a night in a permanent tented camp.
Hells Gate & Mount Longonot: 2-Day Rift Valley Hike, Bike and Camp from Nairobi
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Early light finds the Land Rover humming out of Nairobi and downhill into the Rift Valley, where the world opens like a page turned. The road drops, the air thins with a cleaner chill, and Mount Longonot rises from the valley floor — a sleeping volcano with a ring of green at its heart. On day one the group straps on boots and sets a steady pace up a steep volcanic flank; the trail bites at the calves, then eases into the rim where the crater waits like a quiet amphitheater.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early on Longonot
Temperatures and wind pick up midday; begin the crater circuit at first light to beat heat and get clearer views.
Carry 2–3 liters of water
Longonot and Hell’s Gate have long exposed stretches without reliable shade or vendors — hydrate for the full day.
Footwear matters
Sturdy hiking boots with good tread are recommended for steep, loose volcanic scree and short scrambling sections.
Use the provided bikes strategically
If you’re tired, swap to the vehicle left behind at the biking center — cycling is optional and support is available.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Giraffe
- Grant’s gazelle
History
The Rift Valley is a geological scar formed by tectonic plates pulling apart; communities here have long adapted to its soils and watering places, shaping local grazing routes and settlement patterns.
Conservation
Both parks are managed to balance tourism and wildlife preservation — stay on marked trails, avoid feeding animals and pack out waste to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides traction on steep volcanic scree and protection on rocky crater rims.
Daypack with hydration bladder (2–3 L)
Keeps water, snacks and layers accessible during long exposed sections.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses)
Rift Valley sun is strong; protection prevents sunburn on exposed ridgelines and plains.
Light layer and windproof jacket
Temperatures can drop at higher elevations and evenings at camp can be cool.