A two-day loop from Nairobi that pairs a strenuous hike up Mount Longonot with a bike tour through Hell’s Gate and a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Expect crater rims, hippo-sketched shorelines, and gravel tracks through basalt gorges.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
On the morning the minivan leaves Nairobi the city peels away and the Rift Valley unfurls like a raw-edged map. By mid-morning you’re parked at a viewpoint where the escarpment drops away and the valley floor looks mischievously close — the kind of view that dares you to come down and explore.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness: comfortable with steady uphill hiking and 2-hour cycling on mixed surfaces.
Wildlife
History
The Rift Valley is a young geological trench formed by tectonic movement; the slopes around Longonot have been traversed for generations by local Kikuyu and Maasai communities.
Conservation
Park fees support habitat protection and guide programs; stick to marked tracks and avoid feeding wildlife — lake levels and hippo populations are sensitive to disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Overnight Tour to Mt Longonot and Hell's Gate Park from Nairobi today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start before heat builds
Begin the Longonot ascent early (pre-9am) to avoid midday sun and stronger winds on the rim.
Hydrate for the climb
Carry 2–3 liters of water and electrolyte snacks — water sources on the trail are unreliable.
Footwear matters
Wear ankle-supporting hiking boots for rocky gullies and good traction on loose scree.
Give wildlife space
On the lake and in Hell’s Gate keep distance from hippos and grazing animals; they move unpredictably.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip for steep gullies and loose volcanic scree on Longonot.
Daypack (20–30L)
Holds water, layers, snacks, and a small first-aid kit for both days.
Sun protection (hat & SPF)
Open ridgelines and the Rift sun make strong protection essential.
summer
Light rain shell
Useful during short downpours and breezy evenings by the lake.
spring