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Longonot National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Nakuru County, Kenya

Longonot National Park

Longonot National Park is renowned for its stunning volcanic landscapes dominated by Mount Longonot, offering thrilling hiking opportunities and panoramic views over the Great Rift Valley.

National Park13,0002+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

13,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Longonot National Park

Longonot National Park is renowned for its stunning volcanic landscapes dominated by Mount Longonot, offering thrilling hiking opportunities and panoramic views over the Great Rift Valley.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Longonot National Park, situated in Nakuru County, Kenya, is a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts, largely due to its prominent geological feature, Mount Longonot. This stratovolcano stands at 9,108 feet (2,776 meters) and is characterized by a large crater at its summit, a habitat for various forms of wildlife including buffaloes, baboons, and plains game. The park covers an area of approximately 13,000 acres and provides a unique blend of semi-arid ecological zone and dense forestation around the crater rim. Established in 1983, it is a relatively young park but rich in attractions for hiking, bird watching, and photography. Visitors are drawn to its main trail that ascends the mountain, giving access to the crater rim and spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley. With its trails ranging from moderate to challenging, the park caters to adventurers looking to immerse themselves in raw nature while experiencing the ecological diversity that the volcanic landscape supports.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Longonot National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Majestic Views of Longonot Volcano Crater★ 8.9⌖ 0 miHiking
Longonot Volcano crater

Majestic Views of Longonot Volcano Crater

Explore Longonot Volcano Crater near Nakuru, Kenya. This 13.5 km trail offers moderately challenging hiking with spectacular views of the crater. Enjoy wildlife sightings and captivating landscapes. Best visited in dry seasons.

Majestic Peaks: Mount Longonot National Park★ 9.1⌖ 1 miHiking
Mount Longonot National Park

Majestic Peaks: Mount Longonot National Park

Explore the rugged trails of Mount Longonot in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. This challenging hike offers views from the crater rim and wildlife sightings, including giraffes and zebras. Drive-in access makes it a convenient adventure from Nairobi.

Majestic Vistas: Mount Longonot★ 9.2⌖ 1 miHiking
Mount Longonot

Majestic Vistas: Mount Longonot

Experience Mount Longonot's moderate hike for stunning views of the Great Rift Valley. Located near Naivasha, this national park offers wildlife viewing with zebras and antelopes. The trail challenges hikers with steep edges, rewarding them with panoramic landscapes.

Towering Spire of Hells Gate★ 8.7⌖ 10 miRock Climbing
Hells Gate National Park

Towering Spire of Hells Gate

Explore the Towering Spire of Hells Gate in Kenya, renowned for rock climbing and cycling among wildlife. Drive-in access and low crowds make it perfect for adventure seekers. Visit during the dry seasons for the best experience.

Rock ClimbingView Details→
Serenity on the Waters of Lake Naivasha★ 8.5⌖ 11 miBoat Safaris
Lake Naivasha

Serenity on the Waters of Lake Naivasha

Explore Lake Naivasha with boat safaris and walking tours on Crescent Island. Encounter diverse wildlife, from hippos to giraffes. Nearby Hell's Gate offers rock climbing and biking. Ideal for adventure seekers.

Boat SafarisView Details→
Breathtaking Views: The Great Rift Valley View Point★ 8.8⌖ 15 miSightseeing
The Great Rift Valley View Point

Breathtaking Views: The Great Rift Valley View Point

Enjoy breathtaking views at The Great Rift Valley View Point near Naivasha, Kenya. With year-round access, this scenic viewpoint provides a photography haven. Ideal for sightseeing and birding, this location attracts adventure seekers looking to explore geological wonders and local cultures.

SightseeingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Mount Longonot Crater Rim Trail for panoramic views✦ Unique volcanic landscapes and geothermal features✦ Opportunities to observe wildlife such as zebra and giraffe✦ The breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Longonot National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Longonot National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Longonot National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Longonot National Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Longonot National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Longonot National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required; permits can be purchased at the park gate.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Longonot National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Longonot National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Naivasha
⌖ 13.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Naivasha, Kenya

A vibrant lakeside town offering diverse wildlife experiences and adventure activities set against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.

June to SeptemberExplore Town
Limuru
⌖ 18.83 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Limuru, Kenya

A serene highland town offering refreshing escapes with lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and cool climate perfect for outdoor adventures.

June to SeptemberExplore Town
Kiambu
⌖ 31.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kiambu, Kenya

A scenic highland area offering lush landscapes, coffee farms, and accessible natural spots ideal for relaxed outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

June to September (dry season)Explore Town
Nairobi
⌖ 35.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nairobi, Kenya

A bustling metropolis with a unique backdrop for wild adventure, merging urban culture with nearby wildlife and scenic landscapes.

June to OctoberExplore Town
Narok
⌖ 42.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Narok, Kenya

A culturally rich gateway to the Maasai Mara offering a blend of wildlife exploration and immersive cultural experiences.

July to OctoberExplore Town
Nyeri
⌖ 47.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nyeri, Kenya

A gateway to Kenya’s central highlands offering diverse outdoor pursuits from mountain trekking to wildlife encounters amid scenic landscapes.

January to March and July to OctoberExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Longonot National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.