Mount Longonot National Park
Know Before You Go
Quick IntelEstimated Cost
Non-residents USD 50, Residents KES 600, Citizens KES 300.
Best For
Perfect for fit hikers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a challenging volcanic crater trek.
Access & Logistics
Payment is strictly via the KWS e-Citizen portal; avoid card issues by paying online in advance.
Operating Hours
Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Editor's Review
Mount Longonot National Park offers a dramatic volcanic landscape just a short drive from Nairobi, featuring a steep, rewarding climb to a massive forest-filled crater. Access is straightforward via the main highway, but visitors must be prepared for a physically demanding hike and strict park regulations regarding environmental conservation.
If the steep rim hike feels too intense, consider a guided nature walk at the base or a relaxing boat excursion on nearby Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and flamingos for a lower-impact, scenic alternative.
The Cost: Entry fees are tiered with non-residents paying USD 50, residents KES 600, and citizens KES 300. Always check the official KWS website for current vehicle entry fees and ensure your e-Citizen payment is confirmed before arriving to avoid long delays.
The Experience: Expect a challenging trek that begins on a relatively flat path before transitioning into a steep, rugged climb on loose volcanic soil. The terrain is unpaved and requires sturdy hiking boots and a high level of physical fitness, especially if you plan to circle the entire rim.
What you can see: The park is home to a unique ecosystem featuring baboons, giraffes, hyenas, and various exotic bird species. The highlight is the panoramic view from the summit, where you can peer directly into the lush, dormant crater that defines the park’s historical and geological significance.
Overall, Mount Longonot provides an unmatched outdoor adventure for those willing to put in the physical effort, provided you come prepared with proper gear and your digital permits sorted well in advance.
More Details
Explorer Ken's Advice
"Start your trek at dawn to beat the heat and have the crater rim trails entirely to yourself."
Things to Consider
Single-use plastic bottles are strictly prohibited at the gate; bring a reusable canteen or you will be forced to buy one locally.
Feedback
Top Google Reviews
lewis bailey
Well we do love a volcano hike, and who doesn't? The hike starts at the visitor centre, here you pay for your ticket and they check your bag for disposal bottles, these aren't allowed. Id suggest at least 2 litres per person if you plan o doing the full rim hike. Id recommend buying your ticket online before hand, saves any issues on the day, a group we spoke to advised it took them over an hour due to payment issues. The walk starts flat for the first couple of k's. To get to the rim there are 2 main climbs, take it easy and you will be fine. We went to the summit, anti clockwise around the rim, the climb is steep and on unstable ground but certainly doable, there is a troop of babbons who call the summit home. We continued around the summit and back down to the start, overall it was a great day. Definitely recommend going early to get the climbs done in the cooler morning.
Dane Egelton
Fantastic hike and views. The entry to the National Park is ridiculously high however at $50 USD each! Just to walk around. The white tax will ruin Kenya's tourism industry.
Roi degani
Everything was great except the fact that we couldn't enter with plastic bottles and had to buy reusable bottles from the shops nearby. We tried negotiating with the manager and at one point, when we told him that we are from where we are, he answered with a racial slur. Other than that, the park is beautiful and well maintained
Raghu Rajaram
My Longonot is home to picturesque spots and scenic landscapes that’s irresistible! You can spot Giraffes, 🦒 exotic birds 🦅, eagles, Deers ans Hyenas. The boat ride across the lake Naivasha to up the mountains at Mt.Longonot national park is very adventurous. The dormant volcanic mountains that once formed this entire landscape is a sight not to miss!
Sorina Chirita
The entrance fee is 50$ but from your card you have 75$ gone. A rip off, like all the other tickets în Kenya. The hike is beautiful, especially during the week and early in the morning when you can have the trek just for yourself.
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