Kenya · Naivasha & Rift Valley
Mount Longonot
Crater rim high point, 2,776 m · Moderate · from $180 per person
About the trek
A dormant stratovolcano an hour and a half from Nairobi. Climb to the rim in 90 minutes, then run the full 7 km circuit around a forested crater with the Rift Valley on one side.
Health & safety
Altitude & acclimatisation
- Altitude is mild on this trek, but pace yourself on the steeper sections and hydrate regularly.
- Morning starts are cool and midday is hot — carry layers and 2 litres of water per walking day.
Medical & insurance
- Travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover to the trek's maximum altitude is a condition of booking.
- Carry a personal first-aid kit plus any prescription medication in your daypack, not your main bag.
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country; malaria prophylaxis recommended for the coast and lowlands around your trek.
- Tell us about any heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions at booking — we will flag the right itinerary pace and, where needed, request a doctor's letter.
On the trail
- Every trek is led by a licensed, Wilderness First Responder-trained guide; hard routes carry a second guide or porter-medic.
- Stay behind the lead guide and in front of the sweeper — never walk ahead of the group alone.
- Pole-pole: the slow, steady Swahili pace is how summits are reached. Walk slower than feels necessary.
- Wildlife on the lower slopes is handled by your guide (armed ranger where required by the park) — follow instructions without discussion.
Weather & exposure
- Mountain weather changes in minutes: carry a waterproof shell every single day, whatever the forecast.
- UV intensity at altitude is roughly double sea-level — SPF 50+, a brimmed hat and Category 3–4 sunglasses are essential.
- Leave a copy of your route plan with your emergency contact; our office tracks every group daily.
Guidance is indicative and not medical advice — consult your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Routes
Rim Circuit Day Hike
1 days · 13 km · Moderate · 96% success · Return to Nairobi or Naivasha
From $180 pp
- Full crater loop
- Rift Valley panorama
- Nairobi day trip
Reserve with 50% depositBest for: Warm-up hikes
Longonot & Hell's Gate (2 day)
2 days · 32 km · Moderate · 95% success · Lake Naivasha lodge
From $560 pp
- Crater rim day one
- Cycle among zebra day two
- Ol Njorowa Gorge
Reserve with 50% depositBest for: Weekend escapes