MOUNT LONGONOT NATIONAL PARK

 
The name Longonot is derived from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot meaning mountains of many spurs or steep ridges. Longonot park covers 52 square km most of it being occupied by Mt.Longonot – a young volcano rising to 2,776 metres above sea level. The sides of the mountain have beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges.

The stony soils have little vegetation but the crater has an impenetrable forest. Due to the nature of the terrain MountLongonot has no  roads and visitors hike to the top and rim of the crater.

Climatic conditions -Hot and dry

Major attractions - Extinct volcano and crater forest, scenic landscape, views of LakeNaivasha and the Great Rift Valley.

Access - Road: The park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi. From Naivasha town, take the lower (old) Nairobi-Naivasha road in the direction of Nairobi until you reach the Longonot railway level crossing. Turn right after the crossing and follow the track for 4km to the Park Gate and KWS offices. Vehicles may be left in a car park 1km after the gate.

Accommodation - Although there is no accommodation available in the park, a wide range of accommodation options are available in nearby Naivasha, and there are lodges and hotels around LakeNaivasha.

Best time to visit - All year round

Activities - Finest views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley, hiking.