Private Hiking Day Trip to Mt. Longonot From Nairobi

The private hiking day trip to Mount Longonot from Nairobi promises an exhilarating adventure through Kenya’s dramatic volcanic landscape. Visitors can challenge themselves by hiking to the crater rim of the extinct volcano, where they’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Great African Rift Valley. But the experience doesn’t stop there – guests can also look forward to a relaxing boat cruise on the nearby Lake Naivasha, offering the chance to spot hippos and an array of avian life. With all the essentials taken care of, this tour provides a unique opportunity to take in Kenya’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• This private day trip allows visitors to hike to the crater rim of the extinct volcano Mount Longonot, offering panoramic views of the Great African Rift Valley.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private English-speaking guide, and park entrance fees, providing a convenient and guided experience.
• The hike to the crater rim is challenging, with steep and loose terrain, and is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions or young children.
• After the hike, the tour includes a boat cruise on Lake Naivasha to observe hippos and a diverse array of birdlife, providing a relaxing contrast.
• The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Kenya’s dramatic volcanic landscape and rift valley, located near the capital city of Nairobi.

Tour Overview

This private day trip from Nairobi to Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha allows visitors to hike to the crater rim of the extinct volcano and admire the volcanic terrain, rift valley cliffs, and views over the Great African Rift Valley.

After the hike, guests can enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and birds.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private English-speaking guide, and park entrance fees.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Kenya’s dramatic landscape just a short distance from the capital city.

Included in the Tour

In a Private Hiking Day Trip to Mt. Longonot From Nairobi, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi, a private English-speaking guide, and all necessary park entrance fees. Lunch can be purchased at an additional cost, and a boat ride on Lake Naivasha is available for $25 per person.

Included	Additional Cost
Hotel Pickup	Lunch
Private Guide	Boat Ride ($25 per person)
Park Entrance Fees	–
Drop-off in Nairobi	–

The tour package provides a convenient and comprehensive experience, ensuring travelers can focus on enjoying the stunning natural scenery of Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha without worrying about logistics.

Pickup and Start Time

Private Hiking Day Trip to Mt. Longonot From Nairobi

The tour begins with pickup from hotels, apartments, or villas in Nairobi at 6:00 AM.

Airport pickup is also available for an additional $20.

This early start time ensures you’ll have ample time to hike to the crater rim of Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano.

The hike takes up to 4 hours roundtrip, so starting your day bright and early is key.

A good general fitness level is required, as the terrain is steep and challenging, with loose ground that increases the risk of slipping.

But the panoramic views over the Great African Rift Valley make the effort well worth it.

Hike Details

In the Private Hiking Day Trip to Mt. Longonot From Nairobi, the hike to the crater rim of Mount Longonot takes up to 4 hours roundtrip, requiring a good general fitness level from participants.

The terrain is steep and challenging, with loose ground that increases the risk of slipping. While the panoramic views over the Great African Rift Valley make the effort worthwhile, hikers should be prepared for a physically demanding ascent.

The trail isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions, or for pregnant travelers. However, infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

Volcanic Terrain and Rift Valley

The volcanic terrain of Mount Longonot offers a dramatic backdrop to the sweeping views of the Great African Rift Valley that hikers are rewarded with upon reaching the crater rim. The rift valley cliffs plunge dramatically below, with the deep blue waters of Lake Naivasha sparkling in the distance. This powerful geological feature, formed by the rifting of the African and Somali tectonic plates, is a stunning sight to behold. The volcanic slopes of Mt. Longonot are sculpted by ancient lava flows, creating a rugged and otherworldly landscape that contrasts sharply with the lush greenery of the rift valley floor.

Geological Feature	Fascinating Fact
Rift Valley	Formed by tectonic plate rifting
Volcanic Slopes	Sculpted by ancient lava flows
Crater Rim	Offers sweeping views of the landscape
Lush Greenery	Contrasts with the rugged terrain
Lake Naivasha	Sparkling blue waters in the distance

Relaxing Lakeside Lunch

Private Hiking Day Trip to Mt. Longonot From Nairobi

After exploring the dramatic volcanic terrain and sweeping rift valley views, hikers get to relax with a lakeside lunch at Lake Naivasha.

This break provides a chance to refuel and take in the serene setting of the deep blue waters surrounded by lush greenery.

Situated along the rift valley, Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos and numerous bird species.

Guests can enjoy a delicious local meal while gazing out at the tranquil lake, taking a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of this East African landscape.

The peaceful lakeside setting is a perfect contrast to the earlier challenging hike up Mount Longonot.

Boat Cruise on Lake Naivasha

Embarking on a boat cruise of Lake Naivasha allows visitors to spot a variety of wildlife, including the iconic hippopotamuses that inhabit the lake’s waters.

The leisurely cruise provides an opportunity to observe these massive creatures in their natural habitat as they rest and play along the shoreline.

Along With the hippos, the lake is home to a diverse array of birdlife, from vibrant fish eagles to a multitude of waterfowl.

The tranquil journey offers a chance to soak in the scenic beauty of the Great Rift Valley while learning about the ecosystem and its inhabitants from the knowledgeable guide.

The boat cruise complements the day’s hiking adventure, providing a relaxing conclusion to the excursion.

Additional Information

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details before embarking on the journey.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility challenges should consider this limitation. Pregnant travelers are also advised against participating, as the hike may pose risks to their condition. Infant seats, however, are available for families with young children.

The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a personalized experience.

Individuals with heart problems or other serious medical conditions may not be recommended to join the hike, due to the steep and challenging terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

Customers can cancel this tour for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. A rescheduling fee may apply for changes made after initial booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hike?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the hike. This allows them to customize their meal and snack options to suit their preferences and dietary needs during the trek.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are restroom facilities available at the start and end points of the hike, but none along the trail itself. Hikers should plan accordingly and use the facilities before and after the hike.

What Should I Pack for the Hike and Boat Cruise?

Hikers should pack sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, plenty of water, snacks, and a light jacket. For the boat cruise, they’ll want to bring a camera to capture the wildlife and natural scenery.

Are There Any Age or Weight Restrictions for the Boat Cruise?

There are no age or weight restrictions for the boat cruise on Lake Naivasha. Participants of all ages and sizes can enjoy the boat ride to spot hippos and birds along the shoreline.

Recap

This private hiking adventure to Mount Longonot offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Kenya’s dramatic volcanic landscape.

Visitors can hike to the crater rim, admire the stunning vistas of the Great African Rift Valley, and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Naivasha.

With all logistics taken care of, this tour provides a seamless and enriching way to discover the natural wonders of Kenya.