Mount Longonot National Park

Longonot is a young volcano rising straight out of the Rift Valley floor, and the climb to the crater rim is one of Kenya's classic day hikes. It's a steep, dusty hour or so to the rim, where the ground drops away into a forested crater a couple of kilometres wide; the full circuit of the rim takes several hours more and is best left to fit teenagers. Zebra and giraffe are often grazing on the lower slopes as you start.

How a family visit works

1. 1Enter Mount Longonot National Park at the KWS gate, pay, and start walking. This is a steep, dusty climb up an extinct volcano. It is not Hell's Gate; you will not be cycling among zebra on a flat valley floor.
2. 2Reach the crater rim in roughly an hour if the group is fit. Zebra and giraffe sometimes graze the lower slopes. There is no water and almost no shade on the mountain, so turn around is always allowed.
3. 3Looking into the forested crater is the family finish for most groups. The full rim circuit takes several hours more and is for fit teenagers and adults, not mixed-age children.
4. 4Start early. Heat on the black volcanic soil is the usual reason families bail. Confirm park rules at the gate; a ranger briefing may be part of entry.
5. 5Children under about ten often struggle with the gradient. Plan a picnic back at the car as the reward, not an extra hike they did not agree to.

What kids actually do here

• A real volcano climb with the crater dropping away at the rim
• A forested hole a couple of kilometres across, seen from above
• Plains game on the lower slopes as you start
• A clean turnaround point at the rim so the day can stay honest
• A long view over the Rift once you are up

What to pack

• More water than a city hike; there is none on the mountain
• Hats, sunscreen, and long sleeves for dust and sun
• Proper walking shoes; the trail is steep and loose
• Snacks for the rim, and extra for the walk down
• A rubbish bag so you carry out peels and bottles

Parent questions

Can we bike this like Hell's Gate?

No. Longonot is a steep hike. Hell's Gate is the park for walking or cycling among game. Do not mix the two in your packing list.

Is the rim circuit necessary?

No. Standing on the rim and going down is a full day for most families. Save the circuit for older kids who still have legs and water.

Hours, tickets and activity rules change. Confirm the current details on the official site or at the gate before you travel.