Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park is set Southeast of Lake Naivasha along the rift valley in Kenya. The park takes its name from the magnificent Mount Longonot and it is 90kms drive away from Nairobi which is the capital city of Kenya.
It is an outstanding site to consider a must-visit when traveling from Nairobi or Limuru and as you approach the stunning rift valley. It straddles in an area of only 52sq.kms and at altitude 2776m. Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano and it is believed to have last erupted in the 1860s. This volcano features V-shaped valleys and ridges with lush vegetation which makes such an impressive park to explore on Kenya safari.
Attractions in Mount Longonot National Park
- Wildlife in Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park is exceptionally magical with diverse wildlife, most of which can be spotted on a Kenyan safari. They include giraffes, grant’s gazelles, elands, zebras, lions, buffaloes, bushbucks, leopards although they are rare, baboons and many more.
- Birdlife in Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park prides itself as a home to numerous rift valley bird species. The birds to identify here include Lammergeier, Verreaux’s eagles.
Mount Longonot
This is a strato-volcano that makes Mount Longonot National Park hiker’s paradise. The word Longonot can also be spelled as oloonong’ot-Maasai word which denotes mountains of numerous spurs/steep ridges. This volcano is managed and protected by the Kenya Wildlife Service. It offers a dramatic view over surrounding areas including Lake Naivasha, Aberdare Mountain ranges, Hell’s Gate National Park and many more.
Activities to do in Mount Longonot National Park
- Game Viewing
Mount Longonot National Park holds some incredible wildlife species which are worth sighting on Kenya safari. A game viewing in this park lets you sight wildlife such as giraffes, grant’s gazelles, elands, zebras, lions, buffaloes, bushbucks, leopards (for lucky ones), baboons as well as birdlife.
- Birding
Birding is that one rewarding safari activity offered to visitors on Kenya safari in Mount Longonot National Park. It allows you to spot out different bird species including Verreaux’s eagles, lammergeyer.
- Hiking
For adventure seekers, a hike through Mount Longonot is by far the most thrilling experience. Hikes begin from the park gate to its summit about 3kms, approximately 2-3 hours.
- Cycling
If you love cycling then a visit to Mount Longonot National Park should be a must-do. Cyclists ride towards the volcanic lava flow for about 2kms.
Rock climbing
This is best conducted in Mount Longonot’s crater walls. It is best carried out during the dry season because, during the wet season, the rocks tend to be slippery. A complete hike can last you 4-5 hours.
- When to visit Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot Park is open to visitors all year round. However, the dry season is perfect for game viewing and hiking adventures. The ideal months to visit this park; January, February, March, April and September, October, November, and December.
- Accommodation in Mount Longonot National Park
Visitors on Kenya safari in Mount Longonot Park can spend a night in Olongonot Campsite. Other nearby options include Masada Hotel, Eminipasha Lodge, Country Clubs.
- How to access Mount Longonot Park
Mount Longonot Park is about 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Nairobi’s capital city.
In conclusion, Mount Longonot Park is an exceptional safari destination of its own that you need not miss to visit. It is an incredible site to explore especially if you love rock climbing, game viewing or birding.
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