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Great Rift Valley, near Naivasha, 90km from Nairobi
A Crater Rim Walk Above the Rift Valley
Mount Longonot National Park protects a dormant stratovolcano rising sharply from the floor of the Great Rift Valley. A steep 3.1km trail climbs to the crater rim, then continues in a 7.2km loop around the caldera, with steam vents still hissing from the forested crater floor below. It’s one of the most rewarding day hikes near Nairobi, with sweeping views over Lake Naivasha along the way.
Plains zebra, giraffe, buffalo, eland and hartebeest roam the lower slopes and caldera floor.
Small herds are a common sight on the approach trail before the climb begins in earnest.
Verreaux's eagle and the lammergeier are regularly seen riding thermals above the crater rim.
The full 13.5km there-and-back route to the rim and around the caldera takes 4–5 hours.
From the rim, a further push to the true summit at 2,776m rewards you with panoramic Rift Valley views.
Bring binoculars for raptors working the thermals along the jagged crater edge.
Pair the hike with a boat trip on nearby Lake Naivasha for a full day out from Nairobi..
Long dry season Firm, dusty trails and the clearest long-distance views from the rim.
Short dry season A cooler, quieter alternative window with equally reliable trail conditions.
Rainy seasons The crater turns vividly green, but steep sections of trail become slick and best avoided.
Let our local experts plan every detail of your journey.
