It is a beautiful Friday, I had been sitting in front of my computer trying to get some work done equally excited for the weekend and lucky for me I don’t have to work this Saturday whoooop! So, I’m contemplating whether I should spend my Saturday locked up in my room watching other people’s lives on Netflix as I’ve done the previous three consecutive weekends which seemed to have gone by so fast, I couldn’t even understand how a two day weekend went by so fast and Mondays were looking at my face in about 17 secs. Anyways that’s not the point, after all these thoughts linger in my mind I remember just how wonderful it is to explore this incredible country and what better way to experience magical Kenya than literally walking in the park, I mean have you seen how dramatic the hills and mountains are. And that’s how I settled on taking on the most adventurous hike up Mt. Longonot National Park.
Quick facts
Mt. Longonot is a volcanic type of mountain also a protected area under the management of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), located within the Great Rift Valley region in Nakuru County which covers an area of 52sq km. Temperature ranges from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm โ 700 mm.
Fun fact
It’s name Mt. Longonot is derived from a Maasai word Oloonong‘ot which simply translates to ‘mountains of many spurs and ridges’ interesting, right???
Hiking Experience
The valleys and ridges around here are gorgeous and the terrain is moderate and the park does not have roads making it easier for hikers to go all the way up, moreover the crater rim is surrounded with a thick forest equally offering amazing views. Sunset from the crater is magical with or without a G&T in hand which is highly advised against ha ha
Distance & Duration:
Hiking the entire mountain takes about 4-6 hours, the first trail from KWS entrance takes about 3.1km (about 45-60minutes)and an additional 7km around the crater rim consuming approximately 2hrs to 3hrs depending on your pace, fantastic views are a great motivation.
What to see
Whilst hiking up these lovely mountain, you are likely to spot a dazzle of zebras below the crater. You are likely to also come across numerous varieties of bird species, may I suggest you carry along a pair of binoculars and I have also noted these creatures are quite photogen, you might want to have a camera in hand.
Kenya Wildlife Service have also advised us that you might spot other animals like buffaloes, elands, bug cats like lions and leopards and bushbacks.
What to do
Besides hiking, guests here can enjoy an array of activities like cycling through the park, bird watching and if you fancy a more adventurous activity like rock climbing, this is the best park to do that or you could simply walk around and enjoy breath taking views. Put this on your bucket list and let me know how that goes.
Though my knees and ankles may differ, the hiking experience was refreshing and awakening. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely!!
A few tips
Adhere to KWS code of conduct whilst visiting the park
Avoid littering the environment, most especially avoid single use plastic.
Keep your body hydrated
Prepare for the hike and avoid alcoholic drinks pre-hike
Points to note
Park entry fee for residents is Ksh322.00 per person(subject to change), paid to the authorities through debit/credit cards or Mpesa
The Safari Post 