Mount Longonot is a dormant stratovolcano located some 68km from Nairobi, rising to 2,780m above sea level with a wide crater at the top, dotted with small green trees and volcanic steam vents along the crater wall. The mountain is located inside a national park bearing the same name.
This 1-Day hike is very popular thanks to its short distance from Nairobi and lower park entrance fees. The hike takes 3–5 hours depending on pace and fitness; the walk from the gate to the crater rim is 3.1km, with a rapid height gain that makes for a stiff climb. You can also circumnavigate the crater rim, a distance of 7.2km, on a trail with some rest points but narrow paths, especially along the rim. The total length of the hike up, around the crater rim, and back down is about 10.3km through narrow paths and steep inclines.