Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano set southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, Africa. It was established in 1984.Its name is derived from the Maasai word oloonong'ot, meaning "mountains of many spurs" or "steep ridges”. The ecosystem mainly comprises of the mountain rising to 2,776M above sea level. Created amongst the massive eruptions which formed the Great Rift Valley, its sides now have beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges with impenetrable forest around the area of the crater giving it a lush green aspect. The stony soils have little vegetation but the crater has an impenetrable forest. Due to the nature of the terrain Mount Longonot has no roads and visitors hike to the top and rim of the crater. Mount Longonot National Park covers 52 KM2 of savannah grassland. The mountain, which has a vast, deep crater in its middle, was created during the formation of the Great Rift Valley. Mount Longonot National Park in Kenya characterizes the Great Rift Valley, with lakes and volcanic mountains and craters symbolizing this majestic feature tearing the continent apart. The park is at 5000 feet above sea level. The first recorded European to reach the actual summit was the geologist, J.W. Gregory, who climbed Longonot in 1893. The soil profile is rocky with sparse vegetation; save for a thick forest in the crater. The park is home to wildlife, including large game and birds of prey. The park is a major tourist attraction, used primarily for hiking and rock climbing, and to a lesser extent wildlife watching. There are no other signs at present, as a recent flight almost across the crater permitted me to see, such as steam or smoke, but not far from the mountain the geothermal power station is located, which taps into the "deep heat" of the Earth's crust to produce electricity.Accomodation within these Parks is limited: Hell's Gate has three campsites, Longonot has no accomodation within the park; however, the fabulous range of nearby hotels, lodges, luxury ranch and homestays around Lake Naivasha provide ample accomodation for all budgets.
Map photo of Mount Longonot National Park:
Mount Longonot National Park Location on Map
[Please refer from Google for more precise info]
How to reach Mount Longonot National Park:
Reach by Road: The Park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi 90 KM2.
Hotels in and around the Mount Longonot National Park:
Excursion: Interesting / Popular Destination around Mount Longonot National Park:
Prominent Animals found in Mount Longonot National Park:
Park Timings of Mount Longonot National Park:
The Park is open daily from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano set southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, Africa. It was established in 1984.Its name is derived from the Maasai word oloonong'ot, meaning "mountains of many spurs" or "steep ridges”. The ecosystem mainly comprises of the mountain rising to 2,776M above sea level. Created amongst the massive eruptions which formed the Great Rift Valley, its sides now have beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges with impenetrable forest around the area of the crater giving it a lush green aspect. The stony soils have little vegetation but the crater has an impenetrable forest. Due to the nature of the terrain Mount Longonot has no roads and visitors hike to the top and rim of the crater. Mount Longonot National Park covers 52 KM2 of savannah grassland. The mountain, which has a vast, deep crater in its middle, was created during the formation of the Great Rift Valley. Mount Longonot National Park in Kenya characterizes the Great Rift Valley, with lakes and volcanic mountains and craters symbolizing this majestic feature tearing the continent apart. The park is at 5000 feet above sea level. The first recorded European to reach the actual summit was the geologist, J.W. Gregory, who climbed Longonot in 1893. The soil profile is rocky with sparse vegetation; save for a thick forest in the crater. The park is home to wildlife, including large game and birds of prey. The park is a major tourist attraction, used primarily for hiking and rock climbing, and to a lesser extent wildlife watching. There are no other signs at present, as a recent flight almost across the crater permitted me to see, such as steam or smoke, but not far from the mountain the geothermal power station is located, which taps into the "deep heat" of the Earth's crust to produce electricity.Accomodation within these Parks is limited: Hell's Gate has three campsites, Longonot has no accomodation within the park; however, the fabulous range of nearby hotels, lodges, luxury ranch and homestays around Lake Naivasha provide ample accomodation for all budgets.
Map photo of Mount Longonot National Park:
Mount Longonot National Park Location on Map
[Please refer from Google for more precise info]
How to reach Mount Longonot National Park:
Reach by Road: The Park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi 90 KM2.
Hotels in and around the Mount Longonot National Park:
- Loldia House
- Olerai House
- Crayfish Camp
- Tigoni Homestays
- Casa Bella Suites
- Lake View Studios
- Hexagon Farm Lodge
- Mount Longonot Lodge
- Lakai House and Cottages
Excursion: Interesting / Popular Destination around Mount Longonot National Park:
- Scenic Landscape
- Extinct volcano and crater forest
- The park is a paradise for birds of prey
- Views of lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley
Prominent Animals found in Mount Longonot National Park:
- Buffalos
- Gazelles
- Impala
- girrafe
Park Timings of Mount Longonot National Park:
The Park is open daily from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm.