Climbing Longonot - a personal experience

I decided to take a drive down one of the most breath taking routes down to the floor of the rift valley and from their climb Mount Longonot situated about 90 Kilometers from Nairobi. From Nairobi use the Limuru road up to the end of the dual carriage way then turn left on Mahi Mahiu road. Drive past Mai Mahiu town and turn left before the railway crossing a sign board will guide you the base of the mountain. By the way why is that when I am driving next or precipice my legs feel cold... (note to myself "ask Dr. Odhiambo ( the family doctor) about this).

Along this scenic route as you start the decent into the rift valley, there are curio shops where one can buy African artifacts and crafts made by local groups. However even if you are not down here to do some shopping it will be worth your while to step out of your car and stretch your legs you will be greeted by a splendid panoramic view of the rift valley doted by many small and hills and of course Mt. Longonot.

Entry fees to the Mt Longonot Park ranges from Ksh 500 (US 7) to Ksh 100(US 1.5) depending on whether you are a tourist, resident or citizen.

The climb takes about one and half hours at a leisurely climb and is not a difficult accent at all if one paces themselves. the climb starts with an innocuous 2 kms very gentle muram road to the base of the mountain proper. the vegetation is mainly elephant grass and shrubs. One can see a type of antelope grazing and small ground herbivores as they walk past a basic campsite with basic toilet amenities.

The accent can be divided into four main stages, thee first two a characterized by plateaus after each steep accent. On the second plateau one can see clearly lake Naivasha and the surrounding mau hills. If you are lucky you will find Giraffes grazing on the shrubs here, curiously watching you as you pass underneath them. The third accent is by far the steepest and the most strenuous it is here where if you do not pace yourself you might give up only to realise that you were only 100 meters to the top of the rim of the crater. Peering over the crater one can not shake of the felling that they are looking at another world down there, it is about 1 by 2 kilometers wide, in the crater one can see smoke being vented by some mild volcanic activity.

Take a breather here and breathe in the beautiful scenery. Although you are not the peak of this mountain you have already conquered it because the accent to the highest peak on the crater ream is an easy climb while circumnavigating the rim of the crater.

In preparation ensure that you have plenty of water because you will sweat, ~ believe me I know ;-). Carry some power snack a mars bar or something or if you are a health buff like me take some bananas. You might want to make some sandwiches too because one tends to be hungry after the climb. I did not see a restaurant on site so please come prepared with all you might want to consume, there is however a modest Tack shop for things like water, juice and biscuits.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes climbing buts stress on the shoe on the heel when climbing and the top of the foot when going down make sure the shoes are padded to minimise abrasive action on your foot.

Wear loose fitting clothes but not too frilly loose hanging clothes tend to get snagged by the thorny brush

Do not forget your camera the view from the top is wonderful.

Remember keep the park clean and throw waste into the numerous provided bins and waste pits on site.



Have a lovely Climb !!, Park Entry Fee Change from time to time confirm with your travel agent before embarking on this adventure

Ken Lukongodo
Kenya Travel Agents and Tourist Information