Mount Longonot National Park in Longonot, Naivasha: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Parks, beaches and nature in Longonot, Naivasha
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
Mount Longonot is a KWS park about 90 km from Nairobi where you hike a volcano to its crater rim in 1 to 2 hours, or take a 4 to 6 hour loop. Entry is KSh 500 per adult for East African citizens, paid online. It is open daily from 6am to 6pm.
What is Mount Longonot National Park?
Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano in a KWS park on the Rift Valley floor, about 90 km from Nairobi near Kijabe. The trail climbs about 3.1 km and roughly 630 m to the crater rim in 1 to 2 hours, with steep and dusty sections. From the rim you can turn back or continue on a 7.2 km loop around the crater, which takes about 4 to 6 hours in total and passes the highest point at around 2,776 m.
There are no roads on the mountain, so visitors must hike. Self-guided hiking is allowed, with ranger guides at the gate if you want one. School groups often visit, and children who are active and supervised can do the rim climb.
Mount Longonot National Park ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (5 to 17) | Under 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 500 | KES 250,517 | KES 5 |
| Non-resident | KES 50 | KES 25 | KES 5 |
Longonot is in the same KWS scenic-park tier as Hell's Gate. 2025/26 rates quoted by third-party pages: East African citizens KSh 500 adult / KSh 250 child (one page shows KSh 215 for children); Kenya residents KSh 675 / KSh 350; non-residents about USD 50 adult. Fees are valid for 24 hours and paid cashless via KWSPay. Visitors report about USD 56 for foreigners including charges.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Pay online before you go KWS fees are cashless | Skip the guide if you're fit
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 6–9 years | Okay | Only for active, supervised children; the climb is steep | 10–12 years |
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Key details
- Address
- Mount Longonot National Park, near Kijabe, Naivasha, Nakuru County, Naivasha
- Opening hours
- Daily 6am to 6pm; last entry about 4pm
- How long to plan
- 1 to 2 hours to the rim; 4 to 6 hours for the full loop
- Suitable ages
- Best for active children from about 8
- Setting
- Outdoor
What to expect when you visit
Pay your KWS fee online through KWSPay, then show your receipt and ID at the gate. The trail climbs steeply to the rim, with dusty sections and a few steps.
At the rim you can look into the crater forest, then turn back or walk the 7.2 km loop. Start early and carry plenty of water.
Family essentials
- Minimum age
- About 8 (unofficial guidance)
- Safety notes
The climb is steep and dusty and there are no roads on the mountain. Start early and carry water; the loop is long.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Ranger guide, vehicle fee
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Start between 7am and 9am for cooler hiking
- How to get there
On the Rift Valley floor near Kijabe, about 90 km from Nairobi along the A104 Nairobi–Naivasha highway.
- By car
- About 90 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic
- Combine with
Hell's Gate National Park | Lake Naivasha boat ride
- What to bring
Plenty of water, hat and sunscreen, sturdy shoes, snacks, KWS receipt and ID
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Mount Longonot National Park?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 500 and resident children (ages 5 to 17) pay KES 250,517. Non-resident adults pay KES 50 and non-resident children pay KES 25. Children under 5 pay KES 5. Longonot is in the same KWS scenic-park tier as Hell's Gate. 2025/26 rates quoted by third-party pages: East African citizens KSh 500 adult / KSh 250 child (one page shows KSh 215 for children); Kenya residents KSh 675 / KSh 350; non-residents about USD 50 adult. Fees are valid for 24 hours and paid cashless via KWSPay. Visitors report about USD 56 for foreigners including charges.
- What are the Mount Longonot National Park opening hours?
- Daily 6am to 6pm; last entry about 4pm.
- Is Mount Longonot National Park suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: About 8 (unofficial guidance). The climb is steep and dusty and there are no roads on the mountain. Start early and carry water; the loop is long.
- How long do you need at Mount Longonot National Park?
- Plan for 1 to 2 hours to the rim; 4 to 6 hours for the full loop.
- What is the best time to visit Mount Longonot National Park?
- Start between 7am and 9am for cooler hiking.
- How do you get to Mount Longonot National Park?
- About 90 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic. On the Rift Valley floor near Kijabe, about 90 km from Nairobi along the A104 Nairobi–Naivasha highway.
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