About this safari
Leave Nairobi for a day built around Mount Longonot’s crater rim rather than a vehicle safari. Your private road transfer takes you to the trailhead, where a local hiking guide leads the ascent at a suitable pace. Park entry, guiding and a packed lunch are included before the same day return to Nairobi.
The standard programme goes from the gate to the crater rim and back along the approach trail. It allows time to appreciate the volcanic landscape and take photographs where the guide advises. A complete circuit of the rim is a longer undertaking and is not automatically added to this package.
This is a walking excursion for travellers who can manage steep sections and uneven footing. No Lake Naivasha boat ride or Hell’s Gate visit is included, keeping the focus on one main activity. Explore Mount Longonot and request your guided hiking day.
Why travellers choose this journey
- Guided hike from the park gate to the crater rim
- Volcanic landscapes and views in clear weather
- A dedicated local hiking guide
- Included packed lunch and drinking water
- Private Nairobi return transfer
Follow your journey through Kenya
A clear look at where the safari begins, the destinations you visit and where the journey ends.
Your safari itinerary
Open each day to view the route, activities, meals, transport and accommodation details.
Morning departure and trail preparation
Meet your driver at approximately 6:30 am for the journey into the Rift Valley. A brief viewpoint stop may be considered when it is safe and useful for the schedule. Continue to Mount Longonot National Park and complete entry procedures before meeting the hiking guide.
Discuss your fitness, footwear and walking pace. Carry the supplied drinking water and packed lunch in a comfortable day bag, and agree rest intervals before setting out.
Guided ascent to the crater rim
Follow the marked approach trail with the hiking guide. The terrain includes uphill sections, loose or uneven surfaces and exposed areas, so the pace is set around the group rather than a promised ascent time. Take breaks to drink water and enjoy the changing view as you gain height.
Your guide checks progress and conditions throughout. Reaching the rim depends on fitness and weather, and the walking plan can be shortened if needed.
Crater viewpoint and packed lunch
At a suitable stopping place near the rim, pause to view the crater landscape and surrounding valley where visibility permits. Enjoy the included packed lunch at an approved location, keeping your belongings and food waste with you for removal from the park.
The full rim circuit and highest point are not guaranteed in this standard gate to rim hike. Those extensions require a different time allowance and advance agreement with the guide.
Descent and return to Nairobi
Descend along the approach trail with your guide, allowing a steady pace for tired legs and uneven footing. Return to the trailhead for a rest before the private drive back to Nairobi. There is no additional boat ride or second park visit scheduled after the walk.
Expect collection point drop off around 4:30 pm, depending on the walking duration and afternoon traffic. The excursion ends on the same day with no overnight accommodation.
Know before you go
This is a one day excursion with no overnight accommodation. The planning window is approximately 6:30 am to 4:30 pm and the total duration is approximately 10 hours. Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours each way before the hike, depending on the collection point and road conditions. Times include neither a guarantee of traffic conditions nor a fixed wildlife viewing schedule; your collection and expected return are confirmed for your hotel and travel date.
Private transport means that your road vehicle and driver guide serve your party. Public attractions, museum galleries and scheduled host presentations may also welcome other visitors. The hiking route operates only when park access and conditions permit. A full crater rim circuit is outside the standard programme.
A sustained uphill walk on uneven ground requires suitable fitness, supportive footwear, sun protection and a light rain layer. Tell us about health or mobility limitations so the route can be assessed before confirmation.
Provide each traveller’s age, nationality, residency category and any dietary or mobility requirements before quotation. Included fees are calculated from those details, and no price is published until the trip is quoted. Wildlife sightings, weather and mountain views cannot be guaranteed. Avoid planning a tight onward flight around the estimated return time.
What is included
- Private collection and return at an agreed Nairobi hotel or residence within the confirmed collection area.
- A private road vehicle suited to your party size for your party, with fuel, an English speaking driver guide and scheduled road transfers.
- Standard Mount Longonot National Park admission and the scheduled vehicle entry where applicable.
- The scheduled guided activities described in the itinerary, subject to confirmed attraction access.
- One lunch during the excursion, with the menu and any dietary requirements agreed before booking.
- Drinking water supplied for the day. Bring a refillable bottle for walking and hiking activities.
- Coordination of the confirmed transport, admission arrangements and activity reservations by Esperanza Tourism.
- A local hiking guide for the agreed gate to crater rim route and its return walk.
- One packed lunch suitable for carrying on the hike.
What is excluded
- Breakfast, dinner and any meals or snacks beyond the included lunch.
- Alcoholic drinks, additional soft drinks and personal purchases unless expressly listed in your quotation.
- Tips for guides, drivers and attraction staff, which are discretionary.
- Travel insurance, flights, visas and accommodation before or after the excursion.
- Airport collection, airport drop off and transfers outside the agreed Nairobi collection area unless added to the quotation.
- Activities and admission charges that are not specifically included in the confirmed route.
- Full crater rim circuit extensions, porter service, hiking equipment hire, Lake Naivasha boat trips and visits to other parks.
