Mount Longonot

Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano in the Great Rift Valley that rises approximately 2,776 meters above sea level. The volcano features a large caldera with a forested crater floor surrounded by high inner walls.

The volcano formed through extensive lava flows roughly 21,000 years ago and experienced a major eruption during the 1860s. This eruption phase shaped its current structure and established its place as a notable feature in the Rift Valley landscape.

The mountain takes its name from the Maasai word Oloonong'ot, which describes the steep ridges that run across its slopes. These distinctive lines shape how the land looks and how people have understood this place for generations.

A walking path from the park entrance leads to the crater rim, while completing a full circuit around the rim requires several hours of hiking. Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection, as there is little shade and the terrain is steep in places.

Steam vents dot the crater walls, showing that heat and activity continue beneath the surface. This means the mountain is still alive in geological terms, constantly changing even though it has not erupted in recent centuries.

Location: Kenya

Elevation above the sea: 2,776 m

Made from material: trachyte

Part of: Great Rift Valley, Mount Longonot National Park

GPS coordinates: -0.91444,36.45646

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:01