National Parks Africa » Longonot National Park

Longonot National passes an extinct volcanic crater protruding from the floor of the great Rift Valley and towering impressive over the southern side of lake Navisha. It is very visible from the Nairobi Naivasha road. In all, Longonot reserve covers 152 square kilometers square 6 miles. Mount Longonot can be climbed on foot from various access point.

Plains wildlife can be seen on the lower slopes, and various other animals, including leopards, are occasionally found in the crater. As might be expected from its variable altitude and vegetation, it is a haven for birds. On the middle to lower slopes, stands of leleshwa grow like weeds and are relatively impervious to the frequent grass fires which rage up from the plains in the dry season. The wood of leleshwa is extremely hard and good for carving in the manner of briar: the fragrant, light green and slightly hairy leaves are used for personal hygiene by trekking Maasai who tuck a bunch of them under each arm.