Having gone hiking in both Mt. Longonot and Mt. Suswa, I can confidently say that Mt. Suswa’s hike is much more immersive, raw, and adventurous. While Longonot offers a well-trodden trail and stunning crater views, Suswa feels like stepping into a forgotten world—you hike along the rim of a massive outer caldera, descend into a second inner crater, and explore vast lava caves used by the local Maasai. The terrain is more varied, the crowds are fewer, and the sense of isolation and discovery is unmatched. It’s not just a hike—it’s a journey through geology, culture, and wilderness.
This guide provides helpful comparison between the two mountains in the Gregory Rift.
đź“Ť Location & Overview
| Feature | Mount Suswa | Mount Longonot |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Narok County (southwest of Nairobi) | Nakuru County (northwest of Nairobi) |
| Distance from Nairobi | ~130 km (3.5–4 hrs by road, off-road section included) | ~70 km (1.5–2 hrs by road) |
| Accessibility | 4×4 vehicle recommended due to rough roads | Easily accessible by sedan or public matatu |
| Management | Community-managed conservancy (Suswa Conservancy) | Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) national park |
🌋 Geology & Structure
| Feature | Mount Suswa | Mount Longonot |
|---|---|---|
| Volcano Type | Complex shield volcano with nested calderas | Stratovolcano with central crater |
| Unique Feature | Double caldera system: outer caldera + inner ring trench | Large summit crater with a rim trail |
| Elevation | ~2,356 m (7,730 ft) | ~2,776 m (9,108 ft) |
| Last Eruption | Holocene (~<1,000 years ago, not historically recorded) | Last eruption around 1860 (historically recorded) |
| Volcanic Status | Dormant with geothermal activity (steam vents, fumaroles) | Dormant; no visible geothermal activity currently |
🥾 Hiking Experience
| Feature | Mount Suswa | Mount Longonot |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Type | Trails around the caldera rim, to caves, and into the ring trench | Well-marked summit trail + 7.2 km crater rim loop |
| Hike Difficulty | Moderate, with options for short or multi-day hikes | Moderate to challenging (steep climb to rim) |
| Time Required | Flexible: 2 hours to 2 days | 4–5 hours total (up, around, and down) |
| Highlights | Lava caves, ring trench, wild camping, panoramic views | Summit crater, wildlife sightings, scenic rim walk |
| Camping | Allowed inside the caldera | Not permitted inside the park overnight |
🌿 Nature & Wildlife
| Feature | Mount Suswa | Mount Longonot |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife | Baboons, hyenas, snakes, leopards (rare), small mammals | Zebras, buffaloes, baboons, antelope, leopards (rare) |
| Landscape | Dry forest, open caldera, lava tubes, volcanic rock | Montane forest, crater cliffs, volcanic ash terrain |
| Birdlife | Excellent—raptors, owls, and cliff-nesting birds | Good—buzzards, eagles, and occasional migratory species |
🛶 Cultural & Geological Attractions
| Feature | Mount Suswa | Mount Longonot |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Sites | Maasai caves and local homesteads used for ceremonies | Minimal cultural significance |
| Geological Interest | Globule ignimbrites, fumaroles, lava tunnels | Young crater, ash cone, dramatic erosion |
| Educational Value | High—for geology students and researchers | Moderate—for hikers and day tourists |
đź’µ Cost & Management
| Feature | Mount Suswa | Mount Longonot |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Residents) | ~KES 500–1,000 (community-managed) | KES 200 (citizens), 600 (residents), 1,000+ (non-residents) |
| Guides Required? | Recommended (local Maasai guides available) | Not mandatory, but advisable for crater walk |
| Park Facilities | Very basic—no formal signage or rangers | Well-maintained trails, rangers, washrooms at gate |
🧠Who Should Visit Each?
| Interest | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Short day hike from Nairobi | Mount Longonot |
| Geological exploration and cave trekking | Mount Suswa |
| Wild camping and off-grid adventure | Mount Suswa |
| Wildlife sightings and panoramic crater views | Mount Longonot |
| Community tourism & Maasai cultural experience | Mount Suswa |
| Beginner hikers or families | Mount Longonot (with caution for steep climb) |
🧳 Traveler Tips
Mt. Suswa
- Bring a 4×4 vehicle and GPS; signage is limited.
- Camp inside the caldera and explore lava caves.
- Hire local guides to support the community.
- Carry your own food, water, and supplies.
Mt. Longonot
- Arrive early to avoid midday heat.
- Wear sturdy shoes—trail can be slippery and steep.
- Be prepared for strong winds along the crater rim.
- Best as a half-day hike combined with nearby attractions (e.g., Lake Naivasha).
🧠Final Verdict: Suswa or Longonot?
| Choose Mt. Suswa if you want: |
|---|
| Off-the-beaten-path adventure |
| Volcanic caves and fumaroles |
| Cultural interaction with local Maasai |
| Multi-day hiking and wild camping |
| Geological study or photography |
| Choose Mt. Longonot if you want: |
|---|
| A structured, scenic day hike |
| Dramatic crater views |
| Close-to-Nairobi accessibility |
| More wildlife and forested trails |
| A national park experience with ranger support |
🏔️ FAQs: Mount Suswa vs Mount Longonot
âť“Which is better for a day hike: Mt. Suswa or Mt. Longonot?
Mount Longonot is better suited for a day hike, with a clear trail to the summit and a crater rim walk that takes 4–5 hours. Mount Suswa offers a more flexible experience but usually requires more time and planning, making it ideal for overnight trips or weekend getaways.
âť“Which volcano is easier to reach from Nairobi?
Mount Longonot is much easier to access—about 1.5–2 hours from Nairobi on tarmacked roads. Mount Suswa takes longer (3.5–4 hours), and the final stretch requires a 4×4 vehicle due to rough tracks.
âť“Can you camp at either volcano?
Yes, but only Mount Suswa offers official camping inside the caldera, where you can sleep near lava caves and enjoy night skies with minimal light pollution. Camping is not allowed inside Mount Longonot National Park.
âť“Which hike is more challenging?
Mount Longonot has a steeper and more strenuous climb to the rim and a rugged 7.2 km crater circuit. Mount Suswa is less steep but involves navigating unmarked paths and rough terrain, especially if you explore the inner caldera and lava caves.
âť“Is there wildlife at both mountains?
Yes. Mount Longonot is home to zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes, while Mount Suswa has baboons, hyenas, small mammals, and sometimes leopards. Longonot generally offers better chances for visible wildlife sightings during the hike.
âť“Which one is more geologically interesting?
Mount Suswa is more complex geologically, with double calderas, lava tubes, globule ignimbrites, and visible fumaroles. It’s a prime site for volcanology and earth science students. Mount Longonot is younger and simpler in structure but still dramatic.
âť“Is a guide necessary at either volcano?
- At Mount Longonot, a guide is optional—the trail is clearly marked.
- At Mount Suswa, a local Maasai guide is highly recommended for navigation, safety, and insight into the area’s geology and culture.
âť“Can I visit both in one weekend?
It’s possible but rushed. If you’re short on time, visit Longonot as a day trip. If you have more time and a 4×4 vehicle, spend a full weekend at Mount Suswa, camping and exploring the caves and caldera.
âť“Which one is more family-friendly?
Mount Longonot is better for older children and fit families, thanks to its shorter duration and clear path. Mount Suswa’s remote setting, rough access, and lack of facilities make it more suitable for adventurous or experienced groups.
âť“Which has cultural significance?
Mount Suswa is culturally rich. The local Maasai communities use the lava caves for ceremonies and traditional practices. Mount Longonot has minimal cultural or anthropological interest.
If you’d like to learn more about Mount Longonot, visit MtLongonot.org—a well-organized resource with clear, easy-to-understand information about the mountain, its geology, and what to expect on a hike.