MOUNT LONGONOT HIKE

My Experience

How often do you hike?

Do you like hiking?

Ever been to Mount Longonot?

Mount Longonot: the sign of victory

                                                                   

I enjoy hiking, but I don't do it very often. I do it when I get a chance, which is rare. But anyway, I have been to Mount Longonot, not once but twice. Once I did it when I was in primary school, and I didn't like it coz our headteacher made us wear the full school uniform, knowing well that we were going for a hike. Imagine hiking up a mountain with your school dress and black leather shoes......let me give you some minutes to imagine. Yeah......that was us, innocent hiking Mount Longonot with our long dresses and heavy leather shoes. The guys couldn't say the same thing coz they were in shorts......I can hear you say that's not fair.

I'm not here to talk about my primary school life, but an adventurous hike to Mount Longonot. So, the other time I did it was on 1st May 2024. You might wonder why I remember the date, this date just has to be remembered coz it was a season of heavy rains in Kenya, and a larger percentage of the country was flooded.

Mind you, this was an organized hike, so we went as a group from Chuka. For me, I knew the trip was not going to happen coz a road in Embu was destroyed by the rains. For me, this was the first red flag. But......" God is good all the time, and all the time God is good," the trip did happen. On this Labour Day, we woke up early and started the trip at around 5:30 AM. The journey was okay, and when reaching Embu, we used an alternate route, which was longer, unlike the highway.

We were out of the Mount Kenya region and we were at Kahawa Wendani, right outside Kenyatta University........here's the second red flag. The road was flooded really, really badly, and it was not good for the small cars, because of the high water levels. Here, buses and trucks showed off. Remember I mentioned God is good, we were in a 'matatu' which was a bit high, and so we managed that tiny river.

The rest of the journey was okay, and no more red flags were realized. It took us roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes from Chuka to Naivasha. If you are traveling from Nairobi, the journey is shorter, around 2 hours.

The Journey is not boring since the Great Rift Valley viewpoint is en route. The drivers stop there for a few minutes so that we can enjoy the views, buy curios, and also for a washroom break.

Views from The Great Rift valley View Point

So, How is Mount Longonot

From a distance, the mountain looks like a small hill, so if you've never done hiking before, the size from a distance would give you psyche. Mount Longonot is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service because there are wild animals. The interesting bit about this hike is that you don't just get tired with grace, but you also get to feed your eyes with the beauty of the wild animals feeding. Animals found there are giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes.

Mount Longonot from a distance

While hiking up the mountain, it's advisable to be in a group or have a guide because the buffaloes might be up there having their breakfast or lunch. Speaking of lunch, it's good to have a few snacks while hiking and also plenty of water. Don't torture your body, eat, and hydrate.

Mount Longonot is an easy hike, and a beginner can tackle it well if the right pace is used. The terrain is not that bad, actually, there are man-made stairs made just to make it easy for hikers to go up the mountain. The place is just green with plants that are thorny but green(don't know the name)

Stairs up Mount Longonot

Mt Longonot Vegetation

Once you get up there, you realize the view is worth all the struggle. The views are just beautiful and there is a crater up there that has been dormant for the longest time (this is just the geography story), but if you asked the residents around there what's the deal with the crater, they'll offer a really interesting story (when visiting Mount Longonot, look out for this tea)

The dormant Mount Longonot Crater

So up the mountain, you can decide to go around the crater, which is about 7 kilometers, mind you, this is more kilometers than hiking up, which is about 2 kilometers. You can also chill up there, take nice Instagram photos, and breathe in the fresh air. The descent is not that bad.

What I Would Recommend

• Go with a group of friends that psyches you up
• Wear proper hiking gear
• Carry enough water
• Go with a free mind, ready to have a great experience

Back to my experience

After descending, it started raining. I know I was done with the red flags, but this was the third and last red flag. So, as it was raining, we had to move fast before the flood caught up with us. I know this was stupid, but it was the only way.

Anyway, we reached Chuka safely, and to me, it was a nice and adventurous day. Definitely a day that I can never forget, the 3 red flags won't even let me.

If you ever want to go hike up Mount Longonot, just reach out, and we will do it together.

Mount Kalembwani: The Armchair Hill That God Designed Himself

Have You Ever Given God His Flowers?

There’s something sacred about standing before a hill so uniquely shaped, that you can only conclude this wasn’t made in China. God made it.

Before we get into trail descriptions or travel tips, let me ask: Have you ever just looked at nature and decided to give God His flowers? Let me tell you, God is the G.O.A.T. artist (Greatest of All Time). He didn’t just create the world in six days and call it done. He styled it, curated it, and left His signature all over it. And in my humble opinion, Mount Kalembwani is one of His boldest autographs.

Mount Kalembwani: The Armchair in Kamba Land

Located in Salama, Makueni County, just off Mombasa Road, Mount Kalembwani is a hill that has become affectionately known as “The Armchair.” Why? Because when you look at it, especially from a distance it looks like a seat carved out of the earth. It has a raised armrest, a slanted backrest, and a flat top that practically invites you to sit and reflect on life (or catch your breath).

It’s one of those features you can’t unsee once it’s pointed out and once you notice it, you can’t help but admire it. You start to realize: that this isn’t just a hill. It’s a handcrafted throne. A quiet masterpiece in the middle of Kamba land.

The Hike: A Little Sweat, a Lot of Spirit

Let’s talk about the hike. I won't drown you in elevation stats or technical jargon, because truthfully, Mount Kalembwani isn’t about how high you climb it's about what you feel when you do.

Here’s what to expect:

• Terrain: Rugged and wild, with a few steep ascents
• Weather: Cold in the morning, hot by noon (classic Kamba climate)
• Effort: Manageable for beginners with some grit, fun for experienced hikers looking to slow down

After climbing the main “armchair,” your stamina and strength will be tested with the other two hills that feel like torture.....just kidding. It’s not too hard, but it's not exactly a walk in the park either. If you’ve hiked Mount Kenya, this will feel like a light jog but don’t forget your snacks and glucose, just in case.

And when you finally reach the top, with a view that stretches beyond Salama town, your legs may be tired, but your soul? Refreshed.

Spiritual Scenery and Honest Thoughts

There’s something poetic about nature that man-made destinations just can’t replicate. On that hilltop, I had a moment of one of those quiet, divine pauses. I wasn’t worried about work or Wi-Fi or my next deadline. I was just… still. Watching the horizon, feeling the wind, and thinking: “This is what peace looks like.”

It also got me thinking about the matrix we live in you know, that cycle where we work hard, pay bills, and barely find time to breathe, let alone travel. I wish I could say I’ve hiked half the hills in Kenya, but like many of you, time and money have a say.

Still, God gives us glimpses of moments like these hikes where we’re reminded that the world is bigger than our bank accounts. And if you're lucky enough to work in travel, as I do, sometimes those blessings come unexpectedly, like a free slot on a hiking trip to a hill that looks like it belongs in God’s living room.

What to Pack for Mount Kalembwani

If you’re planning to conquer the “armchair,” here’s your checklist:

• Good hiking shoes (the ground is no joke)
• Water and maybe an energy drink
• Layered clothing for shifting weather
• A sunhat and sunscreen for the afternoon heat
• Camera or phone (trust me, the pics will be worth it)
• Faith and good vibes (you’ll need both)

Pro tip: don’t hike alone. Bring a group, share snacks, tell jokes, and sing if you must. Hiking is better with the community.

Why This Hill Deserves More Hype

We’ve all heard about Longonot, Ngong Hills, and even Elephant Hill. But Mount Kalembwani remains an underrated gem. No big signs, no loud tourists just you, nature, and a hill that’s shaped like a recliner.

Here’s why it should be on your list:

• It's unique shape-wise and spiritually
• It's accessible from Nairobi, about 2 hours away
• It's uncrowded perfect for solitude seekers
• It’s photogenic hello, Instagram!

And yes, it might not be listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but trust me it’s a wonder in its own right.

So, Want to Hike It With Me?

Maybe you’re craving fresh air. Perhaps you’re tired of screens. Or maybe, just maybe, you’re looking for a quiet place to reconnect with your soul.

If that sounds like you let’s go. Hit me up. We’ll lace up, climb up, and laugh our way to the top. I promise there will be snacks, probably some exaggerated wheezing, and definitely, a moment where you look out and whisper, “Wow. God, You did that.”

Final Thoughts: God’s Art, Our Adventure

Mount Kalembwani reminded me of something I sometimes forget: God still creates. Not just in sunsets or oceans, but in quirky little hills shaped like chairs in the heart of Makueni. He writes His name into the land so we can pause, breathe, and remember who we are.

So next time the matrix gets loud and life feels heavy, take a detour. Head to a hill. Sit in God’s armchair. And give Him His flowers.