A Walk in the Park

By Dale

Mt. Longonot is a stratovolcano here in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. It is thought to have last erupted in the 1860s.  Protected by the Kenya Wildlife Service the mountain is part of a national park of the same name which is derived from the Massai word meaning “mountains of many spurs" or "steep ridges".  An initial eruption thousands of years ago left an enormous crater in the middle of the mountain creating a rim around which one can hike.  The summit peaks out at approximately 9,000 feet above sea level.  It has been calling to me ever since we arrived in Kenya!

Finally, the opportunity arose to attempt a climb.  After packing our lunches and a few extra water bottles the night before, the whole family awoke for a 7:00 am departure.  Our driver took us to the foot of the mountain where we paid our inflated non-resident entry fee into the National Park and began our hike.  A wide gravel path led us into a low grassy area with wild zebra and waterbuck grazing in the distance.  Grass quickly changed to a dusty clay-like trail that showed routine wear from erosion. It was a good hour, including breaks for water and pictures, before we reached the top of the rim to enjoy a refreshing snack and a breath-taking view of this mountain’s formations.

   

 

  

  

Even though the crater contained within this mountain had no visible access trail leading to the bottom it admittedly had a certain draw to it.  Isaac couldn’t help himself from constantly looking for a way down as we proceeded to make our way around the rim in a counter clockwise direction, the summit in our sights.  After hearing directly from brother Dan’s harrowing descent into the crater I was reluctant to join Isaac’s enthusiasm.  However, when we reached a point clearly marked “Crater Access Point” and feeling as if we would have time to spare, we could no longer resist the temptation.  With Isaac leading the way, Lizzy, Ann and I followed him down the extremely steep precarious trail leading into the crater leaving Rachel and a very disappointed Julia at the top.

 

The four of us cautiously lowered ourselves a hundred vertical feet or so to find that we could explore the source of steam visible from the rim.  A steam vent in the crater wall approximately the size of a large beach ball emitted hot air and boiling vapor.  I anticipated the odor to be fuller of sulfur but the smell was unremarkable.  The depth of the hole and temperature of the emission though was indeed quite remarkable.  We tossed in a stone but couldn’t hear it hit bottom and then a leaf to watch it hover in mid-air.  We braved the steam with our hands but could only hold them there for a few seconds.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t too much further before we reached a point where it was no longer within our capability to descend “safely”.  Isaac stood out on the trunk of a tree growing from the side of a cliff face with nowhere to go but straight down.  He wisely opted to turn us around without completing the descent!

  

 

     

JJ waiting up at the top of the crater entry point.

The four of us made the strenuous ascent to rejoin Rachel and JJ at the top where we continued our journey.  As we approached the summit the trail conditions changed to a gravely pumice giving it the feel of walking up a hill of marbles.  With the sun now fully ablaze these conditions made for hot and difficult progress but we pressed on to the summit nonetheless and enjoyed both a spectacular 360 degree view and the thrill of accomplishment.  A few family photos were taken before we moved on in an attempt to find a shady area to enjoy our packed lunch together.

 

At the summit

By the grace of God we successfully maneuvered the remaining portion of the rim trail and then made our way back down the trail we first ascended to meet our driver at the entrance gate around 2pm and complete the 13.5 km trek.  We were one happy but exhausted family!