Climbing Mount Longido
Mount Longido Cultural and Trekking
Longido Mountain is located in Northern Tanzania 85 km from Arusha. At the base of the mountain is Longido Village and other small Maasai bomas (huts). The area is a traditional Maasai pastoral land and the mountain plays a large part in the local culture’s mystique and history. At Longido, Maasai guides can take you for walks on the slopes of the mountain and on the surrounding plains.
The landscape consists of dramatic acacia plains and mountain forests with excellent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, and the nearby Black Mountains of Kenya. In addition to a variety of mammals such as eland, buffalo, elephants, giraffe, kudu, impala and the rare leopard, Longido is a terrific place to view birds – hornbills, trogans, barbets, sunbirds, and turacos inhabit its ecosystem.
While visiting Longido, you are guided by local Maasai guides, and on each trip fees are contributed towards a village development fund which assists the local community.
Highlights
- Ascent the holy Maasai mountain at 2637m tall
- Meet local people & get to know several craftmanships
- Sunset, sunrise and a night under the stars on the mountain.
- Great views on Mt. Meru & Kilimanjaro
- Experience by participation, seeing, tasting & feeling!
MOUNT LONGIDO HIKE DETAILS
- Hike Distance: The total distance of the hike is 13.5km out and back (return trip)
- Hike Duration: This depends a lot on your speed and how much gear you are carrying. The ascent can be completed in about 5 hours and the descent can be completed in about 3 hours. This obviously depends on your ability to hike uphill with gear.
- Hike Difficulty: This trail is quite difficult due to the extreme incline. In 6.5 kilometers you will ascend more than 1300 meters and this is done at elevation. The hike will reach 2,629m by the time you are at the summit so expect to be short on breath.
- The terrain is rocky, dusty, and quite overgrown. There are many sections where you will need to be sure-footed but not any big drop-offs or moments of exposure. Basically, if you can handle the incline, heat, and being amongst bushes you are all set for this one.
- Hike Incline: 1380 meters.
Mount Longido Location/Map
Where is the Mount Longido Located?
The Mount Longido Forest Reserve is home to Mount Longido. It’s really on the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, near the town of Namanga. The roadway from Arusha to Longido is a straight drive with grasslands on each side. For the majority of the route, you can see Mount Longido as you drive towards it. Longido settlement is a 1.5-hour trip from Arusha.
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Popular questions about Climbing Mount Longido
Mount Longido is in northern Tanzania, about 85 km from Arusha, near the Kenya-Tanzania border.
You can reach Longido via a 1.5-hour drive from Arusha on a well-paved road leading towards Namanga.
Mount Longido is known for its rich Maasai culture, scenic acacia plains, mountain forests, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Yes! The Maasai people guide visitors, sharing their traditions, history, and way of life, making it a great destination for cultural tourism.
The hike is quite challenging due to its steep incline, rough terrain, and elevation gain of 1,380 meters. The ascent takes about 5 hours, and the descent takes around 3 hours.
The total hiking distance is about 13.5 km (round trip).
The summit of Mount Longido is at 2,629 meters (8,625 feet) above sea level.
Yes, it is required to hike with a Maasai guide who knows the terrain and ensures safety. Guide fees contribute to local community development.
Wildlife includes giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, elands, kudus, impalas, and the rare leopard.
Yes! The area is home to various bird species like hornbills, trogons, barbets, sunbirds, and turacos.
The best time is during the dry seasons (June to October & December to February) for better hiking conditions.
Essentials include good hiking shoes, enough drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera for the scenic views.
Yes, there are basic lodges, campsites, and guesthouses in Longido town and nearby areas.
Yes! A day trip from Arusha is possible, but starting early in the morning is recommended to complete the hike in daylight.
Yes, there is a fee for hiking, which includes conservation and community contributions.
The hike is challenging due to its steep incline, so it is best for experienced hikers or those in good physical condition.
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