Mashinani Guest House - Mount Longonot National Park

Mashinani Guest House is a hotel near Mount Longonot National Park.

Location
Mount Longonot National Park, Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-1.113262, 36.642400
Elevation
2,250m
Activities
hotel

PlnrScore: 37/100

Nearest airstrip: Wilson Airport (30.2 km) [HKNW]

Wildlife Near This Lodge

837 species observed within 20 km, 40 mammals, 213 birds.

  • Blue Monkey (Mammalia, 78 observations)
  • Mantled Guereza (Mammalia, 74 observations)
  • Baglafecht Weaver (Aves, 70 observations)
  • Helmeted Chameleon (Reptilia, 66 observations)
  • Rock Hyrax (Mammalia, 65 observations)
  • Jackson's Chameleon (Reptilia, 63 observations)
  • Olive Baboon (Mammalia, 59 observations)
  • Common Bulbul (Aves, 51 observations)
  • garden nasturtium (Plantae, 46 observations)
  • bugweed (Plantae, 46 observations)

Monthly Climate

MonthHighLowRain
Jan20.8C11.1C112.9mm
Feb22.1C11.5C71.7mm
Mar22C11.9C87.3mm
Apr20.3C12.1C216.2mm
May19.7C11.3C123.3mm
Jun18.5C9.6C54.8mm
Jul17.8C8.8C45.2mm
Aug18.5C9.1C59.2mm
Sep19.7C9.7C74mm
Oct20.7C10.8C62.1mm
Nov19.8C11.5C111.9mm
Dec20.1C11.4C61mm

Best Time to Visit Mashinani Guest House

The best months to visit Mashinani Guest House are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 15.22°C, rainfall 107.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 71.8%
  • February: Good, temperature 16.08°C, rainfall 84mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 67.4%
  • March: Good, temperature 16.29°C, rainfall 97.5mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 68.3%
  • April: Good, temperature 15.29°C, rainfall 191.9mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 79.8%
  • May: Good, temperature 14.76°C, rainfall 125.4mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 80.7%
  • June: Good, temperature 13.63°C, rainfall 41mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 78.5%
  • July: Good, temperature 13.09°C, rainfall 35.4mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 77.6%
  • August: Good, temperature 13.77°C, rainfall 43.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 73.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 14.47°C, rainfall 83.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 73%
  • October: Good, temperature 15.48°C, rainfall 67.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 69.6%
  • November: Good, temperature 15.03°C, rainfall 125.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 15.16°C, rainfall 77.8mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 73.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to experience Mount Longonot from Mashinani Guest House?

We absolutely love using Mashinani as our base for exploring Mount Longonot. The hike up the crater rim is a must do; the views are simply sensational. We recommend going early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to catch the best light for photos. Pack plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.

Besides hiking Longonot, what else can we do around Mashinani Guest House?

While Mount Longonot is the star attraction, Mashinani offers more than just proximity. We enjoyed a fascinating visit to a local Maasai village nearby, which provided genuine cultural insights. The lodge itself is a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding with a good book and enjoying the expansive Kenyan landscape.

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see near Mashinani Guest House?

Don't expect the Big Five on your doorstep here, but the wildlife viewing is still rewarding. We've spotted various antelopes like impalas and gazelles on drives around the park, and birdlife is abundant. Keep an eye out for buffalo near the base of the mountain, and you might even see baboons closer to the lodge.

What's the general vibe and accommodation like at Mashinani Guest House?

Mashinani Guest House feels like a true escape. The lodge has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and the rooms are comfortable and clean, offering a peaceful haven after a day of exploring. We found the staff to be incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the overall relaxed and authentic Kenyan experience.

Is Mashinani Guest House a safe and practical choice for solo travelers or families?

We've always felt very secure at Mashinani Guest House. The location is peaceful, and the staff are attentive, making it a good choice for both solo adventurers and families. While there aren't specific child focused activities, the open spaces and proximity to nature offer plenty for kids to enjoy under supervision.

Other Safari Lodges in Mount Longonot National Park

Parks in Rift Valley Lakes

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya