- - - - - -

Hiking Mt. Longonot: An Instagram Story

Amarachi

Hiking Mt. Longonot, Kenya or the story of when I thought I would have a heart attack hiking a dormant volcano…

Once upon a relaxing time, Mark and I were relaxing in a very relaxing way…

Sailing on Mida Creek

and then, he basically said “This relaxation and enjoyment is too much! Would you like to suffer? Let’s go hike Mount Longonot!”

Big Sur California

Me: “You mean a 5-hour hike? No, thanks! As stated many times before, I am an ‘enjoyment’ wife, not a hiking wife! Please find attached further evidence of the aforementioned.”

  • Watamu Marine National Park Snorkelling
    Exhibit A
  • Breakfast Pointe-Noire
    Exhibit B
  • Nigeria Travel Guide
    Exhibit C

Obviously, my message did not get delivered because we began to plan for the hike to Mt. Longonot. Mark advised that I started exercising, so I put all my effort into it…

  • Pizza New York
  • Spa Day in Watamu Medina Palms
  • Watamu Mbuyu Lodge

The D-day arrives and we drive out of Nairobi towards Lake Naivasha through the Great Rift Valley, stopping at a vista point to enjoy the views…

  • Mt. Longonot Great Rift Valley
  • Great Rift Valley scaled

In another 30 minutes or so, we arrive at the Mt. Longonot National Park…

Mt. Longonot Kenya
Photo via KWS

We get our bags searched, pay the entrance fee and begin our hike…

  • Mount Longonot Entrance Gate
  • Starting Trail Mount Longonot

Five minutes in and I can feel my heart pounding and my breath becoming strained. Five minutes! Well, I am too ashamed to admit this after a week of bragging about my spectacular hiking and endurance skills, so I keep trudging on…

Longonot Hiking

Here I am, suffering and smiling…

Mount Longonot

After one hour, we get to the top! At long last, we are at the summit!

Mount Longonot Views

Or so I thought! Anyway, I casually say to he group ‘You know, some people do a loop around the crater!’

Mount Longonot Finish

They respond, “We are ‘Some People'” and just like that, our hike continues. A few hours later, we make it to the actual summit!

  • Mt Longonot Kenya
  • Mount Longonot Hike Kenya

I couldn’t have been happier! I feel on top of the world!

  • Mount Longonot Kenya
  • Mount Longonot

We begin our descent shortly after that. They said it would be easier. They lied!

Mount Longonot

Five hours later, we end our suffering hike. The funny part is that we end at the same time as a Kenyan runner who had run around the crater 3 times! Can never be me! Anyway, goodbye Longonot! The evil you have done is enough!

Mount Longonot

My group is planning a hike to Mt. Kenya but I have left the group with swiftness and that’s how this story ends!

A full blog post on Mt. Longonot is available here and if you’d like to follow my adventures on Instagram, here’s a link to do so!

2 comments

  1. 😂😂😂

    This had me rolling. Suffering? 😂😂😂 And I read suffering and smiling in Fela’s voice LoL.

    Who knows, maybe it’s the regular runs around this mountain that makes Kenyans beat us in Lagos marathons all the time.

    Cheers!

    Reply

    1. Honestly, I don’t think Nigerians stand a chance in the marathon. We need a separate category for us because these Kenyans are not playing!

      Reply

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

You'll Love These Too!

Close
For my people who love their 9-5 and love to travel👋🏽
•
Follow
For my people who love their 9-5 and love to travel👋🏽
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Tulip Season - but in Korea 🇰🇷🌷 Spring in Suncheon is colourful and calm. If you're visiting South Korea this spring, consider adding a stop in Suncheon. This garden alone is worth the trip!🌸
•
Follow
Tulip Season - but in Korea 🇰🇷🌷 Spring in Suncheon is colourful and calm. If you're visiting South Korea this spring, consider adding a stop in Suncheon. This garden alone is worth the trip!🌸
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
I don't know who needs to hear this but your tour of Lagos doesn't have to include a visit to a slum. Your heart might be in the right place but your experience of this city shouldn't be limited to exploring certain places because you feel like it's the "real Lagos" If you want to help, consider making a donation instead to the numerous local charities that already do good work to serve people.
•
Follow
I don't know who needs to hear this but your tour of Lagos doesn't have to include a visit to a slum. Your heart might be in the right place but your experience of this city shouldn't be limited to exploring certain places because you feel like it's the "real Lagos" If you want to help, consider making a donation instead to the numerous local charities that already do good work to serve people.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Not every Lagos trip is loud or party-centric. Some are for quiet beach walks, slowing down on purpose, and long afternoons in a hammock with crashing waves as the soundtrack 🌊
•
Follow
Not every Lagos trip is loud or party-centric. Some are for quiet beach walks, slowing down on purpose, and long afternoons in a hammock with crashing waves as the soundtrack 🌊
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Haters will say my Black American asset is fake 🙄
•
Follow
Haters will say my Black American asset is fake 🙄
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
•
Follow
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬🎉 It feels soooo good to be back home! I haven't been back in 3 years and this visit was EXACTLY what I needed to kick-start 2026! 🎉 Detty December is fun and all but oh, how I love Lagos in January! The city is calmer, and there are still some leftovers from the festive period - without the hefty price tag, traffic and crowds! ✨️ This past month in Lagos has been fantastic! I got to reconnect physically with my family and friends, and revisit some of my favourite places 💕 I saw an amazing play 🎭 (The Bride) @terrakulture, stopped over at @nikeartgallery for my art and culture fix 🎨 and had a wholesome solo retreat at my all time favourite beach resort in Lagos, @jarabeachresortng 🌤 It's been a month of introspection, a few bitter-sweet moments, love, family, some work and food. Good food! Leaving Lagos with a full heart, a clearer mind, and deep gratitude for home. Until next time 💙
•
Follow
Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬🎉 It feels soooo good to be back home! I haven't been back in 3 years and this visit was EXACTLY what I needed to kick-start 2026! 🎉 Detty December is fun and all but oh, how I love Lagos in January! The city is calmer, and there are still some leftovers from the festive period - without the hefty price tag, traffic and crowds! ✨️ This past month in Lagos has been fantastic! I got to reconnect physically with my family and friends, and revisit some of my favourite places 💕 I saw an amazing play 🎭 (The Bride) @terrakulture, stopped over at @nikeartgallery for my art and culture fix 🎨 and had a wholesome solo retreat at my all time favourite beach resort in Lagos, @jarabeachresortng 🌤 It's been a month of introspection, a few bitter-sweet moments, love, family, some work and food. Good food! Leaving Lagos with a full heart, a clearer mind, and deep gratitude for home. Until next time 💙
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
•
Follow
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
[Me after seeing glimpses of a certain streamer's visit to my beautiful country KENYA 🇰🇪] Nina furaha kukutana na wewe 💅🏾 I've tried to avoid watching any related videos of other countries 👀 but that's not how social media works! 😭 Anyway, it's Nyambura to you from now on. Thanks to @motherofpassports for bestowing this name upon me 🇰🇪💙
•
Follow
[Me after seeing glimpses of a certain streamer's visit to my beautiful country KENYA 🇰🇪] Nina furaha kukutana na wewe 💅🏾 I've tried to avoid watching any related videos of other countries 👀 but that's not how social media works! 😭 Anyway, it's Nyambura to you from now on. Thanks to @motherofpassports for bestowing this name upon me 🇰🇪💙
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts

  • A Long Weekend of Southern Charm in Charleston, South Carolina

  • A Charming Autumn Trip to North Carolina

  • How to Make the Most of a 24-Hour Layover in Hong Kong

  • A Pleasant Safari Stay at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

  • 2-Week Thailand Travel Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Translate
Become an Insider!
Archives
Close

Travel with a Pen

Seek out New Adventures, Travel Differently

Travel with a Pen © Copyright 2025
Close