Night in the Crater: Mt Longonot Hiker Rescued in High-Stakes Operation

A weekend hike at Mt Longonot turned into a dangerous ordeal after a man fell into the crater and spent the entire night stranded on a narrow rock ledge. Rescuers finally pulled him to safety on Sunday afternoon after nearly 24 hours of effort.

Hiker Slips and Falls Into the Crater

The victim, Bildad Simiyu, slipped while hiking on Saturday and fell deep into the steep crater. He landed on a tiny rock shelf where he could neither climb out nor move to safety.
As daylight faded, the situation grew more critical.

Night Rescue Delayed by Darkness

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers responded immediately. However, they could not descend safely because darkness made the rescue too risky.
Therefore, the team stayed at the crater rim throughout the night. They kept constant communication with Simiyu, reassured him, and monitored his condition as temperatures dropped.

Reinforcements Arrive at Sunrise

At first light, the officers regrouped and called in support from the Kenya Red Cross, the Nakuru Emergency Brigade, the Kenya Police, and ITARC Hospital.
With a stronger team on-site, the multi-agency unit began a careful descent into the crater using ropes and specialised rescue gear.

Rescue Operation Takes Several Hours

For hours, rescuers navigated loose rocks and the steep crater walls as they slowly approached the stranded hiker. The rocky terrain, combined with the sheer drop, made the mission extremely delicate.
Finally, at around 3pm, the team reached Simiyu, stabilised him, and lifted him back to the crater rim—ending his long and frightening ordeal.

Injured Hiker Receives Treatment

Preliminary medical reports show that Simiyu sustained a fracture to his left leg. Medics transferred him to Naivasha County Referral Hospital for treatment and further evaluation.
KWS later praised the rescuers for their teamwork, skill, and commitment during the operation.

Why Mt Longonot Rescues Are Challenging

Mt Longonot rises approximately 2,776 metres above sea level in the Great Rift Valley. The mountain’s crater is about 1.8 kilometres wide and features steep walls dropping nearly 500–600 metres.
Because of its depth, rugged terrain, and thick vegetation, rescue missions inside the crater are always high-risk. This is why wardens caution hikers and restrict crater movement after specific hours.

A Timely Reminder on Hiking Safety

The dramatic rescue highlights the importance of following hiking guidelines, especially in steep volcanic terrains like Mt Longonot. With proper caution and guided support, hikers can enjoy the mountain safely without exposing themselves to life-threatening risks.