Naivasha, Kenya — A multi-agency rescue mission successfully saved a visitor who fell into the Mt. Longonot crater on Saturday, following an intense overnight operation marked by courage, teamwork, and precision.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the victim, Bildad Simiyu, slipped while hiking and plunged onto a rock ledge inside the crater, landing in a position that made direct access difficult and risky for responders.

As nightfall approached and visibility deteriorated, rescuers were forced to halt physical extraction efforts. However, KWS officers maintained close contact with the stranded hiker from the crater rim, continuously speaking to him, reassuring him, and monitoring his condition until daylight.

Read More: Mt. Longonot Rescue: Night-Long Operation Saves Injured Visitor

At first light, the rescue intensified. KWS teams joined forces with the Kenya Red Cross, Nakuru Fire Brigade, Kenya Police, and ITARC Hospital specialists in a coordinated effort to reach the injured man. After several hours of meticulous maneuvering along the steep crater walls, the teams successfully extracted him at around 1500hrs.

Simiyu sustained a fracture to his left leg and was immediately transferred to Naivasha County Referral Hospital, where he is reported to be stable and receiving treatment.

KWS issued a message of gratitude to all officers and partner agencies involved, applauding their “teamwork, professionalism and dedication” throughout the high-risk rescue.

The incident serves as a reminder of both the rugged beauty and inherent dangers of Mt. Longonot, one of Kenya’s most popular hiking destinations.