1 Day trip to Hells gate National park and Lake Naivasha boat ride
Active
8h - 11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the wonderful Lake Naivasha circuit on a day trip from Nairobi. Known by the early settlers as the happy valley,Naivasha continues to amaze with its beauty and abundant natural resources.Take a bike trek through the unique Hell's gate national park amidst roaming wildlife and in the middle of breathtaking scenery of towering escarpments, rocky cliffs and deep gorges.You can also walk through or drive in.Opt for a guided rope climbing adventure of the rocky towers and explore the park's diverse landscapes.Enter the main gorge on a guided nature walk and witness an amazing natural rock formation art.Whichever way you choose the Hell's gate park is an exciting and a fascinating experience.
Lake Naivasha boat ride is a refreshing activity to undertake shortly after.Here the wide open waters allows you great views of the shore where wildlife is easily spotted from the comfort of your boat.You can also get very close to a variety of beautiful water birds and a pod of hippopotamus.
Available options
1 Day trip to Hells gate National park and Lake Naivasha boat ride
Pickup included
What's included
Transport in a comfortable safari minivan
Services of a dedicated English speaking driver guide.
Bottled water whilst on safari
Pick up and dropoff transfers
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
7:00 am: We start our journey to Naivasha, passing through the beautiful central highlands of Kikuyu and on to the great Rift valley view point. 8:00 am: A brief stop at the Great escarpment for a panoramic view of the valley and surrounding scenery. A good time to also enjoy a cup of coffee. 9:00 am: We arrive at the entrance of Hells Gate national park.
Hells gate national park is a small but an awesome natural gem. Set on the floor of the great Rift valley,the park lies to the south of Lake Naivasha and is named for the natural intense geothermal activity occurring within its boundaries.It is a remarkable park,dotted with spectacular scenery including towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam that make it one of the most unique parks in Africa. Here you can enjoy a safari, mountain biking, rock climbing and trekking all this at close proximity of wildlife that roam freely in this park. A guided walk to the main gorge is recommended as this is where you can witness amazing natural rock formation art.
The entire Hells gate adventure can take around 4 hours.
2
1:00pm. Lunch is served at a convenient restaurant set on the banks of Lake Naivasha.
Lake Naivasha is set on the floor of the Great Rift escarpment.It is one of the 2 only fresh water lakes of the great valley and is considered as an important bird area. The Lake and it's surrounding area hosts a variety of wild animals and about 350 species of birds both endemic and migratory, it is therefore a bird watchers paradise at any time of the year. The highlight of Lake Naivasha includes beautiful scenery dotted with forests of yellow acacia, giant euphorbia cactus, bushy shrubs and a variety of flower plants. At the Lake, you will take a guided motorised boat ride to explore the lake surroundings this is an interesting 2 hour excursion of watching and photographing wildlife from the comfort of your boat. There is an option of visiting the crescent island for a guided nature walk before returning back to the shore.
4:00 pm. We return to Nairobi after a fulfilling day of fun and adventure.
What's not included
Meals and drinks
Tips and gratuities
1 hour Boat ride excursion in Lake Naivasha.
Bike hire fee
Optional use of a Private resident guide at Hell's gate
Optional visit to the private crescent Island
Park entrance fee to Hell's Gate National Park.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant city known for its rich wildlife, cultural diversity, and modern urban landscape. It's the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a unique blend of city life and nature.
Top Attractions
Nairobi National Park
This unique national park is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
Nature
Half day to full day
KES 400-1000
Karen Blixen Museum
This museum is dedicated to the Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in Kenya during the early 20th century. The museum is set in her former home and offers a glimpse into colonial life in Kenya.
Historical
2-3 hours
KES 500-1000
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that showcases the traditional music, dance, and acrobatics of Kenya's various ethnic groups. The center also features a museum and craft shops.
Cultural
2-3 hours
KES 500-1500
Must-Try Local Dishes
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat, typically goat or beef, seasoned with salt and sometimes spices. It's a popular dish often served with ugali and kachumbari.
Main Course
Contains meat
Ugali
A staple food made from maize flour, cooked with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. It's often served with stews or nyama choma.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Sukuma Wiki
Collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes other vegetables. It's a common side dish in Kenyan cuisine.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Coffee tasting
Spas
Picnics
Museum visits
Cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
June to October
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.
18-28°C
64-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Swahili
- Widely spoken: English, Swahili
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Nairobi is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Nairobi Railway Station
By bus
Nairobi Bus Station, Mombasa Road Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The NCBS is the main public transport system, with routes covering most of the city. Buses are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Westlands
Karen
Day trips
Lake Naivasha
90 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by scenic landscapes and wildlife. It's a popular spot for boat rides, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby Hell's Gate National Park.
Mount Longonot
80 km from Nairobi • Full day
Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano with a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the crater lake.
Lake Nakuru National Park
160 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its large population of flamingos and other wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park offers game drives and walking safaris.
Festivals
Nairobi International Trade Fair • July
Nairobi Film Festival • October
Kenyatta Day • June 1
Pro tips
- Visit the Nairobi National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing
- Try local dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and sukuma wiki for an authentic culinary experience
- Use app-based taxi services like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation
- Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact
- Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
