Day Trip To Lake Naivasha and Hells Gate National Park
Active
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Hiking and Cycling: Unlike many other parks, Hell’s Gate allows visitors to explore on foot or by bike. You can hike or cycle through the park's stunning scenery, which makes for a more intimate, up-close experience with nature.
Birdwatching Paradise: Lake Naivasha is a birdwatcher's haven, with over 400 species of birds, including pink-backed pelicans, herons, and African fish eagles. Its rich biodiversity makes it one of the best spots for bird enthusiasts.
Crescent Island: Accessible by boat, Crescent Island is a unique wildlife sanctuary on the lake, offering a chance to walk among giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest in their natural habitat. It’s often less crowded, which gives you more space to enjoy the experience.
Available options
Day Trip To Lake Naivasha and Hells Gate National Park
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled Water
Hell's Gate Entry Fee
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional Driver Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
7:00 AM – Pickup in Nairobi
Pickup from your Nairobi accommodation.
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM – Travel to Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate
Scenic drive with a stop for Great Rift Valley views.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM – Hell’s Gate Guided Tour (Bike or Walk)
2-hour tour to spot wildlife like gazelles, zebras, giraffes, eagles, and vultures.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM – Hell’s Gate Gorges Walk
Explore narrow gorges and caves.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM – Travel to Lake Naivasha
2
You will have Lunch here between 1Pm and 2Pm
3
Stop 3
Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha
One of the highlights of visiting Lake Naivasha is the boat ride. The one-hour boat tour typically allows you to explore the calm waters while spotting wildlife. Hippos are commonly seen, as the lake is home to one of the largest hippo populations in Kenya. The boat ride also offers great opportunities for birdwatching, with sightings of over 400 bird species around the lake, including pelicans, kingfishers, and herons. You might also spot other animals like giraffes and buffaloes on the surrounding shores, especially if you’re lucky. Some tours also take you to Crescent Island, a sanctuary where you can walk among the animals.
4
Stop 4
Return to Nairobi
After a leisurely day, you'll begin the return journey to Nairobi. The drive from Lake Naivasha to Nairobi typically takes around 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. On the way back, you'll get to enjoy scenic views of the Rift Valley and the Kenyan countryside.
What's not included
Meals
Boat Ride
Bicycle Hire
Personal Items
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
