Day tour to Hell's Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride

Nairobi , Kenya

Day tour to Hell's Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride

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(4 reviews)

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

What makes a tour to Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha truly unique is the rare opportunity to experience wildlife and dramatic landscapes up close and on foot or by bike, unlike traditional game drives. Hell’s Gate is one of the only national parks in Kenya where you can walk or cycle among zebras, giraffes, and gazelles, with towering cliffs, gorges, and volcanic rock formations creating a cinematic backdrop (it even inspired scenes in The Lion King). Combined with a serene boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you glide past pods of hippos and watch fish eagles dive for their catch, the trip offers a perfect contrast of adventure and relaxation — all within a single day. It’s this mix of active exploration, raw nature, and tranquil beauty that sets the experience apart.
Entry fee to Hell's Gate, boat ride in Lake Naivasha ($25) and cycling fee ($15) are not added in the price of the tour.

Available options

Day tour to Hell's Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride

Pickup included

What's included

Pick up and drop off

Bottled water

Driver/guide

Transportation with air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Embark on a thrilling day trip from Nairobi to Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha, combining adventure and scenic beauty. Be picked up at your hotel early in the morning after breakfast. On the way, have a stop over at the great Rift Valley to view its scenic landscapes and take photographs. Arrive at Hell’s Gate by 8:30 AM, where you can choose to cycle or drive through the dramatic landscapes, spotting wildlife and exploring landmarks like Fischer’s Tower and the Obsidian Caves. After about three hours, head to Lake Naivasha for lunch at a lakeside restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the lake, where you'll spot hippos, fish eagles, and other birdlife. Wrap up the day and return to Nairobi by early evening, enriched by a full day of nature, wildlife, and unforgettable views.
Entry fee to Hell's Gate , boat ride in Lake Naivasha ($25) and cycling fee ($15) are not added in the price of the tour.

What's not included

Meals

Tips

Hell's Gate national park entry fee

Lake Naivasha boat ride

Cycling fee

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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