Day Tour to Hell's Gate and Boat Ride at Lake Naivasha

Naivasha , Kenya

Day Tour to Hell's Gate and Boat Ride at Lake Naivasha

Active

(28 reviews)

8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A tour to Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha offers a unique blend of adventure and serenity. At Hell’s Gate, you can cycle or walk alongside wildlife like zebras and giraffes in a dramatic landscape of cliffs, gorges, and geothermal activity—one of the few parks in Kenya that allows this kind of up-close exploration. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you’ll spot hippos, waterbucks, and a variety of birds, including African fish eagles. The boat passes by Crescent Island, home to free-roaming wildlife like giraffes and antelopes. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering both land and water experiences in one day. Located just a short drive from Nairobi, it’s an ideal getaway that showcases the rich biodiversity and stunning scenery of Kenya’s Rift Valley in a compact, unforgettable itinerary.

Available options

Group joining - day tour

Pickup included

What's included

Time for Lunch - own expense

Driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Guide

Pick up and Drop off

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your day starts very early in the morning after you have taken your breakfast.You will depart from Nairobi to Naivasha and on the way you will have a stop over at The Great Riftvalley escarpment. It was formed through faulting, which invloves the displacements of earth crust leading to sinking of the land between them.
You will have a photo stop, for those who love photogarphy. There is also a souvenir shop where you can purcahse souvenirs. You can also purchase breakfast there by any chance you forgot to take it before departure. You will contine with your drive and arrive in Hell's Gate. You will register at the entrance and start with your bike drive. Activities happening in Hell's Gate are, bike riding, rock climbing at the Fischer's tower, watching wildlife, walking through the gorges and photography. After the bike ride, you will visit a restaurant near the park to take your lunch. Laer you will depart for a boat ride in Lake Naivasha.

After the bike ride in Hell's Gate and lunch, you will go to Lake Niavasha for the boat ride. The boat ride takes 1 hour where you can watch the marine life like hippos and wildlife like waterbulk and antelopes. You will watch the Crescent Island by boat and also the wild animals that are found there. After the boat ride, you will depart from Naivasha and head back to Nairobi. You will be dropped off at your hotel.

What's not included

Boat ride

Gratitudes

Entry fee to Hell's Gate

Bike hiring

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

25 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code is smart casual

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual

About Naivasha

Naivasha is a vibrant town nestled on the shores of Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in Kenya's Rift Valley. Known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant agriculture, it offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. The town is a gateway to Hell's Gate National Park and is famous for its flower farms and geothermal energy production.

Top Attractions

Hell's Gate National Park

A stunning national park known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal activity, and diverse wildlife. It's famous for its hiking, rock climbing, and biking trails.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day KES 800-1,500

Lake Naivasha

A beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by lush landscapes and wildlife. Ideal for boat rides, picnics, and bird watching.

Nature/Relaxation Half day KES 1,000-3,000

Crater Lake Game Sanctuary

A private game sanctuary offering close-up encounters with wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.

Nature/Wildlife Half day KES 1,500-3,000

Mount Longonot

An extinct volcano offering a challenging hike with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Adventure/Nature Full day KES 1,000-2,000

Must-Try Local Dishes

Nyama Choma

Grilled meat, typically goat or beef, seasoned with local spices.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy

Ugali

A staple food made from maize flour, often served with stews or vegetables.

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Sukuma Wiki

Collard greens cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Side Dish Vegetarian, vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock Climbing Biking Wildlife Safaris Boat Rides Picnics Bird Watching Spa Treatments

Best Time to Visit

June to October, January to February

These months offer the best weather with clear skies and minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Swahili
Widely spoken: English, Swahili, Local dialects
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Naivasha is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams. Be cautious in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use reputable taxi services
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 90 km

By bus

Naivasha Bus Station, Kenya Bus Service (KBS) Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent, but can be crowded. Routes are well-known and widely used by locals and tourists alike.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Boda Boda

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Lake Naivasha Area Hell's Gate Area

Day trips

Mount Longonot

32 km • Full day

An extinct volcano offering a challenging hike with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Hells Gate National Park

14 km • Half day to full day

A stunning national park known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal activity, and diverse wildlife. It's famous for its hiking, rock climbing, and biking trails.

Lake Naivasha Boat Safaris

In town • Half day

A beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by lush landscapes and wildlife. Ideal for boat rides, picnics, and bird watching.

Festivals

Naivasha Cultural Festival • Annual, typically in July Flower Festival • Annual, typically in September

Pro tips

Visit Hell's Gate National Park early in the morning for the best wildlife viewing and to avoid the midday heat
Book a guided boat tour on Lake Naivasha for a closer encounter with the lake's wildlife and scenic beauty
Carry plenty of water and snacks when hiking or exploring national parks
Use reputable tour operators and guides for a safe and enjoyable experience
Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your impact on the environment