Hell’s Gate & Lake Naivasha: Bike, Hike & Wildlife Day Trip

Summary

Bike and walk Hell’s Gate then watch hippos at Naivasha on a day out from Nairobi

You’ll start your day early with hotel pickup in Nairobi before biking or walking through Hell’s Gate alongside zebras and giraffes, then hiking into hidden gorges with a local guide who knows every turn. After lunch by Lake Naivasha—with monkeys watching—you can add a boat ride to spot hippos and fish eagles up close. This day trip leaves you feeling both small and wide awake inside.

What’s the experience like?

We’d just pulled over at this overlook outside Nairobi when our guide, Peter, pointed to the Rift Valley stretching out below. It was still early, kind of chilly—the kind of air that makes your coffee taste sharper. I remember a woman selling roasted maize by the road; the smell mixed with dust and eucalyptus. We all tried to take photos but honestly, it’s too big for a phone screen. That first glimpse set the tone for the whole day trip to Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha—big skies, open space, feeling small in a good way.

Biking through Hell’s Gate is nothing like driving through a game park. You actually hear things—zebra hooves on gravel, birds overhead (Peter kept naming them but I only caught “buzzard” and “eagle”), even the wind changes sound depending where you are. At one point we stopped because a warthog family crossed right in front of us—no rush at all. I’m not exactly Tour de France material so when my legs started complaining halfway through, Peter just laughed and said we could call the car anytime. That was reassuring. Some folks in our group walked instead; it didn’t matter much because everyone ended up gawking at the same giraffes anyway.

The gorge hike felt different—quiet except for water trickling somewhere deep down and our shoes scraping sandstone. The rocks are weirdly smooth in places from years of floods (I touched one—it felt almost oily). There’s always someone ahead calling back about another twist or cave. We got muddy but nobody cared; Peter had stories about Maasai history here that made me wish I’d paid more attention in school. Lunch at Lake Naivasha was casual—grilled tilapia if you want it—and there were monkeys everywhere trying their luck with leftovers.

I added the boat ride on Lake Naivasha (worth it). Hippos look peaceful until they suddenly aren’t—you feel that tension sitting low in a little boat while they surface nearby. There were fish eagles swooping overhead too; one grabbed something right out of the water and everyone gasped. By late afternoon I was sunburned and tired but didn’t really want to leave yet. The drive back to Nairobi is quiet—everyone half asleep or scrolling through photos that don’t quite capture how wide open everything feels out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike and hike Hell's Gate, visit Lake Naivasha

• 7am pickup in Nairobi
• Travel to Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate
• Stop at Great Rift Valley overlook
• Arrive Hell’s Gate National Park
• 2-hour guided bike or walking tour
• 1-hour walk through park gorges
• Travel to Naivasha Marina camp
• Lunch at Naivasha Marina camp (own expense)
• Optional 1-hour boat tour on Lake Naivasha
• 4pm depart for Nairobi
• 6pm drop-off in Nairobi

Top questions

How long does the Hell's Gate & Lake Naivasha day trip take?

The tour lasts roughly 11 hours including pickup from Nairobi around 7am and drop-off by 6pm.

Is biking required at Hell's Gate?

No, you can choose to walk or stay in the vehicle if you prefer—not everyone bikes.

What wildlife might I see during this day trip?

You may spot zebras, giraffes, warthogs, gazelles, eland, hartebeest, plus many bird species like eagles and vultures.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch at Lake Naivasha Marina Camp is at your own expense—but there are several options available onsite.

Can I join a boat tour on Lake Naivasha?

Yes—a 1-hour boat tour is available for an extra $25 per person to see hippos and birds up close.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes—all entrance fees for Hell’s Gate are covered in your booking price.

What should I wear for this trip?

Shoes for walking or biking, sporty casual clothes, sunscreen/hat/sunglasses—a small backpack helps too.

If I get tired biking can I get picked up?

Yes—just let your guide know if you want to stop riding; the car will pick you up anywhere along the route at no extra charge.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or residence pickup in Nairobi or Naivasha, private transport throughout with an experienced guide who knows every shortcut (and joke), entry fees for Hell’s Gate plus bike hire if you want it—and if your legs give out mid-ride they'll come scoop you up without fuss. Lunch is pay-as-you-go by Lake Naivasha; optional boat rides can be added onsite for extra wildlife viewing before heading back home tired but happy.