Hell's Gate & Lake Naivasha: Bike Safari, Gorge Walk & Boat Ride

Summary

Bike past zebra in Hell’s Gate then drift on Lake Naivasha watching hippos

You’ll pedal through Hell’s Gate alongside wildlife, walk through dramatic gorges with a local guide, then unwind on Lake Naivasha spotting hippos by boat. With pickup included and options for every energy level, it’s a day that leaves you feeling both tired and oddly peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure about biking in Hell’s Gate at first. The idea of pedaling past zebra sounded… well, like something you’d brag about but maybe not actually do. But there we were, helmets slightly askew, coasting down this dusty path with the morning air sharp and a bit smoky from someone’s breakfast fire nearby. Our guide Peter grinned and pointed out a warthog trotting by — I nearly steered right off the track staring at it. You could smell wild sage crushed under the tires, and every so often the wind would carry these distant bird calls that made me slow down just to listen.

After about 8 kilometers (I checked my phone because my legs were starting to notice), we reached the gorge. The sun was already getting strong — Peter said it always feels hotter down there, and he was right. The rocks felt warm if you brushed them with your hand. We scrambled along narrow ledges while Peter explained how floods shaped these walls (and warned us where not to step). It was quieter than I expected; just our footsteps echoing and sometimes someone laughing nervously when the path got thin. Honestly, I was glad you can ask for a ride back if you’re tired — I took them up on it after the walk, no shame.

Later by Lake Naivasha, everything slowed down. The boat ride was optional but most of us couldn’t resist — hippos bobbing in the water, birds everywhere (I tried to remember their names but gave up after “fish eagle”). Lunch at this little lakeside place tasted extra good after all that moving around; maybe it was just relief or maybe grilled tilapia really is better here. I still think about that breeze coming off the lake — cool and muddy-sweet somehow. So yeah, if you want a day trip from Nairobi that’s more than just sitting in a van, this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Biking and boat ride at Naivasha

• Depart Nairobi at 7am
• Stop at Great Rift Valley viewpoint
• Arrive Hell's Gate gate at 9:30am
• Bike 8 km to the gorge
• Walk inside the gorges for 1 hour
• Bike back 8 km to the gate
• Optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha
• Lunch at lake restaurant
• Drive back to Nairobi at 4pm

Top questions

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

The tour starts at 7am from Nairobi and ends around 4pm before returning to Nairobi.

Is biking required at Hell's Gate?

No, you can choose to explore by vehicle if biking isn’t for you or if you get tired.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel or residence pickup and drop off in Nairobi or Naivasha are included.

What animals might I see during the bike safari?

You may spot zebra, warthogs, various birds, and possibly giraffes along the way.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included but there is a restaurant at Lake Naivasha where you can buy lunch.

How difficult is the gorge walk?

The gorge walk takes about an hour; some parts are narrow or uneven but guides assist throughout.

Can I skip parts of the tour if needed?

Yes, if you’re tired after walking the gorge you can request a free ride back instead of biking again.

Are passports required for this tour?

You need to bring either a valid passport or ID (soft or hard copy) for entry purposes.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or residence in Nairobi or Naivasha, use of bicycles for riding through Hell’s Gate (or vehicle transport if preferred), guidance during both biking and walking portions inside Hell’s Gate Park, plus a complimentary lift back to the gate if you’re too tired to bike after exploring the gorge—just ask your guide when needed.