Hell's Gate & Lake Naivasha: Private Bike Tour with Pickup

Summary

Bike Hell's Gate, walk ancient gorges, spot hippos by Naivasha

You’ll pedal past zebra herds in Hell’s Gate with a local guide by your side, walk shaded gorges carved by ancient floods, then relax on Lake Naivasha spotting hippos and fish eagles from a small boat. With hotel pickup included from Nairobi, expect a day that’s both lively and quietly moving in ways you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the zebras don’t bite,” our guide Patrick grinned as we wobbled onto our bikes at Hell’s Gate. I’d been nervous about cycling so close to wildlife (honestly, I’m not exactly Tour de France material), but Patrick’s calm way of pointing out which animals to watch for — and which just stare back — made it all feel kind of ordinary. The sun was already warm even though it wasn’t yet 10am, and the air smelled like dust and wild sage. Every so often we’d stop because someone spotted a giraffe or just needed to catch their breath. No one rushed us.

The ride itself isn’t long — maybe two hours? — but there’s something about pedaling through that open landscape that makes you forget time. At one point, I remember coasting downhill and hearing nothing but my own tires crunching gravel and a faint whoop from someone behind me (I think it was Li, who later admitted she almost fell off trying to take a selfie). When we reached the gorges, Patrick led us down into the cool shade where the rock walls closed in. He explained how water carved these shapes over centuries. I touched the stone — smooth in some places, gritty in others — and tried to imagine flash floods rushing through here. It felt ancient.

After dropping off the bikes at the gate, we piled into the van and headed for lunch near Lake Naivasha (not included — but honestly, I was starving enough to eat anything by then). The afternoon boat ride was quieter than I expected. Hippos lazed near the shore while fish eagles circled overhead; our boatman whistled softly to call them closer. The lake air tasted different somehow — fresher? Maybe just relief after all that biking. We watched birds dart between papyrus reeds until nobody really wanted to talk anymore.

I keep thinking about that moment on the water: everyone silent except for the splash of oars and distant calls of birds. There’s something grounding about seeing Kenya this way — slow, sweaty, sometimes awkward but completely real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike tour and boat ride at Naivasha

• Depart Nairobi early morning
• Stop at Great Rift Valley viewpoint
• Arrive Hell's Gate gate
• Bike tour in Hell's Gate park
• Visit gorges and caves
• Return bikes to gate
• Drive for lunch (own expense)
• Optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha
• View hippos and birdwatch
• Drive back to Nairobi
• Arrive Nairobi by evening

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Hell's Gate bike tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included anywhere within Nairobi CBD.

How long does it take to drive from Nairobi to Hell's Gate?

The drive from Nairobi to Hell's Gate takes about 2 hours each way.

Can I choose not to bike inside Hell's Gate?

Yes, guests can opt to drive inside the park instead of biking if they prefer.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

No, lunch is at your own expense at a local restaurant near Lake Naivasha.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

Yes, entrance fees for Hell's Gate are included in your booking.

How long is the boat ride on Lake Naivasha?

The optional boat ride lasts about one hour in the afternoon.

What wildlife can I see during this tour?

You may see zebras, giraffes, hippos by Lake Naivasha, and various birds including fish eagles.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Nairobi CBD, bicycle rental charges for riding through Hell’s Gate with a private guide leading you along the trails and into the gorges; all entry fees are covered too. After biking you’ll be driven to Lake Naivasha for an optional boat ride before heading back home in time for dinner.