Nairobi to Hell's Gate & Lake Naivasha Private Day Tour

Walk or cycle through Hell's Gate, then float past hippos on Lake Naivasha

A nine-hour private day trip from Nairobi combines Hell's Gate National Park (where you walk or cycle past zebras and gnus through Fischer's Tower and Hell's Gate Gorge) with a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and birds. Hotel pickup, a professional driver, bottled water and an English-speaking guide are included. Park entry and the boat ride are paid separately at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha

• Walk or cycle in Hells Gate Park
• See wildlife like zebras and gnus
• Visit Maasai Cultural Center
• Take boat ride on Lake Naivasha
• Spot hippos and bird species

The experience

Nine hours gives you two distinct landscapes in one day. Hell's Gate National Park sits near Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, named for the narrow break in the cliffs that once channeled a prehistoric lake. You choose whether to walk or cycle through the park (the cycling option covers more ground and costs 1000 Kenya shillings plus fees) passing zebras, gnus and the geothermal stations at Olkaria. The park's signature features are Fischer's Tower and Central Tower columns, and the Hell's Gate Gorge itself cuts through the middle of it all.

After the park, you move to the water. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, and the boat ride is where you see hippos and the bird species the lake is known for. The ride takes you across water the Maasai named for its wave action in wind and storms. Your driver stays with you throughout, and the guide speaks English and can answer questions about what you're seeing.

The tour leaves from your hotel in Nairobi and returns there at the end of the day. Park entry costs 50 USD per person (paid by card or M-Pesa), and the boat ride is 30 USD per person. Children from age three are welcome. The itinerary is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers, though it suits all other fitness levels.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Nairobi hotel.
• professional driver for the full day.
• English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• park entry and boat ride paid separately at checkout (50 USD per person for Hell's Gate, 30 USD per person for the boat).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Wandu Safaris

Is this one for you?Choose the walking option if you prefer observing wildlife from trails, or cycle if you want to cover more ground through Hell's Gate before your boat ride on Lake Naivasha.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between walking and cycling through Hell's Gate?

Cycling covers more ground in the park and lets you move faster between the towers and gorge. Walking is slower but gives you more time to stop and watch wildlife. Cycling costs 1000 Kenya shillings plus fees and is your choice at checkout.

Will I actually see hippos on the Lake Naivasha boat ride?

Lake Naivasha is home to hippos and a wide variety of bird species, so spotting them is likely, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The boat ride is the main way visitors encounter them on the water.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

Lunch is not included, so plan to bring food or purchase it during the day. Bottled water is provided throughout the tour.