Day Trip from Nairobi · Rift Valley
Hell's Gate Day Trip from Nairobi: Cycling, Gorge Walk & Lake Naivasha
Hell's Gate National Park, about 100 km from Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley, is one of the few Kenyan parks where you can explore by bicycle and on foot. Volcanic cliffs, the Fischer's Tower rock column and a deep gorge carved by water make it one of the most active day trips from Nairobi.
Our private Hell's Gate day trip combines cycling in the park with a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and fish eagles, and a walking safari on Crescent Island among zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. Lunch, park fees and hotel or JKIA pickup are included.
See the full day-by-day plan, inclusions and booking form on the Naivasha & Hells Gate Day Trip from Nairobi | Cycling Safari page, or browse all Nairobi excursions and day trips.
What You Will Experience
Stop 1
Cycle through Hell's Gate
Ride past Fischer's Tower with zebra, buffalo, warthog and giraffe grazing nearby.
Stop 2
Gorge walk
Walk with a local guide through the narrow volcanic gorge and its hot springs.
Stop 3
Lake Naivasha boat ride
Hippos, pelicans and African fish eagles on one of the Rift Valley's freshwater lakes.
Stop 4
Crescent Island on foot
A walking safari among zebra, giraffe, waterbuck and wildebeest. There are no large predators on the island.
Tour at a Glance
- Duration: 1 day
- Starting price: From USD 300 (final quote confirmed by our team)
- Start & finish: Your Nairobi hotel or JKIA
- Vehicle: Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Good to Know
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with English-speaking driver-guide
- Lunch, bottled water and park entrance fees included
- Wear closed shoes and comfortable clothes for cycling and the gorge
- Gorge walks may be closed after heavy rain for safety
What's Included
- Crescent Island walking safari
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Nairobi hotel/airport pick-up & drop-off
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All park entrance fees
- Game viewing drives as per itinerary
- Lunch and bottled water
- Government taxes and levies
Not Included
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Items and services of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hell's Gate from Nairobi?
About 100 km, roughly 2 hours by road depending on traffic, via the Rift Valley escarpment.
Can you cycle in Hell's Gate National Park?
Yes. Cycling is permitted in the park and is one of the main reasons to visit. Bikes are available at the park.
Is the Hell's Gate gorge walk safe?
The gorge is walked with a local guide. It can be closed after heavy rain because of flash-flood risk, in which case your guide will offer alternatives.
Is the cycling difficult?
The main track is mostly flat and suitable for most reasonably fit adults. You can also drive sections in the vehicle if you prefer.
What will we see on the Lake Naivasha boat ride?
Hippos, fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants and kingfishers are commonly seen. Sightings vary with the season and water levels.
Can children do this day trip?
Yes, with care. Older children usually enjoy the cycling and walking. Younger children can stay in the vehicle for the cycling part and still enjoy the boat ride and Crescent Island.
Do you pick up from Nairobi hotels and JKIA?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is included in every C.A.T.S Nairobi excursion and day trip. Share your hotel name or flight details when you book and your driver-guide will meet you there.
Is this a private tour?
Our Nairobi excursions and day trips are run as private tours, so the 4x4 Land Cruiser and driver-guide are reserved for your party only. You set the pace, and timings can be adjusted around your flights or plans.
What vehicle will we use?
A 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, driven by a professional English-speaking driver-guide. The pop-up roof lets everyone stand for clear wildlife viewing and photography.
Are park entrance fees included?
Yes. All park entrance fees for the parks in your itinerary are included in the quoted price, together with bottled drinking water and government taxes. The full included and excluded list is shown on each tour page.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Our private Nairobi tours are family-friendly. Children under 11 are booked at child rates, and the private vehicle means you can take breaks whenever the family needs one.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable layers in neutral colours, a warm top for early mornings, closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera. Binoculars are a good idea for game drives.
How do I book?
Click Book This Tour, choose your preferred date and number of travellers, and send the request. Our excursions team replies with confirmation and payment details. You can also message us on WhatsApp on +254 723 951 388.
How do I pay?
Payment details are sent with your confirmed quote. See our Payment Methods page for the options we accept.
Can I combine this with a Kenya safari?
Yes. Many guests add a Nairobi excursion or day trip before or after a Masai Mara, Amboseli or Lake Nakuru safari. Tell us your safari dates and we will fit it into your plan.
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Ready to Book?
Choose your date and send your request. Our excursions team confirms availability and replies with your quote.