Naivasha & Hell's Gate
An active weekend from Nairobi — cycle and walk among zebra and giraffe in Hell's Gate, a boat past hippos on Lake Naivasha, and the dramatic gorge that inspired The Lion King.
2 days · 1 night · Good year-round
About this experience
The most fun you can have within two hours of Nairobi — and no game-drive vehicle required. Hell's Gate is the only Kenyan park you can explore by bicycle and on foot, pedalling past zebra, giraffe and buffalo to a dramatic gorge of red cliffs and hot springs. Add a boat ride among the hippos of Lake Naivasha and a walk on Crescent Island, and you've got an active, affordable Rift Valley escape.
Best for
- Active travellers
- Short on time
- Budget weekends
Trip features
- Private vehicleYour own 4x4 and driver-guide
- Starts any dayPick your own date, 7+ days ahead
- Can be tailoredChange lodges, add days or parks
- Children welcomeAges 3–12 at half price
- Pickup in NairobiAirport or your hotel
- English · Swahili · GermanGuide languages
Signature experiences
Optional extras we can add to this trip. Prices are per person and confirmed when you book.
A boat out among the hippos and fish eagles of Naivasha, then a walk on Crescent Island where the game roams free.
One of the only Kenyan parks you can cycle — ride between the towering red cliffs, then walk down into the gorge.
Chilled drinks on a ridge as the sun drops and the sky turns — a quiet, golden end to a day of game drives.
A lantern-lit table set out under the stars, your own chef and a crackling fire — the safari dinner people remember for years.
Day by day
What each day looks like, from pickup in Nairobi to drop-off.
Drive up the Rift escarpment to Naivasha (about 2 hours). Afternoon cycling safari through Hell's Gate — ride among zebra and giraffe to the gorge and hot springs.
Morning boat ride among hippos and fish eagles, then a walking safari on Crescent Island. Lunch, then transfer back to Nairobi.
What's included
Included
- 1 night full-board · Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
- Hell's Gate park fees & bike hire
- Naivasha boat ride & Crescent Island walk
- Private transfers from Nairobi
- Local guide
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
Not included
- International flights
- Kenya eTA (government fee payable online — we help you apply)
- Travel insurance
- Gorge guide tip (small, optional)
- Drinks
Route & pickup
Where the trip goes, and where we meet you. Pickup is confirmed the day before you set off.
Drag to pan · pinch or buttons to zoom
- 01 NairobiDay 1 · City
- 02 Lake NaivashaDay 1 · Rift Valley lakes
- 03 NairobiDay 2 · City
Good to know
Bookara started running trips in 2026, so there are no guest reviews on this trip yet. Ask us anything on WhatsApp before you book; you'll talk to one of the two founders.
A 30% deposit holds your dates, and the balance is due 45 days before you travel (book closer than that and you pay in full). Cancel 90+ days before departure for a full refund, 60–89 days before for 50% back. Full terms.
Common questions
Do I need to be fit to cycle Hell's Gate?+
It's gentle, flat and at your own pace — most people with basic fitness manage easily, and you can stop whenever you like. Prefer not to ride? We can arrange a vehicle through the park instead.
Is it safe to cycle around wildlife?+
Hell's Gate has no elephant or big cats roaming the cycling routes — it's zebra, giraffe, buffalo and antelope. A guide rides with you and keeps a safe distance from the animals.
Can I combine this with the Mara?+
Yes — Naivasha is on the road to the Maasai Mara, so it's an easy 2-night add-on before a Mara safari.
Book on WhatsApp
Your chat opens with the trip pre-filled — no payment needed now. Our team replies between 7am–10pm EAT.
Request saved
WhatsApp is opening with your details pre-filled — just hit send.
- 1 Send the pre-filled messageYour trip details are already written for you.
- 2 Confirm in chat — or pay the deposit onlineSame reference either way. Our team replies 7am–10pm EAT.
- 3 Instant confirmationWhatsApp message + email receipt the moment your deposit lands.
Your request ref becomes your booking reference once the deposit is paid.
Book direct with the operator
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Licensed & certified
Kenya-registered operator in Nairobi with experienced driver-guides.
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Run from Nairobi
We plan and run your trip ourselves, with driver-guides we know, and stay reachable on WhatsApp throughout.
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Secure payment
Card or Apple Pay through Paystack (USD). Taxes and park fees are in the price you see.
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Flexible cancellation
Full refund up to 90 days before departure; a 30% deposit holds your dates.
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