Day tour Hells gate and lake Naivasha from Nairobi

Taking a day trip from Nairobi to explore Hells Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha offers a combination of adventure, wildlife, and stunning scenery. This particular tour, priced at $90, promises a comprehensive experience with hotel transfers, park entry fees, and bike hire included, making it a convenient and value-packed option for travelers eager to see a different side of Kenya’s central region.

From scenic bike rides through the park to boat trips on Lake Naivasha, this tour aims to give visitors an active, engaging, and authentic taste of Kenya’s diverse landscape. While many praise the guides and the overall experience, some reviews highlight areas for improvement—particularly around the value of certain add-ons and the physical demands of cycling.

If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting, and scenic views, this tour could be a great fit. However, it’s worth considering your fitness level and your expectations about animal sightings before booking.

Contents show

Key Points

All-Inclusive Price: Park fees, bike rentals, and hotel transfers are covered, simplifying planning.
Active Exploration: Offers a unique opportunity to cycle within Hells Gate and see the landscape from a different perspective.
Wildlife and Scenery: Expect to see zebras, gazelles, and stunning geological formations, with guides providing insightful commentary.
Flexible Options: You can choose to skip the bike or boat rides, but some reviews mention extra charges and unclear inclusions.
Authentic Experience: Focus on Kenya’s natural beauty with expert guides, making it educational as well as fun.
Potential Drawbacks: Cycling can be demanding, and some travelers felt certain activities were overpriced or not clearly communicated.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Looking for more options in Nakuru? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Nairobi, with transportation arranged in a private vehicle. This door-to-door service ensures a stress-free start, especially after a busy morning in the city. The journey to Hells Gate National Park takes around an hour, during which guides like Isaiah and others make travelers feel welcomed and well-informed.

Once at the park, the experience is centered around cycling and hiking. The bike ride, approximately 16 km long, is a highlight for many, offering a chance to see the park’s rugged beauty up close. Reviewers like Samira and Ruth appreciated their guides’ knowledge and attentiveness, noting how much they learned about Kenyan wildlife and ecology during the ride.

What Makes Hells Gate Special?

Unlike many national parks in Africa, Hells Gate is unique because it’s one of the few parks where visitors can cycle freely, thanks to the absence of dangerous predators. Its dramatic cliffs, geothermal activity, and rock formations paint a landscape that looks almost alien. Many reviewers, like the one who said, “The cycling in the park was a unique experience,” appreciated the freedom and flexibility this offered.

However, some travelers, such as the reviewer who mentioned the 16 km bike ride “not recommended for people who aren’t in good shape,” should come prepared physically. The terrain is rugged and can be tiring, especially if you’re not accustomed to outdoor biking.

Wildlife Encounters and Guides

While the park is home to zebras, gazelles, and baboons, some reviews suggest that animal sightings can be limited, depending on the time of day and the season. One guest commented, “Not many animals to see,” which is worth considering if wildlife viewing is your main goal. That said, guides like Ruth and Kevin excel at sharing knowledge about the flora and fauna, adding depth to the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Lake Naivasha Experience

Following the park visit, the tour continues to Lake Naivasha, where a boat ride is available for an additional fee ($25 USD per person). Many travelers, like the one who called the boat trip “phenomenal,” enjoyed observing the birdlife and getting close to hippos and other aquatic creatures. Kevin, the guide, was commended for his respectful approach to wildlife.

Some reviews, however, reveal disappointment over the overcharging for the boat ride, with one traveler stating, “We were charged $25 per person even though I had an offer for $25 total for four.” This highlights the importance of clarifying costs beforehand.

There's plenty more to explore in Nakuru

The Optional Bike and Boat

Bike hire costs an extra $15 USD per bike, which many found worthwhile given the unique perspective it provides. However, some questioned whether the bike was truly optional, as one reviewer noted paying for park entry despite not cycling. Always check if the activities you want are included or if they come with extra charges.

The boat ride, while highly praised for its scenery, is not included in the base price. It’s an extra expense, and travelers should consider whether it fits their budget and interests.

Practicalities and Tips

Timing: The tour typically starts in the morning, with the bike ride lasting until around 3:30 pm. Pack snacks or lunch, as some found the day challenging without enough sustenance.
Physical effort: The bike ride is about 8 km one way, with some reviewers mentioning it was tough, especially with children or less fit travelers.
What to bring: Sun protection, hats, water, and sturdy shoes are recommended, since it can get hot during the day.
Payment: Park entry ($26 USD) can be paid by card, but bike and boat fees often require cash or M-Pesa—be prepared accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor pursuits and are comfortable cycling for several kilometers. The guides’ knowledge enhances the trip, making it ideal for those who want to learn about Kenya’s natural landscape while exploring on two wheels.

It’s perfect for families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager for a full-day adventure. However, if wildlife sightings are your top priority and you’re not in great shape, you might find the park’s animal presence less abundant than other safaris.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

For $90, including hotel transfers, park entry, and bike hire, this tour offers good value for travelers wanting an active, outdoor experience. The combination of cycling, hiking, and lake views provides a diverse day out that balances adventure with scenic beauty. The knowledgeable guides, like Ruth and Kevin, help bring the landscape alive with interesting facts and friendly service.

That said, it’s important to manage expectations—wildlife sightings can be hit or miss, and some activities like the boat ride are extra costs. The physical demands of biking might not suit everyone, but for those who enjoy active outings, it’s a memorable way to see a different side of Kenya.

Who Should Book?

Active travelers open to biking and outdoor exploration
Families with children who are comfortable with physical activity
Wildlife enthusiasts interested in Kenya’s landscapes beyond traditional safaris
Travelers seeking a full-day, all-inclusive adventure from Nairobi

Who Might Want to Think Twice?

Those with mobility or health issues that limit cycling
Guests primarily interested in wildlife sightings rather than scenery
Travelers on a tight budget who want to avoid extra activity costs

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi, making it a convenient start and finish.

What is the cost for park entry?
The park entry fee is $26 USD per person, payable by card at the gate.

Are bike rentals included in the price?
Bike hire costs an additional $15 USD per bike but is optional if you prefer not to cycle.

Can I skip the bike ride?
Yes, you can choose to skip the bike ride, but some reviewers mention paying for park entry regardless. Clarify with your guide on the day.

Is a boat ride available at Lake Naivasha?
Yes, for an extra $25 USD per person, payable in cash or M-Pesa. Many find it worthwhile for the scenery and wildlife.

How physically demanding is the bike ride?
It’s about 16 km in total, suited for those comfortable on rugged terrain. Some reviewers noted it’s not recommended for those who aren’t in good shape.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Zebras, gazelles, and other wildlife are present, but sightings depend on the time and season. Some travelers found fewer animals than expected.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sunscreen, hats, and sturdy shoes. Snacks are recommended as the day can be long and physically demanding.

How long does the tour last?
It starts in the morning and finishes around 3:30 pm, making for a full, active day.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially for families with children comfortable with biking and outdoor activities.

To sum it up, this full-day tour to Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha combines physical activity with scenic views and educational insights. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a more active, authentic experience outside the typical safari trail. While some aspects, like extra charges for activities and the physicality of cycling, require consideration, the guides’ enthusiasm and the landscape’s beauty make it a worthwhile adventure for those prepared to pedal their way through Kenya’s diverse wilderness.