Drive to Lake Naivasha with Josh. Went on a boat safari with guide Ben and saw land animals as well as birds such as the sea eagle and pelican. We then went to Hells Gate and took the option to hire electric bikes (3000 Kay) but well worth it. No protective cycle helmets are provided. We were guided along the gorge by a local guide who was very knowledgeable. Back for a late lunch we had preordered in the morning, then the 2 hour drive back to Nairobi
What was included was not clear to me from the original information. It wasn't until I had booked and paid and then met the driver that I realized how much more I needed to pay to actually see Hell's Gate Park. Be very careful!
Great day trip from Nairobi!
I got picked up exactly when promised, and everything else went smoothly and comfortably as well. Hell’s Gate is an excellent exercise with great views, and Naivasha is beautiful with all the birds and hippos.
You’ll see plenty of wildlife and the guides are experts telling you details about everything you see.
My driver David, and guide Fred at Hell’s Gate were both excellent and made my day memorable. Thank you!
Had a really great experience. Started off being picked up on time at my hotel in Nairobi, and we drove to Hells Gate avoiding all the traffic in the morning.
The driver (Faith) is a lovely person and we talked the whole way there & back.
Arriving at Hells Gate, your driver will wait outside while you are looked after by a Hells Gate tour guide. The cycle and walk was good; seeing many Zebras and Giraffess up close, while seeing Buffalo and Eland from a safer distance. Lake Naivasha on the way back was nice a boat trip, and your driver will come with you on this one.
On the way back expect traffic due to the time of day, I got back around 6pm so a nice full day filled.
Try not to sleep much on the way back, your driver I'm sure will be a lovely person and a great source of information!
I had the most amazing time biking, hiking and boating with Jared in Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha! He's friendly and incredibly knowledgeable with animal facts. Jared picked me up from Simba Lodge on time and the whole day just felt really carefree. I highly recommend booking a tour with Jared!
Very scenic. Nice hike and guides. Overnight hotel; clean but right next to big road and away from any business. Impossible to leave to explore the town from there.
We had a great day out with Dismus and Frunk to Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park. Our guides were very knowledgeable, informative and friendly. We felt like travelling with friends on a day trip and not taking part in a paid activity.
This tour was private, so no big groups or anything like that.
The guys were on time and made our journey enjoyable. It took about 3 hours to get to the lake. We had a short break mid-way at the Rift Valley viewpoint. Unfortunately, it was misty, but we managed to see the valley. Toilet, coffee, and gift shops were available there.
After that, we continued our trip to the lake. We started there as the weather was closing in, and the guys said the lake tends to get heavy rains, so better to go there early. We had a great time at the lake. The weather was perfect, mostly sunny and very warm.
We were handed over to the boat team.
Our guide knew everything, all birds, all animals. We learned a lot.
managed to see plenty of hippos, pelicans, waterbucks, and all sorts of birds. The lake itself is beautiful. I saw some pics before we went, but it was better than expected.
After the lake, we went to get some bikes, which were transferred to the park entrance for us. We bought the tickets at the gate (I would recommend buying them a day before online and saving some time that way).
The park is great, full of animals, and we got to cycle amongst them. I believe this is the only safari park where one can ride a bike.
We went to see the gorge where, surprisingly, some hot springs were visible. Again, we learned a lot about the animals living there.
Cycling back is a bit harder as it's mostly going up, so if one is not used to that in the heat, then better to opt for an electric bike. It's also possible to go by car, but what is the fun in that :)
We really enjoyed the trip, which was great thanks to our guides.
I wish we had more time to spend there with them.
This trip is highly recommended!
Samuel was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was great at helping me spot the animals and explaining the details of them.
Lake Naivasha
5.0
(2,996)
Nairobi
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit
Wheelchair users should confirm access arrangements with their guide ahead of time.
Multi-day tours typically include accommodation and meals.
People Also Ask
What is Lake Naivasha known for?
Located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is known for its lush scenery—not to mention the array of animal life that calls this region home. On picturesque Crescent Island, visitors can spot monkeys, giraffes, and hippos. The lake is also a birders’ paradise, attracting over 400 feathered species.
Can you visit Lake Naivasha on a guided tour?
Yes. Lake Naivasha can be reached from Nairobi in just over two hours (depending on traffic), making it a popular choice for full-day or overnight excursions from the capital. Private or shared tours are available. Some include cycling rides through Hell’s Gate National Park, while most offer boat cruises across the lake as optional upgrades.
What do you see on a tour of Lake Naivasha?
That depends—you’ll find a range of itineraries. But many tours include a stop on Crescent Island, which offers the unique experience of a walking safari. On foot, alongside a guide, you can see wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and many other animals at close range.
Can you go to Lake Naivasha on your own?
Yes, though you’ll need your own transportation. Visitors can either drive from Nairobi in a rental car—for many, that means getting used to driving on the left side of the road—or book a taxi service. Once you’re there, it’s possible to arrange a boat ride.
What is the best month to visit Lake Naivasha?
Aim for one of Kenya’s two dry seasons: from January to March, or from roughly July to October. While rainy weather makes for even greener landscapes (and can bring discounts on accommodations and activities), it’s much more pleasant to take a bike or boat ride when conditions are dry and temperate.
Is visiting Lake Naivasha worth it?
Yes, definitely. While many of Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserves—such as Amboseli and Masai Mara—require at least an overnight stay if you’re coming from the capital, Lake Naivasha is one of those rare natural attractions you can visit as a day trip. It’s a worthwhile excursion whether or not you have time to spare.