Our driver and guide, Meshack, was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. He was reliable, friendly and knowledgeable. We had plenty of time to see everything. The guide at Hells Gate NP was great too. Saw plenty of hippos in Lake Naivasha too. We would recommend this operator to anyone.
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!
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
A Perfect Kenyan Adventure: Hell’s Gate & Lake Naivasha with the Best Team
Our tour to Hell's Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha was truly one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve ever had — and the perfect introduction to Kenya and Africa!
From the very beginning, everything was flawless. Our driver — and now our new friend — David picked us up from our hotel in Nairobi exactly at the agreed time. Not even one minute late! That level of professionalism immediately set the tone for the day.
During the drive to Hell’s Gate, both my wife and I had an incredible conversation with him. We spoke about Kenya’s history, culture, society, and everyday life. We learned so much in just a few hours. Beyond being an amazing person, David is extremely mature for his young age — thoughtful, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about his country. He made us feel comfortable, welcomed, and excited for what was ahead.
At Hell’s Gate, we met our guide Gomez — another incredible person! He guided us through the national park on bicycles, and what a unique experience that was. Cycling through a national park surrounded by wildlife is something you don’t experience everywhere in the world — and it is definitely much better than taking a car (which you can do elsewhere).
We spotted so many animals: giraffes, zebras, impalas, wildebeests, baboons, and many more. The scenery was breathtaking — especially the beautiful gorge and the dramatic landscapes that famously inspired Disney’s The Lion King.
Gomez truly went the extra mile to ensure we had a smooth and unforgettable experience. He was patient, knowledgeable, and even took amazing photos of us that we will treasure forever. We feel incredibly lucky that on the same day we met both David and Gomez — two wonderful people who made the experience exceptional.
After leaving Hell’s Gate, we met David again and headed to Lake Naivasha. There, we enjoyed a fantastic boat tour with Nicholas. What we saw on the lake was simply unbelievable.
We spotted hundreds of animals: hippos, gnu (wildebeests), fish eagles, pelicans, zebras, and more. One of the highlights was watching the eagles hunt. Nicholas threw fish into the water, and we witnessed these majestic birds dive from far away with incredible precision. Seeing their skill up close was breathtaking.
After the boat tour, we relaxed at the lovely Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, where we enjoyed delicious local food and the warm hospitality of the people there. It was the perfect way to end such an exciting day.
This was our first trip to Kenya — and our first time in Africa — as well as our first tour experience in the country. We could not have asked for a better introduction. From the stunning landscapes and wildlife to the warmth and kindness of the people, everything exceeded our expectations.
A huge thank you to David, Gomez, and Nicholas for making this day unforgettable. We fully enjoyed every moment and felt truly welcomed.
We definitely recommend this tour to everyone visiting Kenya. It is unique, adventurous, educational, and simply magical.
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 an amazing experience,
We have never been on a safari, but we had a friend with us. That’s been on like six. Moses was our driver from the start, was always in a good mood , on time and did incredible in the Safari. We got to see so many animals up close. We stayed at three different places on this Safari. Two nights intended and two nights in very decent hotels.. The food was good throughout, the vehicle was in good shape.
We had a change in plans about two weeks and so we had a shift after we bought it and it was no problem to shift the dates they accommodate us very well. Thank you again for an amazing experience.
A perfect day to see everything we could ever ask for.
David was absolutely perfect, so knowledgable and fun. We had a salad safari- every animal we could throw into the mix we saw.-and learned so much about each of them. I like that all the entry fees were included in the price-just makes everything smooth for us. It was three of us and David, in his car, a perfect size. David knew to preorder our lunch to save time, knew the weather patterns well enough to know when to get in and out of the boat time frame, and knew the right people for all the boat ride and the park guide. Really it was a perfect day.
Lake Naivasha
5.0
(3,286)
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.
