Day Tour To Hell's Gate National Park and Optional Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha.

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Nairobi, Kenya

8 to 10 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Ride a bike through Hell’s Gate National Park and get up close and personal with the natural scenery and wildlife, knowing your professional guide is nearby to make sure you’re safe on this private tour. You also have the option to take a cruise on Lake Naivasha to see all sorts of birds and hippos, but this is an additional expense.

Enjoy round-trip transfers from Nairobi for ease
Your bike rental is taken care of so no need to pay extra
Bring some cash for the entrance fee to Hell’s Gate National Park
Go at your own pace on this private tour

What's Included

Private transportation
Bicycle rent
Professional guide

Alcoholic Beverages
Lunch
Admission fee, lake naivasha.

$25.00 per person
Entry fee hells gate

$50.00 per person
Cycling fee

$2.00 per person
Optional electric bike ksh 3000

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We also pick travellers from Airbnb and private apartments.

Operating hours
.7:00 am

Itinerary

Hell's Gate National Park

3 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Lake Naivasha

2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Infant seats available
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 102 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha is a must see

Andras_D, Mar 2026

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!

Superbe excursion

Conrad_G, Feb 2026

Will recommend it to everybody coming to Nairobi but you need to be fit for the bike ,il is 8 kilometer twice plus 1 hour of tracking

Great choice for a day trip from Nairobi

Daniel_S, Jan 2026

This was overall a great experience. Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate are both well worth visiting. Combining both in a single day trip from Nairobi is a little rushed, but the tour allocates time as well as possible. We were able to see lots of animals and some beautiful landscapes. Our driver/guide Meshack was very communicative, drove safely, provided interesting information, and was overall very friendly. The restaurant for lunch was very nice with a large menu of delicious food and reasonable prices.

Drive to Lake Naivasha...

Jonathan_G, Jan 2026

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

Fantastic tour

Sandra_M, Aug 2025

Incredible experience with fantastic guides. Calvin is an exceptional guide and driver, which is crucial given the risky route to the park. Basic fitness level is required to bike. Highly recommended.

Hells gate with Meshak and Leki

Sami_K, Jun 2025

Meshak was our expert driver and teacher on the drive to Hell’s gate. He provided so much information on Kenya and its tribes and traditions. After 3 hour drive through the most dangerous road in Africa, we saw five overturned trucks, we finally arrived to our bicycle selection spot and met our guide for the park Mr. Lekishon (Leki or lucky for short). After paying the obligatory and confusing entry ride, we got on our bikes to travel the 8 km trajectory while often stopping to see zebras, giraffes and beautiful gazelles. At the end of the bike trajectory, we got off the bikes and started out trail through the gorge leading to an overlook which served as an inspiration for the Lion King. On the way, we met several school children who are laughing, running and bathing in the hot water sprinkling from the side walls. We were very tired at the end of this, so our driver Meshak came to our rescue to take for a sumptuous lunch near Lake Naivasha. All the bbq food, especially fish and chicken was great. A couple of hours later we walked to the lake to appreciate its beauty. We saw many birds native to Kenya roaming and hunting for fish. We met a very nice bird watcher from Japan who shared many photos with us. Two hours later we arrived in Nairobi we thanked our driver for all his teaching, patience and unforgettable smile.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Hello Sami. Thank you for sharing this fantastic review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with our guide Meshack. Truly we are humbled for great review and a 5 star rated. You are most welcome for more memorable experiences with us in future

A variety of things to do and see!

Randy_P, Jun 2025

I had a fantastic day in Hell's Gate! Joash, our guide, was very accommodating and stopped several times on the way for great photo opportunities. The bike ride was led by a knowledgeable guide who pointed out many sights I would have otherwise missed. The scenery was stunning, featuring a variety of animals, including zebras and giraffes. After the bike ride, we enjoyed a unique boat ride where we saw many interesting things, including hippos!

very nice places to...

Peggy_L, Feb 2025

very nice places to visit. friendly tour guide. don't forget to put sun cream on before you go. I love the trip

The trip to Hell's Gates...

Lena_K, Jan 2025

The trip to Hell's Gates National Park trip was truly breathtaking. The bike ride truly nothing like I have ever experienced before and I was able to ride next to so many amazing animals! I high recommend this tour. The boat ride on Lake Naivasha was also so beautiful and it was amazing seeing both land and water animals cohabit the same environment!

Do it!

T_W, Dec 2024

I'm still reeling from an epic day exploring Hell's Gate with the fantastic Sam, our knowledgeable Maasai guide, and Calvin, our skilled driver. My journey began with a scenic drive along the Great Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views of the valley floor below. We embarked on an exhilarating bike ride through the park, taking in the unique landscapes - from towering cliffs to vast savannas. We rode past grazing antelopes, zebras, and gazelles, feeling like we were part of the wild. But the adventure didn't stop there! We ditched our bikes and set off on foot, hiking through the park's rugged terrain. Sam expertly guided us through the scenic trails, sharing insights into the park's geology, flora, and fauna. We skipped the river segment, but the combination of biking and hiking provided an unbeatable experience. The sense of accomplishment and connection with nature was incredible. Sam's expertise, Calvin's support, and the park's stunning scenery made this experience truly unforgettable. If you're looking for an action-packed adventure in one of Africa's most unique national parks, Hell's Gate is a must-visit! Highly recommended for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers!

Super happy! Unique experience biking through a national park that inspired lion king

Antoine_A, Oct 2024

Such a unique experience unlike anywhere else. In a game drive, you’re sitting all day in a jeep like we did during our safari in Maasai Mara but here you’re active and seeing the landscapes and animals. Who can say they’ve biked with wildlife all around? You surely can if you do this tour! And the hike in the lion king gorge is simply fantastic. I could hear lion king theme songs. Finally about the agency itself — The tour provider was responsive, Calvin our driver was funny and considerate, as is our guide during the bike tour in hells gate, then the restaurant we ate in for lunch was delicious - best food in Kenya we’ve tried in 2 weeks. Must do if you have the time, it’s just a truly unique experience that I can’t recommend enough! My heart is happy

Great scenery and wildlife viewings

Lynette_L, Sep 2024

Tour started punctually. Frank was a friendly and great guide. He was very encouraging during the 16 km bike ride. The park is beautiful. We saw warthogs, giraffe, zebras, and a number of other creatures. The lake had many wildlife. Very happy day.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks you for your kind words and positive review, Lynette We are glad that you enjoyed and loved the tour with our guide Frank. Thank you for taking your time to write us this review and reaffirming the hard work we do to make customer experience memorable, customer satisfaction is our priority. We welcome you again soon to experience more on other tours with us. Thanks again.

Super affordable and hits the same attractions as other "all-in" tours. Highly recommend!

Shane_U, Aug 2024

Our trip was pretty much exactly as described and expected! We basically just needed a driver and Calvin is quick while being super safe. The car was roomy with reclining back seats and some water bottles were provided. We stopped once at a touristy roadside stall but they weren't pushy or intrusive (like other stalls in Kenya can be). At Hell's Gate, we were handed off to a local community guide, Reagan. We really liked Reagan! Afterwards, Calvin drove to the Lake Naivasha Crecent Camp for lunch and the boat tour. I was skeptical of the tour due to the price but my wife really wanted to go and ultimately I found it enjoyable and worth it. Back in Nairobi, Calvin let us stop at a souvenir store (of our choice, it was near the hotel) which saved us the hassle of 2 more Uber trips. Tickets to both attractions are the customer's duty. Lake Naivasha is walk-up-and-pay (you actually save money paying in USD vs Shillings). Hell's Gate requires you purchase via the Kenya Wildlife Service website. They have strong wifi so it's easy to fill out the form but I suggest you create an account beforehand then apply for the park fee at the gate/ the day before your trip. Considering we really just needed a driver and their connections, I'm super pleased with this booking! Uber would have cost about the same but was the same service with much more convenience. I highly recommend it!

Recommended!

JOE_Y, Aug 2024

Highly recommend! Hell's Gate was an incredible experience. Our driver Calvin and guide Frank were very knowledgeable and accommodating. Everything was well organized. The cycling and hike were worth it. The lake was a bit overpriced, but you can see the hippos and birds.

Incredible Hike

Autumn_H, Jun 2024

Hell’s Gate was an incredible experience! The tour was very organized and the park guide was knowledgeable about the fascinating history behind the park. Be prepared for an intense bike ride of 16 kilometers, a moderate level of fitness is required, and bring cash. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that activities like rock climbing and the boat ride to see hippos were cash only. There is also a lovely Masai market in the park that is good for shopping, also cash only. The highlight was seeing zebras up close in the park while bike riding. The views were worth the hike. Seriously magical!

Watch the gentle beasts of jungle

Sarit_D, Jun 2024

Lovely day to explore wildlife from close distance. It's a good weather as well to watch and capture wild life.

Very nice experience with mountains and lake

Sergei_K, Apr 2024

Nice day trip, where you can visit mountains and lake in one day, highly recommended. Big thanks to Frank and Joash! Few tips: It is a bit messy with Park entrance fee payment (not only there but in most tourists destinations, museums e.g), as now the only way to pay is by eCitizen account according to government’s decision. So check this in advance with guide. And definitely keep the required amount in cash (Park entry 28$, boat ride 25$) Bike ride through the park (18km total) could be not easy . Take some water/snacks. And it’s better to have long sleeves together with sun cream.

Highly recommended

Carl_C, Mar 2024

An African national park that inspired Disney’s Lion King, this trip is well worth the money. It is run by Maasai people so all your spendings inside the park go straight to the community. There are armed rangers on patrol and your own expedition guide makes sure everyone is safe. If you find the return hike or bike ride is too exhausting, summon a support vehicle (for a small fee).

Choose this tour!

Julia_N, Feb 2024

Great tour and guides! Truly recommend to everyone! So happy that we picked this one. Our best activity is Kenya so far.

Great tour to see the landscapes!

Morgan_R, Dec 2023

Calvin and Frederick were excellent!! They made our day fantastic! The bike ride and hike were great to see the scenery. Wear hiking/good walking shoes. Our tour was just myself and my husband so it was great to have flexibility. This is not the tour operator’s fault, but something to be aware of- payment for entry into the park is via eCitizen (same site used for Evisa)- it was a little glitchy so we ended up having to input our credit card info into a park employees phone. If you have seen hippos elsewhere, I would probably skip the optional boat ride. Overall a great tour that I would recommend!

I love cycling in beautiful landscapes!

Sandro_S, Dec 2023

We had a an elderly, german Guide for our tour and really had a fun time! He didn’t speak fluent german completely, but tried his best to make the whole tour in german (as we also speak English pretty well, we just spoke a mix of both languages). The cycling and national park were beautiful. The Lake may a bit overpriced, but you can see Hippos and an Eagle catching fish. I can recommend it!

Great adventure and unique experience

Marian_L, Nov 2023

Would highly recommend this tour for people looking for a unique experience with biking and hikes amidst wildlife in a beautiful park. It's no wonder Hell's Gate inspired parts of the Lion King and was the site of films like Tomb Raider, because it's a gorgeous place and biking there was amazing. Lots of good wildlife and scenic views. The gorges were closed when we went, but I appreciated that safety comes first (rainy season means the gorges can flood) and the guide instead led us on a hike along the gorge so we got to see it anyway but in a safe manner. We heard a bit about local culture and practices out in the bush while on the hike. This is a slightly more physical tour than a typical safari, but the average person would can do it and have an amazing trip. The dirt roads a pretty level and any uphill parts weren't hard or common. The guides assess your fitness and the weather too and always give people the option to ride the car back if needed. My friend wasn't feeing well that morning and our driver Calvin drove into the park with her so she didn't miss out. For the bikes, you get a choice of different bike sizes. I even saw smaller bikes for kids. Make sure to check your brakes and the bike gears before. Great boat ride at the lake. We saw hippos, pelicans and eagles. We saw an eagle pluck a fish out of the lake and some animals on Crescent Island. Bring a camera with zoom for hippos because you can't get too close to the territorial animals. Our driver Calvin and park guide Gaddafi were great, sharing facts about the area, animals and bit of history along the way. Calvin was very knowledgeable about the Naivasha area too. He also accommodated our requests. Ask for Calvin when you book. He'll take care of you and your group.

Must do trip!! Unique experience

Hannah_M, Nov 2023

Hell’s gate and lake Naivasha is a must!!!!! This is by far one of the most unique experience I have had while traveling period. The opportunity to bike alongside a wide variety of animals was incredible!! Even without any animal sightings the landscape and natural scenario through the park was beyond words. Calvin was a fabulous guide and the cycling guide was also wonderful! I felt wel assisted picking out my bicycle and sage throughout the tour on bike. The additional cost for the boat ride, gorge walk, and lunch is definitely with it!! We actually saw giraffes on the boat as well as hippos popping up their faces within feet to say hello! This is must do day trip in Nairobi.

Agradable, informativa, interesante. El chofer puede mejorar.

Abby_S, Sep 2024

El guía nos estuvo mostrando todos los lugares de donde se inspiró la película del rey león, fue muy interesante y me gustó mucho. Tuve guía en español que me platicó y contó todo en hells gate, excelente guía. El chofer fue un poco insistente en que le pusiera 5 estrellas al punto de que parecía obligación, eso no fue agradable. Era serio y daba pocas explicaciones o información, a comparación de otros guías faltó interacción con el grupo. Falta de opciones de lugares para el lunch, el chofer eligió donde sin preguntar y después nos enteramos que había mejores opciones.

Agradable y placentera

Abby_S, Sep 2024

Una experiencia muy agradable y placentera. Mi conductor fue muy amable, me dio mucha información, me platicó mucho del país. Tomé el tour en bicicleta, lo cual fue muy bonito, el paisaje y tener a los animales tan cerca.

Interessanter Ausflug mit out of Africa Feeling

Rainer_B, Dec 2023

Die Landschaft im ostafrikanischen Graben mit seinem vulkanischen Ursprung, aber auch der Tier- und Pflanzenwelt ist sehenswert. Für die Fahrräder auf steinigem Weg ist gewisse Fitness, v.a. bei warmem Wetter, notwendig. Der Führer war freundlich, erklärte gerne. Dar Narisha See ist mit seinen Baumstümpfen den Flusspferden,Kormorane, und am Rande einiger Giraffen, sogar ein Fischadler ebenfalls sehenswert. Die Fahrt auf der einzigen West-Ost-Route mit zahlreichen Trucks ist fast ein Abenteuer für sich. Man weiss nämlich nicht ab die teils recht enge zweispurige Gebirgsstrasse vielleicht über Stunden komplett blckiert ist. Bei uns ging es gut. Der Fahrer Calvin war exzellent und umsichtig und jeder Situation gewachsen.