Overview
Spend a day experiencing Kenya’s wildlife with a cycling safari in Hell’s Gate National Park and a boating safari on Lake Naivasha.
Hell’s Gate Top Activities to Consider
Hiking & Exploration
Hell’s Gate is a great destination for hikers and explorers of all levels. The park features several trails ranging from easy to difficult, offering something for everyone. You can explore the Olkaria Gorge, which features spectacular rock formations, birdlife and gorges with cascading waterfalls. You can also explore the Devil’s Kitchen, a unique area of Hell’s Gate with large red and orange volcanic rocks.
Rock Climbing
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, look no further than Hell’s Gate for rock climbing. The park offers some of the best rock climbing in Africa. Experienced climbers will find plenty of challenging routes while beginners can try their hand at the easier climbs. With its breathtaking views and exciting routes, rock climbing in Hell’s Gate is an experience like no other.
Wildlife Viewing
Hell’s Gate is home to a variety of wildlife including buffaloes, zebras, gazelles, warthogs, and more. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard! Birdwatchers will find plenty to look for, with over 100 species of birds living in the park.
Hot Springs & Geothermal Activity
The Hell’s Gate area is known for its hot springs and geothermal activity. You can explore these fascinating features by taking a guided tour of the Olkaria Geothermal Station or by visiting the Hell’s Gate Hot Springs. Here, you can take a dip in the hot spring pools and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Day’s Activities to Explore Hell’s Gate
Morning
Your adventure begins early in the morning as you depart Nairobi, heading towards Hell’s Gate National Park, one of the few parks in Kenya where you can experience wildlife outside of a vehicle. You will select your bike near the park gate before you begin navigating the park’s trails and taking in the breathtaking landscapes dotted with wildlife. You will break for a picnic lunch within the park, providing an opportunity to rest and recharge while watching the park’s diverse wildlife.
Afternoon
After your picnic lunch, you’ll leave Hell’s Gate and head to Lake Naivasha You’ll launch onto the lake for a relaxing boat safari. This tranquil setting is home to an impressive range of bird species and hippos, which you can observe from the safety of your boat. You’ll return to the shore for an early dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants, concluding your day of adventure with a memorable meal. You’ll then depart for Nairobi, bringing an end to your full-day safari expedition to Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha.
Included
- Park fees (for residents and non-residents)
- A professional driver/guide
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All taxes/VAT
- Meals (as specified in itinerary)
Excluded
- International flights
- Tips (guideline: $10 per person per day)
- Increase of park fees by government
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Personal items
- Accommodation before and after the tour
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park presents an unrivaled safari experience teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. A visit to this unique park promises encounters with a variety of animal species, such as zebras, giraffes, and hyenas in their natural habitats. The park’s distinctive topography, characterized by looming cliffs and staggering gorges, set against the backdrop of vast savannah plains, offers a picturesque feast for the senses. From cycling along the dusty trails to rock-climbing the imposing Fischer’s Tower, Hell’s Gate provides a thrilling twist to the traditional safari. Also, it’s one of the few parks in Kenya where visitors can explore on foot, fostering a more intimate connection with the wild. Visiting Hell’s Gate National Park is truly an immersive way to experience Kenya’s stunning wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, nestled in the heart of Kenya, is a jewel of natural beauty and an iconic safari destination. From the vibrant flocks of over 400 species of birds that call this lake home, to the gentle giraffes grazing near its shores, Lake Naivasha is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. A visit to this lake allows one to step into a world where the wild and the serene coexist. Imagine viewing hippos bobbing in water during the day, then hearing their thunderous calls echo through the cool night air. Picture a boat ride where the surrounding water shimmers with the reflection of a spectacular sunset, as you pass by pelicans and cormorants diving for their dinner. Engage in bird-watching, go on a guided safari walk, or simply enjoy the peace and tranquility by the water’s edge.
Before you Leave
- Apply for a visa in advance using Kenya’s Electronic Visa Application System. E-visas are processed within 48 hours for visitors from most countries. Note: Visas are no longer available on arrival. Read our full visa guide.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past your departure date.
- Refer to travel notices and immunization guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What to Bring
This list provides general recommendations; adjust according to your needs and preferences!
- Travel documents (if relevant): passport, valid visa, plane tickets, travel insurance
- Clothing: comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, shorts and long pants, warm sweater or jacket (for chilly evenings)
- Toiletries: prescription drugs, sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand lotion, lip balm
- Other: binoculars, camera, 240V chargers or converter set
Explore 1 Day Safaris
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Extend Your Safari
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- 3 Day Masai Mara Safari
- 4 Day Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Safari
- 5 Day Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara Safari