Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate safari from Nairobi
The easiest Rift Valley escape from Nairobi: a hippo boat ride on Lake Naivasha and cycling past zebras and giraffes in Hell's Gate National Park. About 2 hours each way.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Distance from Nairobi | About 100 km, roughly 2 hours by road |
| Ideal length | Full day trip |
| Managed by | Hell's Gate: Kenya Wildlife Service. Lake activities: private companies |
| Entry fee, non-resident adult | Hell's Gate $50 per 24 hours (KWS scenic park). Boat rides priced separately |
| Headline wildlife | Hippos, fish eagles and waterbirds on the lake. Zebra, giraffe, buffalo and gazelle in Hell's Gate |
| Activities | Boat ride, cycling and walking in Hell's Gate, gorge hike |
| Best months | All year. Dry months for the gorge walk |
Why go
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake with large hippo pods, best seen from a boat with fish eagles overhead. Next door, Hell's Gate is one of the few Kenyan parks where you can cycle and walk among zebra, giraffe and buffalo, then hike down into the gorge. It is an active day out with no big cats, which makes it a good add-on to a game drive in Nairobi National Park.
Sample day trip
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| 05:00 | Pickup in Nairobi, Rift Valley viewpoint |
| 09:30 | Hell's Gate: cycle or drive the park, walk the gorge with a local guide |
| 13:00 | Lunch by the lake |
| 14:30 | Boat ride for hippos and birds on Lake Naivasha |
| 16:30 | Drive back to Nairobi |
Getting there
The road climbs out of Nairobi and drops into the Rift Valley, with a viewpoint stop on the escarpment. Allow about 2 hours each way.
Lake Naivasha entry fees 2026
| Visitor | Adult, per day | Child, per day |
|---|---|---|
| East African citizen | KSh 500 | KSh 250 |
| Kenya resident | KSh 675 | KSh 350 |
| African citizen | $20 | $10 |
| Non-resident | $50 | $25 |
Park fees are charged per person per day, so a 3-day safari pays them three times. We list them separately in every quote, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
How the trip runs
A private safari from Nairobi in a pop-up roof vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, on the dates you choose. Every quote is built for your group size, dates and lodge budget, and confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
| Usually included | Paid separately |
|---|---|
| Pickup in Nairobi and return | Park or reserve entry fees, unless your quote includes them |
| Pop-up roof safari vehicle with driver-guide | Drinks, tips and optional activities |
| Game drives on the itinerary | Visa or electronic travel authorisation |
| Lodge or camp at the level you choose, if you want it arranged | Flights, if you choose to fly |
Combine it
Add Lake Nakuru the next day for rhinos, or start with a Nairobi National Park morning on another day. See all Kenya safaris from Nairobi, or the half-day Nairobi National Park safari from $300 per group (your group only, park fees paid separately).
Quick answers
Can you cycle in Hell's Gate?
Yes. Hell's Gate is one of the few Kenyan parks where cycling and walking among wildlife are allowed.
How far is Lake Naivasha from Nairobi?
About 100 km, roughly 2 hours by road.
How much is the Hell's Gate entry fee?
Non-resident adults pay 50 US dollars per 24 hours. Kenyan citizens pay KSh 500.
Related pages
Book this safari
Send the date, the group, and the pickup. We confirm availability on WhatsApp or email, with the tour price and the park fees to budget. See our deposit and cancellation policy.