Bike, Hike and Boat: Lake Naivasha and Hells Gate Day Trip from Nairobi
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for someone with basic fitness who can bike 6–12 miles on mixed surfaces and handle short hikes; able to stay on a saddle for 1–2 hours with breaks.
Overview
Swap Nairobi traffic for cracked escarpments, bicycles and hippo-lined waters on a full-day loop to Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha. This tour combines cycling through geothermal gorges with a guided boat ride and a Crescent Island nature walk.
Bike, Hike and Boat: Lake Naivasha and Hells Gate Day Trip from Nairobi
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The day begins before Nairobi wakes: a minivan eases out of the city and the air thins as the road drops into the Great Rift Valley. By the time the tour reaches Hells Gate National Park the landscape has changed from urban concrete to wind-scoured escarpments, scrub grass and the occasional giraffe headway across a flat. Guests trade the van for bicycles and the quiet takes over — only the rattle of chains and the distant honk of a fish eagle.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate for the heat
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water in a daypack and sip frequently; the Rift Valley sun is strong and shade is limited.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes—cycling and gorge hikes include gravel, volcanic rock and occasional muddy patches.
Keep distance from hippos
On the boat, follow the guide’s instructions and never lean over the gunwale; hippos can bolt from the water suddenly.
Start early for wildlife
Morning pickups increase bird activity and cooler temps for cycling—ask for the earliest available slot.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hippos
- Giraffes
History
The Rift Valley here formed as the African Plate began to split, exposing volcanic rock and creating the escarpments; human communities have long used the valley’s fertile soils and freshwater springs.
Conservation
Tourism brings pressure on shorelines and bird colonies; stick to paths, avoid feeding animals and support local guides who follow park rules to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Protects feet on gravel trails, in the gorges and during Crescent Island walks.
Daypack with 1–2L water reservoir
Keeps hydration, sunscreen and camera accessible during cycling and hikes.
Light wind/rain jacket
Useful during early-morning cool or unexpected showers in the long rains (March–May).
spring specific
Binoculars or zoom lens
Helps pick out birds, waterfowl and distant mammals from the shore or tracks.