
Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 68 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi worth booking?
Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi is a 11-hour experience in Nairobi, Kenya, from $28 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 68 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (68)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $28 per person
At Hell’s Gate, you can walk or cycle freely among wildlife through dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes, which is rare in Kenya’s national parks where vehicles dominate. At Lake Naivasha, you enjoy a peaceful boat ride and gentle walks among freely roaming animals, combining wildlife viewing with a serene water-based experience. Unlike standard safaris, this tour balances active exploration, wildlife encounters, and cultural scenery, allowing you to interact with nature up close, take incredible photos, and learn about conservation and local ecosystems. The diversity—from thrilling hikes and cycling to calm boat rides—creates a well-rounded, memorable adventure that appeals to both active travelers and those seeking relaxation, making it distinct from typical safari packages.
What you get
About this experience
At Hell’s Gate, you can walk or cycle freely among wildlife through dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes, which is rare in Kenya’s national parks where vehicles dominate. At Lake Naivasha, you enjoy a peaceful boat ride and gentle walks among freely roaming animals, combining wildlife viewing with a serene water-based experience. Unlike standard safaris, this tour balances active exploration, wildlife encounters, and cultural scenery, allowing you to interact with nature up close, take incredible photos, and learn about conservation and local ecosystems. The diversity—from thrilling hikes and cycling to calm boat rides—creates a well-rounded, memorable adventure that appeals to both active travelers and those seeking relaxation, making it distinct from typical safari packages.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Driver and a Community guide
- Transportation
- Time for lunch at a local restaurant (Own expense)
Not included
- Boat ride optional
- Gratuities
- Bike hiring fee
- Hell's Gate entry fee
- Cycling fee
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Shared Tour without Entry Fee
Pickup included
Private without entry fee
Private transportation : On this option, you will have your own car and driver either alone or your own group Duration: 10 hours Van: A customized tour van Pickup included
Shared Trip with Entry Fee
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Day 2 Day Tours and Safaris Ltd
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The method of payment for the Lake Naivasha boat ride is by cash ($25).
- The method of payment in Hell's Gate is through online, by card, using an E-citizen account.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 68 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
68 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An unforgettable biking safari
Lake Naivasha one of a kind. I've never such interesting combination of vegetation of water + sunk trees. The animals we saw were very intriguing. Being enclosed by pelicans wasn't on my list, though I for sure don't regret experiencing it. Ruth was the most positive guide ever. Throughout the whole trip she managed to express interest in our nationalities, teach us swahili, inform us about all animals we were seeing and motivate us to continue the bike ride. I loved every part of this trip. Organization wise, it was very crude and had no issues with any payment or food process. This was my first bike safari ever, though it will for sure be my most memorable one. Overall time wise the whole trip took no longer than 10 hours, exactly as how it had been written prior to booking. It wasn't crowded at all. I believe it is ideal for anyone who has no problem with cycling for a little and getting in close contact with the animals.
Response from the operator: Dear traveler, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed review of your experience with us. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha tour. It is wonderful to know that you had such a memorable time and that Ruth provided you with such an engaging, informative, and positive experience—from teaching you Swahili to guiding you through the unique landscape of the lake. We are glad that the trip met your expectations in terms of timing and organization, and that you felt comfortable throughout your first-ever bike safari. We truly appreciate your kind feedback and are honored to have been part of such a memorable day for you. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure whenever your travels bring you back to Kenya.
via Tripadvisor
Hells gate bike ride
Our guide made the trip very special . Very knowledgeable and funny and encouraged us when we were getting tired on the bikes. I would highly recommend her roots was brilliant 👏
Response from the operator: Dear Tommy, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a great time on your Hell’s Gate bike ride. Our team takes great pride in being knowledgeable and supportive, so it is fantastic to know that our guide made your experience extra special and kept your spirits high throughout the ride. We truly appreciate your kind recommendation and are so happy you enjoyed the tour. We look forward to the possibility of hosting you for another adventure in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Brilliant day
I loved our bike tour through Hells gate. Ruth was absolutely excellent. She had so much knowledge and enthusiasm, it was such a pleasure to have her as our guide. I would highly recommend her for any tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Traveler, thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the bike tour through Hell’s Gate and that Ruth made the experience special with her knowledge and enthusiasm. We truly appreciate your recommendation and will be sure to share your kind words with Ruth. We welcome you again to Kenya for more tours and excursions.
via Tripadvisor
Bussines travelers day off
I had only one free day available for sightseeing. After looking at several options, I chose Day 2 Day Tours and Safaris for their Day Trip: Hell's Gate Cycling Safari & Lake Naivasha Boat Ride. It was a convenient way to experience some of Kenya's natural attractions without committing to a longer safari. The day was well organized, which was particularly important because my schedule was limited. Hell's Gate offered an active and interesting start to the excursion. I enjoyed cycling through the park and seeing the dramatic rock formations and wildlife along the way. The Lake Naivasha boat ride was a welcome change after the cycling. The lake scenery was beautiful, and the opportunity to observe birds and hippos from the boat made the experience feel very different from a conventional sightseeing tour. I was impressed by their organization with straightforward communication and well-balanced itinerary allowing me to make good use of my limited free time. It was an excellent introduction to Kenya's scenery outside the city.
Response from the operator: Dear Tumbalala, Thank you for choosing Day 2 Day Tours and Safaris for your day trip. We are delighted that we could provide a well-organized and memorable experience during your limited time in Kenya. It is great to hear that you enjoyed the variety of the Hell’s Gate cycling and the relaxing boat ride at Lake Naivasha. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another adventure whenever your travels bring you back to our beautiful country.
via Tripadvisor
A Refreshing Solo Adventure
I booked the Hell's Gate Cycling Safari & Lake Naivasha Boat Ride with Day 2 Day Tours and Safaris because I wanted to explore the area independently without spending several days away. As a solo traveler, I appreciated having an organized itinerary while still getting plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surroundings at my own pace. Hell's Gate was fascinating from the moment we arrived. Cycling through the park was an exciting way to experience the landscape, and I particularly enjoyed the towering cliffs and open scenery. There were several moments when I simply stopped to take photographs and appreciate how different the environment felt from the city. The boat ride on Lake Naivasha provided a peaceful contrast to the cycling. Watching the water, birds, and hippos was incredibly relaxing after an active morning. They made the experience comfortable without making it feel overly structured. For a solo traveler wanting a memorable day outside the city, this was a very enjoyable excursion.
Response from the operator: Dear Alex, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that our Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha tour provided the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation for your solo trip. Our team takes great pride in creating well-organized itineraries that still offer the freedom to truly appreciate the landscape, so it is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the cycling and the peaceful atmosphere of the lake at your own pace. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of hosting you on another excursion should your travels bring you back to Kenya.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $28 to $200
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 24
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Day 2 Day Tours and Safaris Ltd, who run 10 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.1.
See everything Day 2 Day Tours and Safaris Ltd runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Nairobi.
How much does Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi cost?
+
Prices start at $28 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Nairobi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi take?
+
Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Nairobi is not rushed.
Is Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 68 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Nairobi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi?
+
Around 24 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Nairobi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Nairobi and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Nairobi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Nairobi?
+
On Outty we rank every Nairobi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Wild 5-Day Safari: Magical Mara, Nakuru Wonders & Hell's Gate, 2 Days Amboseli Safari using a 4x4 Landcruiser jeep(with options), Kibera Slum Tour with Lucas. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Nairobi?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi?
+
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; Driver and a Community guide; Transportation; and Time for lunch at a local restaurant (Own expense). Not included: Boat ride optional; Gratuities; Bike hiring fee; and Hell's Gate entry fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 722 listed pickup locations in and around Nairobi. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Nairobi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi?
+
Across 68 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi?
+
There are 3 options to choose from, including Shared Tour without Entry Fee, Private without entry fee, Shared Trip with Entry Fee. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Day Trip to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride from Nairobi.
Pick your date




