Game drives · Rift Valley
Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate
Walk and cycle among the wildlife
One of the only places in Kenya where you can safely walk and cycle among zebra, giraffe and antelope — no predators large enough to worry about. Dramatic gorges, geothermal steam vents and a freshwater lake full of birdlife.
- Cycle Hell's Gate among zebra and giraffe
- Hike the dramatic Ol Njorowa gorge
- Boat safari among hippos on Lake Naivasha
- Crescent Island walking safari
Best time to visit
Year-round. Slightly cooler June to September.
Getting there
1.5-hour drive from Nairobi — a perfect first or last stop on a Mara trip.
What you'll see
Wildlife you can reasonably expect on a typical Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate game drive.
- Zebra, giraffe, eland, buffalo and antelope
- Hippos in Lake Naivasha (over 1,500)
- Fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans
- Klipspringer on the gorge cliffs
- Vervet and colobus monkeys
Experiences here
Cycle safari
Pedal through the park among grazing wildlife — guided and fully supported.
Ol Njorowa gorge hike
Walk between sheer red cliffs with a local Maasai guide.
Crescent Island walk
A private island where you walk freely among wildlife — no fences, no predators.
Naivasha boat safari
Glide past hippos and fish eagles at sunrise or sunset.
FAQ
Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate — common questions
- Is it safe to walk and cycle?
- Yes — there are no large predators in Hell's Gate. Guides accompany you and brief you on buffalo.
- Good for kids?
- Excellent — the active experiences make it one of the best family-friendly stops in Kenya.
Plan your Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate safari
Tell us your dates and we'll send back a handcrafted itinerary, usually within 24 hours.
