Leisure & Safari
Hippos from a boat on Lake Naivasha, then a bicycle ride among zebra and giraffe between the red cliffs of Hell's Gate.
Why do it in Kenya
Few places in Africa let you ride a bicycle past zebra and giraffe, then hike into a volcanic gorge the same afternoon. Hell's Gate is one of them, because large predators are rare there. Run by Kenya Wildlife Service, the park sits in a landscape still shaped by volcanoes: tall rock towers, steam vents and the geothermal plants at Olkaria that supply a large share of Kenya's electricity. Next door, Lake Naivasha adds hippos, fish eagles and papyrus. Your guides in the gorge come from the local community and know every passage.
Where and when
Lake Naivasha is about two hours by road northwest of Nairobi, which makes it an easy first stop after a long flight or a break on the drive to the Mara. It is pleasant year-round, with warm days and cool nights. The drier months, usually June to October and January to March, are best for cycling and the gorge. The gorge can close after heavy rain because of the risk of flash floods, so in the wet months we keep a flexible plan.
A typical day
Start early with a boat ride on the lake, when hippos are still close to shore and fish eagles are hunting. Then drive to Elsa Gate, pick up bikes and ride the main track past Fischer's Tower, a rock pillar left by an old volcano. Zebra, buffalo, gazelles and giraffes graze along the way. At the gorge you leave the bikes and walk down with a guide through narrow passages and past hot springs. Some travelers add a walk on Crescent Island, a private sanctuary where you walk among giraffes and wildebeest.
Who it suits
Active travelers who want a break from the vehicle. Families with older children and teenagers, who often rate this as a highlight. Travelers on a short trip who want variety close to Nairobi. The cycling is mostly on a gentle gravel track, but the gorge has rock steps, steep sections and some scrambling, so it suits people with reasonable fitness. Travelers who would rather not ride can explore the park by vehicle, and climbers can arrange a guided climb on Fischer's Tower.
Practical tips
Wear closed shoes with good grip, bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water, and dress in layers. Check your bike's brakes before you set off, and ask for a helmet. Give buffalo a wide berth on the bike. A local guide is required in the gorge, so we arrange one. At the lake, hippos come out to graze at night, so walk with an escort after dark. Park fees are set by Kenya Wildlife Service and change.
Plan it with us
Kenya Experience is Kenyan-led, with two U.S. companies behind it and Kenyan guides on every day. Pay in full or monthly with no deposit, and a specialist replies within two business days.
Naivasha is the freshwater lake of the Rift: papyrus, fish eagles, hippos at dusk. Hell's Gate next door is one of the few parks you can explore on foot or by bike, through gorges, steam vents and herds of plains game.
Good to know
- Best timeYear-round.
- Duration1–2 nights.
- GroupAny.
- PaceActive.
Your questions
Can you cycle in Hell's Gate National Park?
Yes. Bikes can be hired near Elsa Gate, and the main track through the park is a gentle ride among zebra, buffalo and giraffes.
Do you need a guide for the Hell's Gate gorge?
Yes. Visitors walk the gorge with a local guide, and the gorge may close after heavy rain because of flash flood risk.
How far is Lake Naivasha from Nairobi?
About two hours by road, which makes it a good first or second stop on a Kenya safari.
Are there hippos in Lake Naivasha?
Yes, many. You see them best from a boat in the morning, and they graze on the shore at night, so walk with an escort after dark.
Panga
Plan your Boat safari and cycling at Hell's Gate trip
Panga means plan. Tell us who is going and what you love. A Kenya specialist replies within two business days.
