Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park: Boats, Cycling and Walking Safaris
A freshwater Rift Valley lake with hippos and birds, beside a park you can explore on foot or by bicycle.
Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya's few freshwater lakes, ringed by papyrus and flower farms. Boat trips take visitors close to hippos and the abundant birdlife, including fish eagles and herons. Crescent Island allows guided walks among giraffes, zebras and antelope.
Nearby Hell's Gate National Park is one of the few Kenyan parks where cycling and walking are allowed. Red cliffs, steaming vents and a gorge create dramatic scenery, and zebras and buffalo graze along the tracks. It is a refreshing contrast to a vehicle-based safari.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Region: Rift Valley
- Activities: Boats, cycling, walks
- Wildlife: Hippos, zebras, giraffes
- Drive from Nairobi: About two hours
On the Lake
Boat trips usually last an hour and are best in the early morning. Hippos surface near the shore, and the birdlife is rich. Always follow the guide's instructions near hippos.
Hell's Gate on Foot and Bike
You can hire bicycles at the gate and ride along the main track, or hike down into the gorge with a guide. Heat builds quickly in the middle of the day, so start early and carry water.
Planning
Naivasha is a convenient overnight stop between Nairobi and the Mara. Combine it with Lake Nakuru on a central Rift Valley circuit.
Adding Kenya to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will build one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges arranged for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, Rhinos and Rift Valley Scenery
- Kenya Travel Guide: Location, Map, Facts, Safety and Top Attractions
- Things to Do in Nairobi: Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Trust and Nairobi National Park
- Samburu National Reserve and the Special Five: Northern Kenya's Dry-Country Wildlife
- Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Rhinos, Chimpanzees and Private Wildlife Conservancies
- Mount Kenya: Climbing Routes, Point Lenana and Trekking Guide
- Kenya Safari and Travel Guides: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and the Coast
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for Uganda safari vacations, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.