Hells Gate & Lake Naivasha Day Trip Review: Is It Worth It?

Thinking about a day trip from Nairobi that’s a little, you know, wild? Hells Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha just might be what you are after. They promise a day jam-packed with georgeous views, thrilling bike rides, and, just maybe, some close encounters with wildlife. But, very is it all its cracked up to be? Is it worth your time, and more importantly, your money? Well, this review gets straight to the point so you know exactly what you’re signing up for. After this reading you’ll feel confident enough to decide if this super popular tour fits right with what you have planned for yourself!

Getting Started: What’s the Big Deal About Hells Gate & Lake Naivasha?

Okay, first things first, right? Hells Gate is, often, unlike any other park you’ve been to. Forget being cooped up in a safari vehicle all day because, here, you can actually rent a bike and cycle among zebras, giraffes, and, so on. That alone already adds such a super fun, physical touch that you can’t find just anywhere. It gets better, though! You can hike through a gorge, get that blood pumping, and then finish off with a totally relaxing boat ride on Lake Naivasha, too. I mean come on, are you kidding me?! It’s practically guaranteed that you will, actually, see hippos and a bunch of vibrant birdlife. Basically, the big deal is really, its an overload of natural goodness that gives you a little from every place and activity. This day trip is, actually, your chance to swap city chaos for natural serenity, if you like, and feel your heart beat for all sorts of reasons, you know? From thrills to chills, it’s all here!

What to Expect on Your Day Trip

Alright, picture this: you hop, very excitedly, onto a tour van very early from Nairobi. I mean, everyone knows the earlier you begin the more worth you squeeze out of any tour, don’t you agree? So, the drive to Hells Gate is roughly, say, around two to three hours. So make sure to settle down for the trip ahead and possibly catch some extra shut eye, as well. On arrival, what really happens is that you grab a bike. That said, these bikes have been through hell and back a few times, I have heard, so maybe check those tire pressures before you hop on, if that suits you. Once you actually enter the park, there are no guides with you so this is when you get a super-close, but safe, look at local wildlife grazing nearby. So very wild and picturesque!

The highlight of Hells Gate definitely has to be the gorge hike, though. You will clamber down into this canyon to find naturally carved rocks that you can take tons of photos in front of. However, it should be known, in short, that depending on the recent rainfall you might even find yourself walking through knee deep sludge to reach the main cave, so please keep this in mind and come prepared! I will say, with no lack of shame, I opted to not do it due to wearing canvas shoes. From the hot dusty bike ride I was very pleased to chill at a restaurant near the Lake, drinking Fanta, and watching all the Colobus monkeys try to come join you! Once all of your group have surfaced, that too being relieved or accomplished with their muddy canyon story, you jump back on board the van for the last stop! Then it’s off to Lake Naivasha to spot hippos from a boat – an absolutely perfect way to wrap up the day! Be aware though, that the hippos are not, actually, very easy to see up close as they hide beneath the water, if you will, and are very, very shy! So keep that in mind when anticipating the boat trip!

Cycling Through Hells Gate: Pedal Power or Flat Tire Frustration?

The biking situation at Hells Gate. Hmmm. It can make or actually break the trip, that is often said, it’s true! The idea of, actually, cycling through wildlife territory sounds totally exhilarating, doesn’t it? Because, basically, it is! That is, of course, if you don’t have one of the dodgy rental bikes, that is. So what actually occurs sometimes is that some bikes are, maybe, in better condition than others. I will admit, I never had to test this because the condition of the tires upon inspection, for me, were alarming. They are often inflated rock solid too so they almost feel bouncy if you touch them!

Anyway, make sure you give yours a, really, very good check before heading off; brakes, tires, the lot. Maybe, if it makes you feel better, take one of those pumps that are readily available! If you’re not a, extremely, confident cyclist or are with children, the park might prove challenging, if I was to take a shot at guessing. Especially with other traffic coming past as it isn’t all smooth sailing – the roads, well, the gravel paths are pretty bumpy so it can actually be quite tricky at some points, in a way. I have often said to myself: cycling on Nairobi roads seems way easier, believe it or not! The upside to the roads being slightly awful is that you can trundle round without any worry of overexerting yourself, I will admit.

Lake Naivasha Boat Ride: Hippos or Bust?

After the heat and activity of Hells Gate, Lake Naivasha really is very needed – its a complete contrast and just the thing you wanted! The boat ride provides, sometimes, a super chill end to the day, offering a chance to spot hippos. It can often get you up close to those cute little heads popping out of the water so get your camera ready, quick! The local guides often know exactly where to find the hippos and point out some of the many beautiful birds, if you care to listen. That’s usually the cue for most on board, so they know to look and get prepared, camera at the ready. You may spot fish eagles swooping and grabbing their dinner right from the lake’s surface, so the boat ride does make sure you enjoy a lot! In fact, they have very often said it’s like watching a real-life nature documentary.

There can be times when it does feel, like, very ‘touristy’, sure, especially if there are several boats vying for the exact same hippo viewing spot, that too often happens. Please manage your expectations, okay, since hippos can be, sort of, shy, if that makes sense, and sometimes they’re not very, extremely, visible. This depends on where they actually are within the waters.

What to Bring on Your Day Trip

Alright, so here’s a small list to make sure you are all set for the day!

• Sunscreen. Because sunburn and safari fun, well, they simply don’t mix, do they?
• Hat and Sunglasses. These protect you from the harsh sun and keep you comfy all day.
• Comfy Shoes. This is super crucial because you might walk, hike, and bike a bunch. Comfort first!
• Water Bottle. Very crucial for staying hydrated, alright? Carry a refillable one!
• Snacks. Keep hunger at bay with some of your absolute favorites and possibly something salty!
• Camera. Definitely make sure you catch those views, those hippos and your muddy canyon feet!
• Light Jacket. Temperatures can, surprisingly, change, so come equipped!
• Small Backpack. Ideal for carrying everything. Duh, of course, silly me!
• Binoculars. Very great for spotting wildlife on the boat ride and beyond.

Is the Hells Gate & Lake Naivasha Day Trip Worth It?

Well, coming to the ultimate query, if you will: should you actually spend your precious time, effort and cash on this day trip? Well, if you actually love a day full of variety, activity and wildlife then, sure, absolutely, yes! But, basically, make sure to remember what I have said in that it’s a bit rough around the edges; the bikes may be a bit basic, the roads bumpy and the hippos possibly camera shy. Still, despite all that, the sheer pleasure of cycling among zebras, the breath-taking views, and the fun adventure feeling is totally worth it, and they make for an absolutely memorable experience. Plus you will, I bet, get tons of photos!

In general, If you prefer super smooth, super organized experiences, then, very maybe, this tour might not quite meet all your needs, if I was honest. But, hey, if you actually don’t mind embracing a bit of adventure and enjoy getting very up close with nature, then buckle up! The Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha day trip could just very well become a highlight of your time here!

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