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Journey overview
About this safari
This private Hell's Gate cycling safari combines one of Kenya's most unusual national park experiences with the calm waters of Lake Naivasha. It is designed for travellers who want to leave the safari vehicle for part of the day and explore the Great Rift Valley at a more active pace.
The journey begins in Nairobi and descends toward Naivasha through the Rift Valley. On arrival at Hell's Gate National Park, the main experience is cycling on the park's designated roads and trails. Kenya Wildlife Service confirms that walking and cycling are permitted in Hell's Gate and that bicycles are available for hire at Elsa Gate. The park is known for dramatic cliffs, volcanic formations, Fischer's Tower, open grasslands and geothermal scenery.
Wildlife encountered during the ride can include zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle and other plains species. Wildlife is free ranging, so no individual species is guaranteed. The value of this activity is the combination of movement, scenery and wildlife at ground level rather than a traditional vehicle based game drive.
After the cycling programme, continue to Lake Naivasha for lunch and a boat safari. The lake is well known for African Fish Eagle, pelicans, cormorants, herons, kingfishers and hippos. The boat captain controls the route and wildlife distance according to weather and lake conditions.
The day finishes with a private road transfer back to Nairobi. Greatlink Safaris operates the excursion on a personalised quotation basis because park fees, bicycle arrangements, boat service, traveller category and group size affect the final cost.
For current park information, see the official Kenya Wildlife Service Hell's Gate page.
Safari highlights
Why travellers choose this journey
- Cycle through Hell's Gate National Park on authorised roads and trails.
- See dramatic cliffs, volcanic formations and Rift Valley scenery.
- Look for zebra, giraffe, eland, antelope and birdlife while riding.
- Pause at Fischer's Tower and other scenic points where access allows.
- Enjoy lunch in the Naivasha area.
- Take a Lake Naivasha boat safari for birds, hippos and lake scenery.
- Travel privately from Nairobi and return the same evening.
Perfect forActive travellers, couples, solo travellers, small private groups, birders and families with confident cyclists who meet the operator's age, height and bicycle safety requirements.
Journey flow
Where this safari takes you
See the route in travel order, from the first stop to the final destination. Each stage connects directly to the detailed destination guide where available.
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Safari beginsNairobi
Safari endsNairobi
Safari Types
How this journey is designed
These categories describe the style of safari you are booking.
Experiences
Experiences included in this safari
These are activities, encounters or natural spectacles included in or available through this journey.
Day by day
Your safari itinerary
Open each day to view the route, activities, meals, transport and accommodation details.
Meet your Greatlink Safaris driver guide at the agreed Nairobi hotel or meeting point and travel toward the Great Rift Valley. Where traffic and weather allow, pause at a safe viewpoint for photographs before continuing to Naivasha.
Arrive at Hell's Gate National Park, complete the park entry formalities and receive the bicycle and safety briefing. Begin the cycling section on authorised park roads. The route is planned around the group's fitness and current park conditions rather than a fixed racing distance.
Ride through open Rift Valley scenery with views of cliffs, volcanic formations and landmarks such as Fischer's Tower. Zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, gazelle and other wildlife may be encountered, but all sightings depend on natural animal movement.
A short walking or scenic stop can be added only where the park has the route open and the guide considers conditions suitable. The emphasis remains on safe cycling and landscape exploration.
After leaving Hell's Gate, continue to the Lake Naivasha area for lunch. In the afternoon, board a locally operated boat for a safari on Lake Naivasha. Look for African Fish Eagle, pelicans, cormorants, herons, kingfishers and hippos while the captain maintains safe wildlife distances.
Return to shore and begin the private drive back to Nairobi. Drop off at the agreed hotel or meeting point marks the end of the cycling safari.
AccommodationNo accommodation included. MealsLunch TransportPrivate road transfer, mountain bicycle and Lake Naivasha boat ActivitiesGreat Rift Valley viewpoint when practical, Hell's Gate cycling, wildlife viewing, Lake Naivasha boat safari, birdwatching
Shape your safari
Safari choices for your quotation
Select the options that interest you when requesting a quote. No fixed public price is shown because the final quotation depends on dates, traveller numbers, availability and your preferred travel style.
Guide
Add a dedicated cycling guide for closer route support, pacing and interpretation during the Hell's Gate ride.
Experience
Add a boat transfer to Crescent Island and a guided walking safari, subject to island opening times and sufficient daylight.
Add time at the Olkaria Geothermal Spa after the cycling programme, subject to opening conditions and available time.
Upgrade the lake section to a private boat reserved for your party, subject to operator availability.
Service
Request an available driver guide language other than English, subject to confirmation.
Before you travel
Know before you go
Cycling ability: travellers should be comfortable riding a bicycle on unpaved roads. The route can be shortened according to fitness, weather and time.
Safety equipment: a correctly fitting helmet should be worn throughout the cycling section. Bicycle size and equipment availability are confirmed before departure.
Hell's Gate: cycling and walking are permitted in the park, but guests must follow Kenya Wildlife Service instructions, remain on authorised routes and respect wildlife distance.
Walking: any walking section is limited to areas that are open and authorised on the day. Greatlink Safaris does not promise access to a specific gorge or trail when safety restrictions apply.
Lake Naivasha: the boat excursion is subject to wind, rain, visibility and the captain's safety decision. Hippos must always be given substantial space.
What to bring: closed sports shoes, comfortable cycling clothes, sun protection, a light rain layer, drinking water, a small day bag and a camera with secure straps.
Road journey: Nairobi traffic and road conditions can affect departure and return times, so the itinerary uses flexible timing rather than promising exact arrival hours.
Included
What is included
- Private pick up and drop off at the agreed Nairobi hotel or meeting point.
- Private road transport between Nairobi, Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha.
- Professional English speaking driver guide for the road journey and safari coordination.
- Hell's Gate National Park entry for the confirmed cycling programme.
- Standard mountain bicycle hire for the Hell's Gate cycling session.
- Standard cycling helmet where supplied by the confirmed bicycle operator.
- Local cycling or park guide where included in the final confirmation.
- Lunch in the Naivasha area.
- Lake Naivasha boat safari with an approved local boat operator.
- Drinking water during Greatlink Safaris road transfers and the active programme.
- Applicable Kenyan government taxes and statutory local levies relating to the confirmed services.
Not included
What is excluded
- Nairobi accommodation before or after the day trip.
- Breakfast and dinner unless specifically added to the quotation.
- Crescent Island Game Sanctuary entry unless selected as an additional experience.
- Olkaria Geothermal Spa entry, swimming or spa charges unless specifically added.
- Specialist premium bicycle or personal cycling equipment beyond the confirmed standard rental.
- Travel, medical, accident and personal equipment insurance.
- Alcoholic drinks, premium beverages and personal purchases.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, boat crew and service staff.
- Activities not specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary.
