1
Journey overview
About this safari
This private 2 day Hell's Gate cycling safari gives active travellers more time in the Naivasha region than a fast day trip. The itinerary combines cycling in Hell's Gate National Park, an overnight stay near Lake Naivasha, a boat safari and a walking experience on Crescent Island.
Day one is centred on Hell's Gate. Kenya Wildlife Service identifies hiking and cycling as core activities in the park, whose landscape includes cliffs, volcanic rock formations, geothermal features, open grasslands and wildlife. Bicycles are available for hire at Elsa Gate, and the ride can be adjusted to the group's fitness and available time.
Unlike a standard vehicle safari, the cycling experience allows guests to move through the landscape at a slower pace. Zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, gazelle and birdlife may be encountered on the route. Any walking section uses only areas that are open and authorised on the day.
Day two shifts to Lake Naivasha. A private or shared boat service, according to the confirmed quotation, explores the lake for African Fish Eagle, pelicans, cormorants, herons, kingfishers and hippos before continuing to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
Crescent Island's current visitor information states that the sanctuary is accessible by boat and that boat services are operated independently from the sanctuary. Greatlink Safaris therefore confirms the boat transfer and island entry as separate services within the final itinerary. Once on the island, guests can enjoy an authorised walking safari among plains wildlife and birds before returning to shore and driving back to Nairobi.
For current information, see the official Kenya Wildlife Service Hell's Gate page and the official Crescent Island visitor information.
Safari highlights
Why travellers choose this journey
- Cycle through Hell's Gate National Park on authorised routes.
- Explore dramatic Rift Valley cliffs, volcanic scenery and open grasslands.
- Look for zebra, giraffe, eland, antelope and birdlife while cycling.
- Enjoy a relaxed overnight stay in the Lake Naivasha area.
- Take a morning Lake Naivasha boat safari for birds, hippos and water scenery.
- Travel by boat to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
- Walk among plains wildlife and birds on Crescent Island under local guidance.
- Return privately to Nairobi on day two.
Perfect forActive couples, solo travellers, small private groups, birders, photographers and families with older children who are confident cyclists and meet bicycle and walking activity 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.
2
3
4
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 in Nairobi and begin the road journey toward the Great Rift Valley. A scenic viewpoint stop can be made where traffic, weather and safe parking allow.
Continue to Hell's Gate National Park. After park entry and a bicycle safety briefing, begin the cycling safari on authorised roads through the park's open landscape.
The ride can include views of Fischer's Tower, cliffs, volcanic formations and broad grasslands. Zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, gazelle and other wildlife may be encountered along the route, but sightings are never guaranteed.
The cycling distance is adjusted to the group's fitness and the day's conditions. A short guided walk can be incorporated where the park has a suitable trail open, but the programme does not depend on access to any specific gorge.
After the active section, continue to the selected Lake Naivasha accommodation for lunch or a late lunch according to timing. The afternoon is deliberately less rushed so guests can rest, enjoy the lodge grounds or add the Olkaria Geothermal Spa if selected and practical.
Dinner and overnight in the Naivasha area.
AccommodationLake Naivasha hotel, lodge or resort in the selected Economy, Standard or Luxury category. MealsLunch; Dinner TransportPrivate road transfer and mountain bicycle ActivitiesGreat Rift Valley viewpoint when practical, Hell's Gate cycling, wildlife viewing, optional authorised walking section
After breakfast, travel to the confirmed Lake Naivasha boat departure point and meet the local boat crew.
Begin a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, looking for African Fish Eagle, pelicans, cormorants, herons, kingfishers and other wetland birds. Hippos may also be seen, and the captain maintains the distance required for safety.
Continue by boat to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. The sanctuary's official visitor information confirms that access is currently by boat and that boat companies are separate from the sanctuary itself. Greatlink Safaris coordinates the transfer and island entry as separate confirmed services.
On the island, join an authorised walking safari for plains wildlife and birdlife. The experience gives a ground level view of the Naivasha ecosystem and provides a slower contrast to the previous day's cycling.
Return by boat to the mainland, have lunch and begin the private journey back to Nairobi. Drop off at the agreed hotel or meeting point marks the end of the two day adventure.
AccommodationNo accommodation included after the Nairobi drop off. MealsBreakfast; Lunch TransportLake Naivasha boat, Crescent Island walking safari and private road transfer to Nairobi ActivitiesLake Naivasha boat safari, birdwatching, hippo viewing, Crescent Island walking safari, return to Nairobi
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.
Accommodation
Good value Naivasha accommodation selected for practical access to Hell's Gate and the lake.
Comfortable mid range accommodation with convenient access to the cycling and lake programme.
Premium Naivasha accommodation selected for stronger comfort, service and setting.
Guide
Add a dedicated cycling guide for pacing, route support and closer interpretation in Hell's Gate.
Experience
Add an Olkaria Geothermal Spa visit when opening conditions and the day one schedule allow.
Reserve a private boat for your party for the Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island transfer programme.
Service
Request an available driver guide language other than English, subject to confirmation.
Before you travel
Know before you go
Cycling ability: the Hell's Gate ride is best for travellers who can ride confidently on unpaved surfaces. Distance and pace can be adjusted according to the group.
Helmet use: every cyclist should wear a correctly fitting helmet. Bicycle and helmet sizes should be confirmed before travel, especially for children.
Hell's Gate access: cycling and walking are allowed in designated areas, but Kenya Wildlife Service can alter access because of weather, safety or operational conditions.
Lake Naivasha: boating depends on wind, rain, visibility and the captain's safety judgement. Hippos are wild animals and are viewed from a conservative distance.
Crescent Island: the sanctuary currently requires boat access. Its official information states that boat operators are separate businesses and island entry is paid or arranged independently. Greatlink Safaris coordinates both elements when they are included in the package.
Walking safari: listen to the island guide and maintain the required distance from wildlife. The experience is walking based and should not be treated as an unrestricted close approach to animals.
Accommodation: the final quote can use Economy, Standard or Luxury accommodation in the Naivasha area. Hotel choice affects meal arrangements and transfer times.
What to bring: closed sports shoes, cycling clothes, sun protection, a light rain layer, reusable water bottle, small day bag, binoculars and secure camera straps.
Included
What is included
- Private pick up from the agreed Nairobi hotel or meeting point on day one.
- 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.
- One night in the Lake Naivasha area in the selected accommodation category.
- Day one lunch and dinner.
- Day two breakfast and lunch.
- Lake Naivasha boat safari on day two.
- Boat transfer to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
- Crescent Island entry and guided walking safari as confirmed.
- Drinking water during Greatlink Safaris road transfers and active activities.
- Private return transfer to Nairobi on day two.
- Applicable Kenyan government taxes and statutory local levies relating to the confirmed services.
Not included
What is excluded
- Nairobi accommodation before day one or after day two.
- International or domestic flights unless specifically added.
- Olkaria Geothermal Spa entry or swimming unless selected separately.
- Premium specialist bicycles, personal cycling gear or cycling clothing beyond the confirmed rental.
- Additional Lake Naivasha boat time beyond the confirmed programme.
- Travel, medical, accident, cancellation and personal equipment insurance.
- Alcoholic drinks, premium beverages, minibar items and personal purchases.
- Tips and gratuities for driver guides, cycling guides, boat crew, island guides and accommodation staff.
- Activities not specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary.
