🏞️Ultimate Naivasha Full Day Safari Adventure
Safari at a Glance
🏞️ Naivasha Full Day Trip from Nairobi: Boat Ride, Walking Safari & Hell's Gate Visit
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Trip at a Glance
Trip Highlight
A relaxed full-day trip to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi, with a boat ride to see hippos and birds, a guided walk among wildlife on Crescent Island, and time to explore Hell's Gate National Park on foot or by bike.
- Duration: Full day (about 12 hours door-to-door)
- Start/End: Pickup and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or residence
- Group Size: Private or small group (2–8 people)
- Best Time: Available year-round; drier months (June–October) often have clearer views
- Main Activities: Boat ride on Lake Naivasha, walking safari on Crescent Island, visit to Hell's Gate
- Price from: $95 per person (lower for larger groups)
About This Naivasha Day Trip
This full day trip to Naivasha gives you a good mix of wildlife viewing and outdoor activities, all within easy reach of Nairobi. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, known for its hippos, birds, and peaceful setting. We combine a boat ride on the lake, a walk on Crescent Island where you can get close to giraffes and zebras, and a visit to Hell's Gate National Park for its dramatic gorges and hot springs.
Many of our guests choose this trip because it fits easily into a short stay in Kenya and covers several highlights in one day. We keep groups small so everyone gets personal attention from the guide. As a local Kenyan company, we know these areas well and focus on safe, enjoyable outings.
We've run this trip for years and have a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for 2024–2025. For more ideas, see our 3-Day Budget Amboseli Safari or our Ngare Ndare Forest Day Trip.
Day-by-Day Schedule
06:00 AM – Pickup in Nairobi and Drive to Naivasha
We pick you up from your hotel or residence in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle. The drive takes about 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic. Along the way, you'll see views of the Rift Valley escarpment, and your guide can point out interesting spots.
08:00 AM – Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha
We start with a one-hour boat ride on the lake. You'll likely see hippos, along with birds like fish eagles, herons, and pelicans. The boats are safe, with life jackets provided, and guided by experienced local boat captains.
09:30 AM – Walking Safari on Crescent Island
Next, we head to Crescent Island for a guided walk (about 1.5 hours). This is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk freely among animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelope – there are no predators here, so it's safe and relaxed. It's great for photos and seeing wildlife up close.
11:30 AM – Picnic Lunch by the Lake
We stop for a packed picnic lunch near the lake. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs – just let us know when booking. It's a nice chance to relax and watch birds or hippos from shore.
12:30 PM – Visit to Hell's Gate National Park
In the afternoon, we go to Hell's Gate for a 2–3 hour visit. You can hike through the gorges, see the hot springs, and explore rock formations like Fischer's Tower. If you'd like, we can arrange bike rentals (extra cost) to cycle through the park – it's a popular option. Your guide will lead the way and explain the geology and history.
For more park details, visit the official Kenya Wildlife Service Hell's Gate page.
Around 04:00 PM – Drive Back to Nairobi
We leave the park and head back, aiming to drop you off in Nairobi between 06:00 and 07:00 PM.
2026 Pricing
Prices depend on group size – the more people, the lower the cost per person.
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) | Price Per Person (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $150 | Ksh 19,500 |
| 2–3 People | $120 | Ksh 15,600 |
| 4–6 People | $105 | Ksh 13,650 |
| 7+ People | $95 | Ksh 12,350 |
Bike rental in Hell's Gate is extra if needed ($10–15).
What's Included
- Pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
- Transport in a private 4x4 vehicle
- Experienced guide
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Entrance to Crescent Island and guided walk
- Hell's Gate National Park fees and guided visit
- Picnic lunch and bottled water
- Basic first-aid kit
What's Not Included
- Tips for the guide or crew (optional, usually $10–15 per person)
- Travel insurance (we recommend getting your own)
- Bike rental or any personal extras
Why Book This Trip With Us
We're a Kenyan-owned company based in Nairobi, and we've been running trips like this for many years. Our guides are trained and certified by the Kenya Wildlife Service, and we focus on safety and keeping things enjoyable. We use our own vehicles and keep everything straightforward with no hidden costs.
Guests often tell us they appreciate the small groups and the time spent at each spot. Here's what some have said:
"A great day out – saw lots of animals on the walk and the boat ride was relaxing. Guide was knowledgeable and friendly." – Sarah M., Australia, 2025
"Good value and well organized. Hell's Gate was a highlight." – James K., UK, 2025
We follow responsible practices and support local conservation efforts around Naivasha.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, a light jacket (mornings can be cool), binoculars or a camera, and a reusable water bottle. If it might rain, a light rain jacket is useful.
For lake info, see Magical Kenya's Lake Naivasha page.
Booking and Policies
- Deposit: 20% to confirm your date
- Payment: M-Pesa, bank transfer, or card
- Cancellation: Free up to 48 hours before; 50% refund within 24–48 hours
- We're fully licensed and insured
Common Questions
- How far is Naivasha from Nairobi?
About 90–120 minutes drive each way.
- Is this trip okay for children?
Yes, suitable for ages 5 and up. The walking is easy, and we can adjust for families.
- Will we definitely see hippos?
Very likely on the boat ride, but wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed.
- Can we bike in Hell's Gate?
Yes, we can arrange bikes for an extra fee.
- What if the weather is bad?
We still run the trip and provide ponchos if needed. Rain can make the lake even more interesting for birds.
- How do I book?
Contact us by email or phone – details below.
Get in Touch
Ready to book or have questions? We're here to help.
📧 [email protected] 📱 +254 729 257 317 | +254 734 417 496
Destinations
Where You Will Visit
This trip covers Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island, and Hell's Gate National Park in the Naivasha area.
Where You Will Visit
This safari explores the following regions in Kenya
- Naivasha
