Hell’s Gate, Lake Naivasha,
Crescent Island & Olkaria

Discover the Great Rift Valley in One Day

Travel from Nairobi into the spectacular Great Rift Valley for a day combining freshwater lake scenery, wildlife, dramatic volcanic landscapes and a geothermal swimming experience. This is a private tour, with your own vehicle and driver-guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off within Nairobi, and flexible timing to suit your group. Pick-up is generally arranged between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, but the exact time can be agreed in advance.

The suggested experience begins with the Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island, followed by an early lunch, Hell’s Gate National Park and a swim at Olkaria Geothermal Spa before returning to Nairobi. As this is a private tour, the pick-up time, pace and itinerary can be adjusted to suit your group. If your group prefers a slower morning or would like to have breakfast at your Nairobi hotel first, we can arrange a later start within the agreed pick-up window. The group follows the same itinerary and travels together throughout the trip. If the whole group prefers to skip the boat ride, this can be discussed in advance and more time may be allocated to Hell’s Gate. Individual guests cannot choose separate activities or split away from the group during the tour.

Private Tour Pricing

Rates are charged per person according to the number of guests travelling together in your private vehicle. The tour is not a group-joining excursion.

Prices are in US dollars and quoted per person. The applicable rate is based on the total number of guests in the private booking.

Your Full-Day Itinerary

The route is planned to enjoy the lake and island experiences first, take an early lunch break, and then visit Hell’s Gate and Olkaria before returning to Nairobi. The schedule below is indicative rather than a guaranteed timetable.

1. Flexible Morning – Private Hotel Pick-up in Nairobi

Pick-up is generally arranged between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM from your Nairobi hotel or agreed location. Since this is a private tour, we can agree on a suitable pick-up time with your group in advance. If you prefer a slow morning or would like to enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departure, let us know when booking so we can plan the day accordingly. Your driver-guide will then take you along the Nairobi–Nakuru route towards Naivasha.

2. Great Rift Valley Viewpoint and Escarpment

Along the way, pause at a suitable Great Rift Valley viewpoint to take in the immense valley landscape. The Great Rift Valley is part of a vast geological system formed by the gradual movement and separation of the earth’s crust. From the escarpment, enjoy wide views over the valley floor, surrounding ridges and distant volcanic features. This is a memorable photo stop before descending towards Naivasha.

The escarpment road is also a scenic part of the journey, with changing views as the route descends from the Nairobi highlands into the Rift Valley.

3. Lake Naivasha – Guided Boat Safari

On arrival at Lake Naivasha, board a boat for a guided ride across the freshwater lake. Look out for hippos in the water and watch for African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants and other waterbirds along the shoreline and lake margins. The boat ride offers a different perspective of the Rift Valley, with open water, papyrus-lined areas and the surrounding landscape.

Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed. Hippos are observed from the boat at a safe distance and visitors should follow the boat operator’s instructions throughout the excursion.

4. Crescent Island – Guided Walking Safari

Continue by boat to Crescent Island for a guided walking experience. This sanctuary is known for its open landscape and the opportunity to walk among free-roaming plains wildlife. Depending on the day’s sightings, you may encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, waterbucks and a variety of birds. The island’s lakeside setting also provides excellent views and photography opportunities.

The walking experience is a highlight for visitors who want to enjoy wildlife on foot rather than from a safari vehicle. Stay with your guide, follow the designated route and maintain the recommended distance from animals.

5. Return to the Mainland – Early Lunch

After the island visit, take the boat back to the mainland and stop for an early lunch at a nearby restaurant. Lunch, drinks and all meals are at your own expense. Your driver-guide can help identify a suitable stop depending on the day’s timing and your preferences.

6. Hell’s Gate National Park – Rift Valley Landscapes and Wildlife

After lunch, proceed to Hell’s Gate National Park. The park is known for its dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock formations, open grasslands, geothermal features and striking scenery. Look out for wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, gazelles, elands and baboons as you explore the park by vehicle and at the permitted visitor areas.

Notable scenery includes Fischer’s Tower, towering rock faces and the park’s distinctive gorge landscapes. The package includes park entry. Cycling, bicycle hire, gorge walks or descents, gorge guides, rock climbing and other additional activities are not included unless specifically added and quoted separately.

7. Olkaria Geothermal Spa – Hot Water Swimming Experience

Complete the day with a relaxing swim at Olkaria Geothermal Spa. The pools contain hot geothermal water, with temperatures controlled to make the water suitable for swimming. Enjoy a soak in the hot, swimmable water and take in the surrounding Rift Valley scenery after a day of sightseeing and walking.

Your package includes swimming admission only. Any other services, treatments, optional activities or additional facilities not expressly listed as included are at your own cost.

8. Flexible Return Drive and Drop-off in Nairobi

After your final activity, begin the return journey to Nairobi in your private vehicle. Your drop-off time will depend on the agreed pick-up time, the pace of your private itinerary, time spent at each destination, weather and traffic conditions. The experience generally takes around 6–8 hours, but can extend to 10 hours in some circumstances. If you would like to complete the trip in the shortest practical time, we can organise a tighter schedule; however, we recommend allowing a minimum of 6 hours to enjoy the experience without rushing.

About the Places You Will Visit

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, surrounded by papyrus, acacia woodland and a rich variety of bird habitats. Its waters are home to hippos, while the lake and shoreline attract fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants and many other waterbirds. A boat safari is one of the best ways to appreciate the lake’s scenery and wildlife.

Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

Crescent Island is a wildlife sanctuary on Lake Naivasha, reached by boat. It is particularly valued for its guided walking safaris, where visitors can explore on foot among animals such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and waterbucks. The open terrain, lakeside views and birdlife make it a rewarding stop for nature lovers and photographers. Wildlife movements vary, so specific sightings cannot be promised.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate is a distinctive Rift Valley park characterised by dramatic cliffs, volcanic formations, geothermal activity and open grassland. Its scenery includes Fischer’s Tower and deep gorge features shaped by water and geological processes. The park supports wildlife including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, elands and baboons. It offers a very different experience from a traditional vehicle-only game drive, with opportunities for walking and cycling available as separate optional activities.

Olkaria Geothermal Spa

Olkaria Geothermal Spa is a geothermal swimming destination within the wider Olkaria geothermal area. Its pools use naturally heated geothermal water, providing a relaxing place to unwind while enjoying the distinctive landscape of the Rift Valley. This package includes swimming admission; other optional services and activities are excluded.

What Is Included

• Private return vehicle transfer from Nairobi.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off within Nairobi.
• Driver/guide for the day.
• Great Rift Valley escarpment viewpoint stop, subject to safe access and timing.
• Lake Naivasha boat ride to and from Crescent Island.
• Crescent Island entry fees.
• Hell’s Gate National Park entry fees.
• Olkaria Geothermal Spa swimming admission.
• Driver/guide entry fees at the included destinations.
• Vehicle entry fees at the included destinations.

What Is Not Included

• Lunch, drinks, snacks and all other meals.
• Bicycle hire or cycling activities at Hell’s Gate.
• Gorge activities, gorge guide charges or gorge access fees not included in the stated package.
• Rock climbing or any other optional adventure activity.
• Additional spa services, treatments or activities beyond swimming admission.
• Any activity, service, fee or destination not expressly listed under the inclusions.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses and tips.

Overnight Camping Option

Would you like to extend your adventure with an overnight camping experience? Camping may be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability and advance confirmation.

Contact us with your preferred travel date and group size to request a separate camping quotation.

Important Booking and Cancellation Information

Destination Closures and Alternative Arrangements

If any of the included activity destinations is closed, inaccessible or unable to operate on your travel date, we will look for a suitable alternative where possible. Alternative arrangements will depend on availability and operating conditions.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Cancellations made at least 72 hours before the scheduled trip may qualify for a partial refund.
• Any approved refund will be subject to deduction of applicable administration charges and any costs already incurred or committed on the client's behalf.
• Entry tickets, park fees, activity fees, boat rides, spa admissions and other services already booked and paid for in advance are non-refundable, as these payments are made to third-party suppliers and may not be recoverable.
• Any remaining refundable balance will be returned to the client after the applicable deductions.
• Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the scheduled trip are non-refundable.
• No refund will be issued for unused services, activities voluntarily skipped during the trip, late arrivals or failure to show up.

Once booked, entry fees are also non-transferable and cannot be moved to another person or booking. Please confirm your travel date, group size and arrangements before making payment. If you are interested in overnight camping, request it before booking so availability can be checked and arrangements confirmed in advance.

What to Bring

• Swimwear and any other swimming items you may need for Olkaria Geothermal Spa.
• Towel, soap, lotion and a change of clothes.
• Comfortable walking shoes for Crescent Island and park stops.
• Light clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
• Sunscreen and personal essentials.
• Camera or phone for photographs.
• Some money or a payment card for lunch, drinks and personal purchases.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

• Couples, families and private groups seeking a full-day experience from Nairobi.
• Wildlife lovers interested in a walking safari at Crescent Island.
• Visitors who want to combine a lake boat ride with Rift Valley scenery.
• Travellers interested in geology, volcanic landscapes and geothermal experiences.
• Guests looking for a varied day that combines wildlife, sightseeing and swimming.

This experience combines road travel, a boat excursion, outdoor sightseeing and walking at the destinations. The itinerary can be adjusted to suit the interests and preferred pace of your private group, but the group must travel and participate together at each stop. Individual guests cannot arrange separate activities during the tour. At Olkaria Geothermal Spa, guests who prefer not to swim may sit and relax in the pool area while the rest of the group enjoys the swimming experience.

How to Book

Send us your preferred date and group details so we can check private vehicle availability and confirm the arrangements for the day.

• Preferred travel date.
• Number of adults and children.
• Your Nairobi hotel or pick-up location.
• Your preferred pick-up time between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, or any timing preference to discuss in advance.
• Whether you would like to request the optional overnight camping arrangement.

Please request overnight camping before booking the main package. Camping is subject to advance availability confirmation and cannot be booked during the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private or group-joining tour?

This is a private tour. Your group travels in a private vehicle with hotel pick-up and drop-off within Nairobi.

What is the price for one person?

The rate for one person is USD 600. Reduced per-person rates apply for groups of two to eight guests, as shown in the pricing table.

Are the entry fees included?

Yes. The package includes Crescent Island entry fees, Hell’s Gate National Park entry fees and swimming admission at Olkaria Geothermal Spa. It also includes the Lake Naivasha boat fees, driver/guide entry fees and vehicle entry fees at the included destinations.

Does the package include lunch?

No. Lunch, drinks, snacks and all other meals are excluded. There is an early lunch stop after the Crescent Island visit where you can purchase a meal at your own expense. The lunch stop and timing can be adjusted to suit your private group.

Will we see hippos on Lake Naivasha?

Lake Naivasha is known for its hippos and birdlife, and they are often seen during boat excursions. However, wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Hippos are observed from the boat and should never be approached.

What will we see at Crescent Island?

Crescent Island is known for its walking safari among free-roaming wildlife. Animals that may be seen include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and waterbucks, as well as a variety of birds. Sightings vary.

Can one person in the group opt out of an activity and do something else?

The group travels together and follows one shared itinerary throughout the tour. Individual guests cannot split away from the group to take separate activities. If one guest would prefer to do something different, please tell us when enquiring, before making a booking. We will advise whether a suitable alternative activity can be arranged for that person in advance, subject to availability and confirmation. This cannot be assumed or arranged after the booking has been made. If the group as a whole wishes to skip the Lake Naivasha boat ride, everyone can skip it and spend more time at Hell’s Gate instead.

Can someone stay out of the water while the rest of the group swims at Olkaria?

Yes. At Olkaria Geothermal Spa, a guest who does not wish to swim may sit and relax in the same pool area while the rest of the group enjoys the swimming experience. The group will remain together at the destination.

Does the Hell’s Gate visit include cycling?

No. Hell’s Gate entry is included, but bicycle hire, cycling, gorge activities, gorge guide charges, rock climbing and other optional experiences are not included. These can only be added if requested, available and separately quoted.

Can we swim in the hot water at Olkaria Geothermal Spa?

Yes. Swimming admission is included. The spa pools contain hot geothermal water, with temperatures controlled to make the water swimmable. Other spa services, treatments or additional activities are not included.

Can I add overnight camping?

Yes, overnight camping may be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability. You must request a camping quotation before booking the package so that availability can be confirmed and arrangements made in advance. Camping cannot be booked or added while on the trip.

What happens if one of the destinations is closed?

If an included destination or activity is closed or inaccessible, we will look for a suitable alternative where possible. This will depend on availability and operating conditions. Entry fees that have already been booked are non-transferable.

Can I receive a refund if I cancel?

Cancellations made at least 72 hours before the scheduled trip may qualify for a partial refund. Any approved refund will be reduced by applicable administration charges and costs already incurred or committed on your behalf. Entry tickets, park fees, activity fees, boat rides, spa admissions and other services already booked and paid for in advance are non-refundable. Any remaining refundable balance will be returned after these deductions. Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the trip are non-refundable. No refunds are provided for unused services, activities voluntarily skipped during the trip, late arrivals or no-shows. Entry fees already booked are non-transferable.

How long does the trip take, and what time do we return?

The trip generally takes around 6–8 hours and may take up to 10 hours depending on your pick-up time, traffic, weather conditions and how long your group spends at each stop. Pick-up is generally between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, with flexible timing agreed in advance. We recommend allowing at least 6 hours. If you prefer the shortest practical itinerary, we can organise a tighter schedule, subject to operating conditions.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit our private group?

Yes. We are flexible with private groups. Pick-up and drop-off timings and the itinerary can be discussed in advance. If your group prefers a slow morning or wants breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi, we can arrange a suitable start. The group travels together and follows one shared itinerary. If the whole group wishes to skip the Lake Naivasha boat ride, this can be arranged in advance and more time can be spent at Hell’s Gate. Individual guests cannot split away for separate activities. If a guest would like to do something different, please raise this before booking so we can advise whether a suitable alternative can be arranged, subject to availability; this cannot be arranged after booking.

Explore More Safari Packages

Looking for more safari adventures beyond this Naivasha experience? Explore our African safari packages across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and other exciting destinations. Visit our African Safari Tours page to view more safari packages and discover your next wildlife experience.