2 Days Mount Longonot Hike, Lake Naivasha, and Hell’s Gate Safari

Explore Kenya’s spectacular Great Rift Valley on this 2-day adventure combining mountain hiking, scenic landscapes, cycling, and wildlife experiences. This short adventure is ideal for travelers looking for an active escape from Nairobi without spending several days on the road. Hike to the rim of Mount Longonot for panoramic views, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, and discover the dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal features of Hell’s Gate National Park. 

This Kenya adventure tour offers an exciting mix of outdoor activities, natural beauty, and wildlife with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and walking safaris. 

Day 1: Nairobi to Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha

Our tour begins with an early morning pickup from Nairobi. We drive towards the Great Rift Valley, stopping along the escarpment viewpoint to admire the vast valley, rolling hills, and surrounding landscapes. We then continue through Mai Mahiu to Mount Longonot National Park, where the guided hike begins.

The trail climbs through rugged volcanic terrain to the crater rim, covering approximately 3.1 km from the park gate. For a more challenging experience, you can complete the 7.2 km circuit around the crater rim, enjoying breathtaking views of the volcanic crater, Rift Valley plains, and Lake Naivasha. You may also spot Hell’s Gate National Park and the geothermal steam rising from the Olkaria area. After the hike, we descend to the park gate and continue to Lake Naivasha.

Depending on the time available, you can choose between two options:

Option 1: Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island

If time allows, we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. The lake is known for its hippos and abundant birdlife. Then we continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari, where we can observe wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a scenic lakeside setting. Later, transfer to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Option 2: Relax at the Lodge

After the Mount Longonot trek, we head straight to the lodge to relax, enjoy the surroundings, and prepare for the following day's activities. With this option, the Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island safari will take place on Day 2.

Day 2: Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park to Nairobi

After breakfast, we head to Hell’s Gate National Park for an active morning exploring one of Kenya’s most distinctive landscapes. The park is famous for its towering cliffs, volcanic rock formations, deep gorges, and geothermal activity.

We enjoy a cycling safari in Hell’s Gate National Park, riding through open plains where zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and other wildlife may be seen along the route. Continuing to the gorge area for the guided walk, we discover narrow passages, dramatic rock formations, and the park’s striking geological features. The cycling and gorge excursion takes approximately four hours, depending on conditions and access.

If you selected Option 2 on Day 1, we head over to Lake Naivasha after the Hell’s Gate tour. Here we spend the better part of the afternoon exploring the Lake on boat and enjoying a walking safari on Crescent Island before proceeding to Nairobi. 

After completing your excursions, begin the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.