Hell’s Gate National Park

Attention proud, bike-loving Dutchies: Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few parks where you can cycle through! Get ready for magical views from your saddle in a Lion King-style setting.

A little geography lesson in Hell’s Gate National Park

Let’s take a trip back in time: how does a unique landscape like Hell’s Gate National Park, teeming with wildlife, come to exist? The oddly shaped rock formations and steep cliffs owe their looks to ancient volcanic activity and even a volcanic eruption. These days, there’s still volcanic activity beneath the surface, but luckily you won’t notice a thing as you leisurely cycle through the park.

Cycling past zebras, giraffes, and antelopes

We’re off on an adventure in the only wildlife park where you can bike in East Africa: Hell’s Gate National Park! Picture zebras jogging alongside you and a dozen pumbas happily wagging their tails as they move around. How amazing is it to cycle past a giraffe munching on its lunch from a tree, or spot a herd of wildebeests, buffaloes, or baboons just across the road? For seven kilometres, you cycle through the valley that inspired that one scene from The Lion King, where Mufasa gets trampled by a herd of stampeding wildebeests. Along the way, you swap the dark red rock formations and savannah for a deep canyon formed by ancient lava rivers. This is where your hike begins, taking you past various hot springs before you scramble back up and start your journey back.

Super photogenic

After a bike ride or self-drive through the valley, you’ll arrive at the famous gorge: Hell’s Gate. This gorge was formed by two extinct volcanoes and their lava rivers. You can walk right through it. If you’re after more of a challenge, you can climb the standalone rock face in the Hell’s Gate Valley.

Hell’s Gate National Park Combinations

Hell’s Gate National Park is a great addition to a visit to Lake Naivasha, and it’s only a two-hour drive from Nairobi. Lake Naivasha is perfect for a boat safari, where you’re guaranteed to spot plenty of hefty hippos. Another active option in the area is hiking Mount Longonot. You can reach the summit in about two hours, and once you’re there, if you still have some energy left and have wiped the sweat from your brow, you can walk around the crater rim. From the summit, you’ll have a stunning view over the magical Great Rift Valley landscape and the nearby Lake Naivasha.

From camping next to the monkeys to comfortable rooms

Halfway down the dusty but paved road to Lake Naivasha, you’ll find Camp Carnelly, now the most well-known spot in the area. It’s slightly hidden behind large cacti and other greenery, but once you turn onto the side road, the camp opens up in front of you. Think fresh, fun, clean, spacious, and colourful. It has an African vibe with a Western twist in terms of comfort. The luxury couple bandas are spread across the site, giving you the feeling of having your own little spot in the middle of nowhere. A proper double bed, a clean bathroom, and a mosquito net for protection. For backpackers, there’s a dorm surrounded by green ferns and tall trees. Finally, there’s a large campsite next to the water where there’s always space for your tent. Monkeys swing through the trees here, and now and then, a big, puffing hippo swims right by.

The best Feta-samosas and pizzas

Time to relax! Sink into the colourful cushions, chill with a book while enjoying your meal – this is exactly what the Lazybones restaurant & bar is perfect for. The time of day doesn’t matter; at any moment, you’ll find someone here kicking back, nibbling on the best pizza in Kenya. The local expats are often found here for a Tuskers after work or a tasty feast over the weekend. The rest of the seats are taken by guests who simply don’t want to leave. Everything on the menu sounds delicious, making it hard to choose.

Tip: go for the feta cheese and coriander samosas as a snack. Delicious and ultimate!

Hippo-spotting on the lake

Spotting a hippo just five metres away? Easy. In a rickety boat, you’ll head out with a local guide, though often, you only need to listen to the noisy, yawning animals to locate them. Sometimes, they’re too shy to make eye contact, and all you’ll see are their cheeky little ears poking above the water. Look out for the low-flying pelicans trying to catch a fish from the water. There are so many different bird species here – bird lovers, this is your paradise! Don’t forget to keep an eye on the banks, where you might spot giraffes, waterbucks, and buffaloes hanging out!

Unique & Authentic Experiences

Come with us to the authentic sides of Africa. That means authentic connections with local people and keeping a curious eye for the unknown.

Kenya

Kenya Mighty Nature, the Big Five, and vibrant kenyan tribes

Kenya is for the traveler who wants to experience it all. Enjoy motorcycle adventures in Magadi, spot zebras from the back of a horse, or climb the rock walls of Mount Kenya.

Uganda

Tarzan jungles, green cityscapes and mountain gorillas

From gorilla trekking to a motorbike ride past temples and mosques in green Kampala. Uganda has been crowned the Pearl of Africa for a reason. Ready to discover it for yourself?

Botswana

Salt pans, mokoro boat trips and endless savannahs

Safari paradise with a slightly more luxurious edge. Explore the Okovango Delta in a boat made of a hollowed-out tree trunk, spot the big five from the air (!) and come face to face with rhinos.

1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Maasai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

3. You decide

So, what are you in the mood for? We'll custom-tailor the entire trip to your wishes. And you can count on us along the way, even at night.

4. Travel responsibly

While you enjoy your dream trip, you'll be contributing to the development of local communities, economies, and the environment. That feels good!