9 Day Hells Gate to Masai Mara Safari via Lake Nakuru

This 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari combines cycling in Hell’s Gate, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and four nights in the Masai Mara for the wildebeest migration.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

Overview

This 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari is a private road safari from Nairobi with 2 nights at Lake Naivasha, a day in Hell’s Gate National Park, 1 night at Lake Nakuru, 4 nights in the Masai Mara and a final night in Nairobi. The best season is July to October. Price on request. It suits active travellers, couples and migration seekers.

You travel in a 4WD Land Cruiser with an English or bilingual driver guide, on full board in 4-star rated lodges and camps, with a Lake Naivasha boat ride included.

Why choose a 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari?

Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few Kenyan parks where you can explore on foot or by bicycle past zebras, gazelles and warthogs, and walk into its gorges of cliffs and steaming vents. This safari pairs that active start with three full days in the Masai Mara during the wildebeest migration season, so you get adventure and big game in one trip.

Active travellers: cycling or walking in Hell’s Gate and a nature walk on Crescent Island.
Migration seekers: three full days in the Masai Mara, July to October.
Unhurried travellers: four nights in the Mara and a relaxed last night in Nairobi.

What to expect on the 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari

Day 1 starts with a meet-and-greet in Nairobi and a drive of about 2 hours to Lake Naivasha, stopping at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint. After lunch you take a boat safari on Lake Naivasha and a nature walk on Crescent Island, then spend the night at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort. Day 2 is a full day in Hell’s Gate National Park, on foot or by bicycle, with a guided gorge walk and a second night at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.

On day 3 you drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for lunch and an afternoon game drive looking for lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes and giraffes, with the night at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. Day 4 is a drive of about 5 hours to the Masai Mara and an afternoon game drive, with the first of four nights at Mara Leisure Camp.

Days 5, 6 and 7 are full days tracking the migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve, with picnic lunches on the plains and time at the Mara River. On day 8 you drive back to Nairobi for a free evening and the night at Argyle Grand Hotel, and on day 9 you transfer to the airport for your flight.

Is the Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari good for active travellers?

The Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari is a good choice for active travellers, because day 2 is spent walking or cycling in Hell’s Gate rather than sitting in a vehicle. The rest of the trip is classic game driving, so it also works for travellers who prefer a gentler pace. See our Great Migration month by month guide and our Lake Nakuru safari guide to plan your dates.

What is included in the Hells Gate and Masai Mara safari?

The safari includes a meet-and-greet and safari briefing, all transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser, 8 nights of accommodation, all park entry and conservation fees, full board meals, an English or bilingual driver guide, unlimited game drives on the itinerary, unlimited drinking water and a complimentary Lake Naivasha boat ride.

Not included are the Masai Mara hot air balloon safari (USD 500 per person), travel insurance, visas, international flights, tips (about USD 10 per person per day is suggested), drinks and personal items. Our Kenya safari cost guide explains what drives the price, and the 7 Days Sopa Lodges Circuit is a shorter option with Amboseli.

How much does the 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari cost?

Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size, the season and the lodges you choose, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a free tailor-made quote, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.

Safari Highlights

Walk or cycle among zebras and gazelles in Hell's Gate National Park
Guided walk through the Hell's Gate gorges
Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island nature walk
Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Three full days of wildebeest migration tracking in the Masai Mara
Final night in Nairobi at Argyle Grand Hotel

Day 01 :

Arrival - Lake Naivasha

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by a Divulge Adventures representative for a meet, greet, and safari briefing. Afterward, you will depart Nairobi for Lake Naivasha, which is approximately 2 hours away. There will be a stop to view the Great Rift Valley scenery as you proceed to Lake Naivasha.

You will check in for lunch, followed by afternoon relaxation. Later, set out for a boat safari at Lake Naivasha and a nature safari walk at Crescent Island. A boat ride at Lake Naivasha offers a peaceful escape with scenic views, diverse birdlife, and glimpses of hippos.

Glide across calm waters, enjoy fresh air, and experience the beauty of nature in this serene Kenyan destination. Later, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Day 02 :

Hell's Gate National Park

After your delicious breakfast, you will proceed to Hell’s Gate National Park, a remarkable destination famed for its dramatic landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities.

Unlike many other parks, Hell’s Gate offers a unique opportunity to explore nature on foot or by bicycle, allowing you to ride alongside grazing wildlife such as zebras, gazelles, and warthogs without the confines of a safari vehicle.

The park is renowned for its towering cliffs, rugged rock formations, and volcanic scenery that create an awe-inspiring backdrop throughout your adventure. You will also enjoy a guided walk into the stunning gorges, where narrow passageways, steaming vents, and sculpted sandstone walls reveal the area’s incredible geological history.

Hell’s Gate promises a refreshing, active, and immersive safari experience like no other. Afterwards, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Day 03 :

Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru National Park

After your delicious breakfast, you will check out and proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving by lunchtime approximately. Check in for lunch followed by afternoon relaxing. Later in the afternoon, we set out for an afternoon game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park.

As the sun begins to set, watch for sightings of the Big Four—lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, and grazing antelope. The golden hour offers perfect photography opportunities and a magical atmosphere. After an exhilarating safari experience, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Day 04 :

Lake Nakuru National Park - Masai Mara National Reserve

After a steamy, hot, delicious breakfast, set exit Lake Nakuru National Park for the Masai Mara Reserve, approximately a 5-hour drive. Check in at the camp by lunchtime. Later in the afternoon, head for an afternoon game drive.

The cooling air stirs wildlife into action—lions begin to hunt, elephants gather near waterholes, and herds of wildebeest move across the plains. The sky transforms into shades of orange and purple, creating a breathtaking backdrop for photography. It’s the perfect time to witness the Mara’s raw beauty and vibrant life come alive at dusk.

Later, dinner and overnight at Mara Leisure Camp

Day 05, 06, 07 :

Three Full Days Wildebeest Migration Safari Tracking at Masai Mara

Enjoy three full days of wildebeest migration safari tracking at the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, giving you plenty of time to explore its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Spot big cats hunting, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, and crocodiles preying on wildebeests crossing the Mara River.

Capture lion prides, impalas, topi, gazelles, and diverse bird species on camera. Picnic lunches are served in the vast plains, with an optional balloon safari offering breathtaking aerial views. This unforgettable experience is a key highlight of your Kenya Wildebeest Migration Safari, providing intimate encounters with the epic Kenya Wildebeest Migration Safari. Dinner and overnight at Mara Leisure Camp

Day 08 :

Masai mara National Reserve to Nairobi

Waking up to a melodious bird chirp, you will have a mouthwatering breakfast and check out from the hotel, and head to Nairobi. Arriving in the afternoon, you will spend the evening relaxing, shopping, or having a special dinner as per your own plans. Overnight stay at Argyle Grand Hotel

Day 09 :

Departure

After your breakfast, you will check out of the Hotel. Afterwards, you will be dropped off at the airport for your Outbound Flight.

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When is the best time for the 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari?

The best time for the 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari is July to October, the season shown on the trip page, when the wildebeest migration herds are usually in the Masai Mara. River crossings depend on the herds and are never guaranteed, but three full days in the reserve give you strong chances.

What is included in the 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari?

The Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari includes a 4WD Land Cruiser with an English or bilingual driver guide, 8 nights of accommodation on full board, all park and conservation fees, unlimited game drives on the itinerary, drinking water and a Lake Naivasha boat ride. Flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks and the USD 500 balloon safari are extra.

Where do you stay on the Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari?

On the Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari you stay 2 nights at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, 1 night at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, 4 nights at Mara Leisure Camp and the last night at Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi. We confirm each property in your written quote based on availability for your dates.

How fit do you need to be for the Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari?

The Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari needs only average fitness. In Hell’s Gate you can cycle or walk among the wildlife and take a guided walk in the gorges, which means some uneven ground. The rest of the trip is game driving. Tell us your group’s ages and fitness and we will adjust the Hell’s Gate day.

How do I book the 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari?

To book the 9 day Hells Gate to Masai Mara safari, send the enquiry form on this page, WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888 or email [email protected] with your dates and group size. The price is on request, so we reply with a written quote and lodge availability. Book early for July to October.