2 Days / 1 Night – The Great Rift Valley Adventure Dash

Destination Overview

Located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is a stunning freshwater lake surrounded by yellow-barked acacia forests. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 400 species of birds and a massive population of resident hippos.

Just a stone’s throw away lies Hell’s Gate National Park. Do not let the name intimidate you; it is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk or cycle alongside giraffes, zebras, and gazelles, as there are no large predators in the park. With its towering basalt cliffs, dramatic gorges, and plumes of geothermal steam, it provided the artistic inspiration for Disney’s The Lion King. At Maudie Safaris, we curate this destination for those who want to mix wildlife viewing with physical activity and spectacular geology.

Preserving the Ecosystem

Lake Naivasha is a vital RAMSAR site (a wetland of international importance). However, it faces pressure from the surrounding floriculture industry. Maudie Safaris partners with lodges that implement strict water recycling and waste management systems.

Conservation here focuses on the Lake Naivasha Riparian Association, which works to protect the shoreline and the delicate balance between the lake’s water levels and the wildlife that depends on it. In Hell’s Gate, the coexistence of wildlife and green energy is showcased through the Olkaria Geothermal plants, a model for how Kenya is leading Africa in renewable energy. Your visit supports the continued protection of this unique “predator-free” corridor.