4 days (not including air travel)
Trek through spectacular volcanic terrain as you enter the ‘gates of hell’ that provide heavenly sights and adventures of the Great Rift Valley. This short break will take you through a range of trekking options from gentle hill walking through game rich ranges to high altitude ascents. Hell’s Gate National Park boasts a spectacular series of volcanic features including lava flows, volcanic plugs, steep volcanic cliffs and a deep winding gorge that are like entering the gates of hell! Mount Longonot is a bulging volcanic mountain renowned for its magnificent crater. The hikers’ trail meanders around the crater rim at an altitude of 2760m above sea level. It provides a panoramic view of the great expanse of open plains on the floor of the Rift Valley on all sides, the imposing eastern and western escarpments and Lake Naivasha, the Rift Valley’s largest fresh water lake.
From the Rift Valley, we head southwest to Maasailand where we meet and interact with a people that have faithfully preserved their unique culture for generations. While here, we shall walk with Maasai warriors, learn about their culture and make a traditional campfire.
Day 1: Nairobi-Lake Naivasha/Hell’s Gate
From Nairobi, drive for two hours to Hell’s Gate National park for an exhilarating hike down the gorge. The gorge that the park derives its name from is a product of the powerful volcanic activities that led to the formation of the Great Rift Valley. The gorge baffles and awes explorers and it is said to resemble ‘hell’ hence the name Hell’s gate. There are soaring lava cliffs, steaming volcanic vents and hot springs. A number of wild animals dot the park which is home to the rare Klipspringer, ostrich, waterbuck, impala, buffalo and warthogs. Camp overnight near Lake Naivasha.
Accommodation: Camping in 3-man dome tents with foam mattresses but bring your own sleeping bag. An experienced safari cook will prepare your meals. Most camping space will be provided in public campsites with shared hot showers, toilets. The camps are broken down before departure to the next destination.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Mount Longonot/Lake Naivasha
Drive to the base of Mount Longonot and climb up the mountain. The trek to the peak (2,800m above sea level) is about 9 km long and some sections of the trail are quite steep, so much so that the round trip from the park gate to the peak and back takes about 5 hours of hiking. More energetic hikers can circumnavigate the crater for another 2 hours.
Accommodation: Camping in 3-man dome tents
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Lake Naivasha/Maji Moto
Morning boat ride to Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha for a game walk. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, famed for its prolific birdlife, including fish eagles, pelicans and love birds. Hippos can also be spotted. It covers an area of 180 square km and an elevation of 1800m above the sea level.
The game walk will be on Crescent Island, a peninsula on the eastern shore of Lake Naivasha that is a privately owned game sanctuary that hosts giraffes, waterbucks, elands, zebras and impalas. There are also several species of birds here. The walk is gentle and offers ample time to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
Return to our camp, pack up and depart for the drive via the Maasai town of Ewaso Nyiro to Maji Moto, a remote Maasai village. ‘Maji Moto’ is a Swahili word that means ‘hot water’ and the place derives this name from the nearby hot springs. The Maasai people live as they have done for centuries in a traditional and sophisticated culture. At this camp, you will be able to meet with your hosts who will introduce you to a host of cultural activities that offer insight into their fascinating culture and lifestyle.
In the evening we visit the traditional Maasai village under the guidance of a local Maasai guide that has elaborate knowledge regarding the traditional medicine, cultural activities and way of life of the Maasai. During school term, we’ll visit the local school to donate school supplies. You’ll have dinner around the traditionally made campfire that you will have a chance to participate in making.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Maji Moto
Morning hike up the Maji Moto hills led by local Maasai warriors as guides. As we walk, we cannot miss great sightings such as gazelle, impala, zebra and wildebeest. In the afternoon we return to our camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Nairobi
After bidding farewell to our Maasai hosts, we leave for the return journey to Nairobi.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch