No trip to Africa is complete without a safari experience. Nairobi, Kenya is an ideal base for exploring the beauty of eastern Africa. Spy hundreds of bird species and animals on a boat tour in Nairobi.

Watch African fish eagles diving beneath the waters and hippos poking their heads above the surface of Lake Nakuru or Naivasha.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor experiences in Nairobi.

What are the most popular boat tours in Nairobi?

Set out on more than just a boat ride in the many national parks and natural areas near Nairobi.

Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha tours

Venture into the astounding Rift Valley to Hell’s Gate for an ultimate African day trip. It’s one of the only locales where you can explore on bike or on foot while searching for wildlife. After a safari hike, head to Lake Naivasha for a guided search for water-dwelling animals.

Mount Longonot hike plus boat tour

Relaxing on a cruise on Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru is a wonderful treat after trekking to the peak of Mount Longonot.

The extinct volcano hosts a forest within its crater, and a hike of 8.5 kilometers can take you there. After a 3- to 4-hour hike, rest your legs on a boat as a guide helps you see some of the lakes’ inhabitants.

Lake Nakuru National Park tours

A boat tour on Lake Nakuru is a must-do for bird lovers. Spy flamingoes, pelicans, spoonbills and grebes as you float by. To take full advantage of your visit, book a tour that also includes a game drive.

In a customized safari vehicle, guides lead you to sightings of hippos, zebras, giraffes, rhinos and other creatures.

How much do boat tours in Nairobi cost?

Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha tours cost from US$60 to US$155. Lower-cost tours do not include park entry fees, boat tours or lunch. Park entry costs US$60 per person. Additional costs are US$25 per person for boat rides and US$17 per person for bike rental.

Mount Longonot summit hikes plus Lake Naivasha boat tours cost US$130 per person for a basic tour and US$245 per person for packages including lunch, entry fees and boat ride.

Lake Nakuru National Park tours cost from US$110 per person to US$200 per person, depending on the duration of the tour and whether entry fees and boat ride are included in the price.

What will you see on a boat tour from Nairobi?

Wildlife

During your cruise, game drives or hikes, you may spy quintessential African animals such as giraffes, hippos, zebras, impalas, rhinos and a multitude of bird species.

Lake Naivasha

This high-altitude lake sits in the Great Rift Valley and is an ideal habitat for the valley’s resident hippos and birds. Watch locals fish the waters, and take in views of the mountains and volcanic rock formations that surround the lake.

Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru is also located in the Rift Valley. Its waters support populations of flamingos, black and white rhinos and baboons.

Great Rift Valley

Spanning from the Middle East to Southeastern Africa, the Great Rift Valley is 6,000 kilometers of natural wonders. An area of high volcanic activity, look for hot springs, geysers and dormant volcanoes. Its fertile soils create habitats for some of Africa‘s most famous animals.

Crescent Island

Featured in the 1985 movie “Out of Africa,” this private island park is one of the best places in the area to view animals. It sits in Lake Naivasha, and no predators live here.

How long does a boat trip last?

Boat rides last from 30 to 60 minutes. However, with the other activities on the tours, expect to spend from 6 to 11 hours on a tour. Most tours last around 8 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

All boat tour packages in Nairobi include pickup and drop-off at hotels within Nairobi’s central business district.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Nairobi?

The best time for a boat trip in Nairobi depends on what you would like to see. For the best birding, take a tour after the end of the rainy season in May. For other wildlife viewing, the dry season is ideal and lasts from June to October.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Nairobi?

Travel tips

Wear clothing suitable for an active day.
Pack snacks, water and lunch for tours that do not include food and drink.
Some tours stop at restaurants for lunch at your own expense.
Carry both cash and credit card, as certain fees only accept one or the other.

Boat Tours in Nairobi