Hells Gate National Park

Our only full day in Naivasha, we had some optional activities, but the main ones were cycling through Hells Gate National Park or doing a crater walk. The crater walk was appealing as you get to walk around the perimeter of a crater, overlooking the animals and wildlife within, while also looking out across Hells Gate National Park outside the crater. In the end, though, cycling is what we decide to do. It was one of the major activities I really wanted to do while on my tour, there was a good crew doing it, and it was a good bit of fitness. It took us a while to get started, however, and so the cycling didn't start until about 11 am. But it was really cool being able to cycle unrestricted through a national park and get up close and personal with Zebras, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Impala, and other cool animals. We cycled for a good hour or so before we got to the start of a walk we wanted to do. It was the inspiration for the Lion King movie. The main attraction, pride rock, was about a 3 hour hike away, but we wanted to save ourselves some time in the afternoon to relax and chill after a busy few days of the tour. As such, we selected the 2 hour hike to try to save us some relaxation time, but in the end, we probably could have done the 3 hour walk because the 2 hour tour was just over an hour. They must give those times for the slow tourists. But we were pretty ready to head home anyway by the end, so we jumped back on the bikes and headed for the exit. This time, we were fighting a slight incline on the way out, so it took a bit longer, but we still finished at a reasonable hour. We headed back and tried to chill, but some travel admin, chores, and organising ourselves occupied most of the evening. But it was still a great day and a chill afternoon as we tried to watch the rugby world cup semi finals that sent New Zealand to the final, which will take place next week. After this, we went back to the tents to sleep. A part from some annoying kids making a lot of noise, it was a good night.Read more