Lake to Lake Bike Ride
Cycle through Kenya's spectacular Great Rift Valley, connecting stunning lakes, wildlife reserves, and breathtaking landscapes on an unforgettable African cycling adventure.
Kenya's Great Rift Valley offers one of Africa's most rewarding cycling experiences, combining dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich local culture. The Lake to Lake Bike Ride takes you through some of the country's most scenic regions, linking together beautiful lakes, rolling countryside, volcanic terrain, and traditional communities.
This adventure provides a unique way to experience Kenya beyond the typical safari route. Travelling by bike allows you to immerse yourself in the landscape, interact with local people, and experience the changing scenery at a pace that few other forms of travel can offer.
From the shores of Lake Naivasha to the spectacular viewpoints of the Great Rift Valley, each day brings new scenery, wildlife encounters, and rewarding cycling through one of East Africa's most beautiful regions.
TRIP FACTS
Activity Type:
Bike Ride
Location:
Kenya (see location map here)
Duration:
6 Days
Accommodation:
Hotel and Tent
Difficulty:
Moderate
Max Altitude:
None
Food Choices:
Kosher, Veggie, Vegan, Nut Free, Lactose Free, Halal
Fitness Level:
Above Average
Grading:
None
Best Time to Climb:
Jan - Dec
WHY CHOOSE THE LAKE TO LAKE BIKE RIDE
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Spectacular Great Rift Valley scenery
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Unique combination of cycling and wildlife
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Beautiful lakes and diverse landscapes
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Opportunities for cultural interaction
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Fully supported adventure experience
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Excellent add-on option to a Kenyan safari
WHAT YOU WILL SEE & EXPERIENCE
The Lake to Lake Bike Ride takes you through the heart of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, one of Africa's most spectacular geographical features. Cycling routes pass through diverse landscapes including open plains, volcanic terrain, escarpments, farmland, forests, and lakeside environments.
Along the journey you'll encounter some of Kenya's most beautiful lakes, each with its own unique character. Lake Naivasha is famous for its birdlife and resident hippos, while other lakes in the region attract flamingos, pelicans, and a variety of wildlife.
One of the highlights of the ride is the opportunity to experience Kenya's natural beauty from a completely different perspective. Rather than observing the landscape from a vehicle, you'll ride through it, experiencing the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of rural Kenya first-hand.
The route also offers opportunities to visit local communities, enjoy spectacular viewpoints across the Rift Valley, and witness some of East Africa's most breathtaking scenery.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY
Our 6-day Lake to Lake Bike Ride showcases some of Kenya's most spectacular landscapes and natural attractions. Covering approximately 250km over 4 days of cycling, this adventure is ideal for beginner to intermediate cyclists looking for a rewarding challenge combined with incredible scenery, wildlife, and cultural experiences.
Lake Magadi
Located at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Magadi is one of Kenya's most unique natural wonders. This vast alkaline lake is famous for its striking landscapes, shimmering salt flats, and abundant birdlife.
During the dry season, much of the lake is covered by soda deposits, creating an almost otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else in East Africa. The lake is particularly well known for attracting large numbers of flamingos and other wading birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.
As one of the world's most significant saline lakes, Lake Magadi offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological forces that have shaped the Rift Valley over millions of years.
Mount Suswa
One of the most impressive highlights of the trip is the opportunity to explore Mount Suswa, a spectacular double-crater volcano rising to 2,356 metres above sea level.
The mountain's inner crater is covered by forest and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, antelope, hyena, and even leopard. The views across the crater and surrounding Rift Valley landscape are truly breathtaking.
The outer crater is home to traditional Maasai communities who continue to graze livestock on the fertile volcanic slopes. Visitors gain a unique insight into Maasai culture and their close relationship with this remarkable landscape.
Mount Suswa is also famous for its extensive lava cave system, believed to be one of the largest in East Africa. These caves provide shelter for large colonies of bats and are home to the famous "Baboon Parliament" – a cavern where troops of baboons gather each evening, creating one of the area's most fascinating wildlife spectacles.
Hell's Gate National Park
Few places in Africa offer the opportunity to cycle amongst wildlife, making Hell's Gate National Park one of the most memorable sections of the journey.
Located south of Lake Naivasha, the park is known for its dramatic scenery, towering cliffs, volcanic formations, deep gorges, and wide open plains. Unlike many other national parks, visitors can explore sections of Hell's Gate by bicycle, creating a truly immersive wildlife experience.
The park is home to zebra, giraffe, gazelle, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Highlights include the impressive Fischer's Tower, Central Tower, and the dramatic Hell's Gate Gorge.
The landscape is so iconic that it famously inspired many of the settings used in Disney's The Lion King, while scenes from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life were also filmed here.
Cycling through Hell's Gate offers a unique combination of adventure, wildlife, and scenery that is difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
ITINERARY
Arrival.
Drive to Lake Magadi
Minimum of 15 riders
What's included?
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1 night hotel stay in Nairobi
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2 support vehicles for the entire trip
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Mountain bicycles with helmets (Trek, Specialized, and Giant - with front suspension and wheel-size 26)
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3 riders (including one mechanic)
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2 professional first aiders
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Amref medical evacuation cover
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2 tourist police
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2 camp assistants
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Tented accommodation for cycling days with camping equipment
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Bottled mineral water for the entire trip
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All necessary camping/park fee where applicable
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All government taxes
