Hell’s Gate National Park – Facts & Things to Do

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Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable section of the Great Rift Valley. The intense geothermal activity within its boundaries makes it one of the most atmospheric yet spectacular safari parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is popular for its abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery, and close proximity to Nairobi. It is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi, where visitors can enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, and a natural spa. This guide will therefore help you plan a memorable trip to Hell’s Gate National Park.

Hell's Gate National Park at a Glance

Hell’s Gate National Park is located south of Lake Naivasha in the district of Nakuru, northwest of Nairobi. Despite its relatively small size, it is popular for a varied range of wildlife and spectacular scenery, including Fischer’s Tower, the Central Tower columns, and Hell’s Gate Gorge. Hell’s Gate derives its name from a narrow opening in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake. It was established in 1984 and also inspired “The Lion King.”

The park features three basic campsites and a Maasai Cultural Center that is dedicated to teaching Maasai culture and traditions. Don’t expect an intense game drive in Hell’s Gate National Park as you would in the Masai Mara plains because it is not a place to sight dangerous wildlife like the big five. This makes it an ideal destination for on-the-ground activity-based wilderness adventures.

Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few parks in Kenya that allows animal sightings while cycling or on foot without an official guide. Camping is also encouraged within the park.

Animals in Hell's Gate National Park

Prominent wildlife in Hell’s Gate National Park is mainly plains game and occasional herds of buffalo. African buffalo, Hyraxes, hartebeest, eland, Thomson’s gazelle, zebra, hyena, and baboons are also common, as are small numbers of Klippspringer antelope, serval, and Chanler’s mountain reedbuck. The park hosts more than 103 species of birds, including augur buzzards, vultures, swifts, and Verreaux’s eagles.

You can stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant after an active morning of hiking or biking and enjoy the local Kenyan cuisine. Trips to the nearby Crescent Island and Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru are special arrangements unless they are part of your safari package.

Things to do in Hell's Gate National Park

1. Hiking

Hell’s Gate National Park is an ideal place for nature lovers who take the opportunity to follow nature trails and get close to a wide range of animals grazing. With the help of a ranger guide, they can explore the park’s exotic gorges, cut into the rock over eons by the steady passing of water. A special feature is the Hell’s Gate Gorge, which inspired “pride rock” from the Disney movie “The Lion King.” The filmmakers came to the park to study this formation, which they would replicate in their film.

2. Mountain biking

Cycling is a great and unique way to experience and appreciate the richness of this remarkable gem. Visitors have the opportunity to see wildlife such as antelope, zebra, and other foraging animals, or they can take the “buffalo circuit” to view giraffes and the nearby Longonot volcano.

3. Climbing

Climbing Hells Gate

Fisher’s Tower and Central Tower are extinct volcanoes with perfect rock walls for challenging your climbing abilities. You’ll need a guide for this activity, but it’s easy and rewarding at the end of the day.

4. Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide

This is a camouflaged viewing platform with a one-way window, which allows viewers to get close to the many raptors in the park for photography or otherwise.

5. Ol Karia Geothermal Spa

Olkaria-Geothermal-Spa-Kenya

This is the largest natural spa on the continent and has been described as an “endless bathtub”. The water that enters the geothermal spa is warm and all-natural, free of any chemicals or treatments, and it is a rich source of many natural minerals, including sulfur and silica. Geothermal technicians constantly monitor the lagoon temperatures to maintain comfortable water temperatures for swimmers. Relaxing is healthy after a day of hiking and biking.

Best time to visit Hell's Gate National Park

Best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park is in the dry months from June to October. The dry climate creates the ideal conditions for hikers and cyclists to enjoy the wildlife wonders of the park, while the sparse vegetation means animals can be easily seen. The heavy rains of the wet season months (March, April and May) can interfere with your activities. However, Hell’s Gate is open and offers both hiking and cycling activities throughout the year.

How to get to Hell's Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate is located northwest of Nairobi, about 100 km (62 mi) away, and west of Naivasha, about 18 km (11 mi) away. Most people visit the park as a day trip from Lake Naivasha, as there is no accommodation. Naivasha is accessed by car via a tar road from Nairobi.

There are daily flights to the Loldia airstrip on the western side of Naivasha. Getting to Nairobi is easy, as this is one of the biggest transport hubs on the continent. International flights arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Nairobi.

Where can I stay in Hell's Gate NP?

Most visitors come to Hell’s Gate National Park for day trips and choose to stay in lodgings on the outskirts of the park, close to Lake Naivasha. Those who decide to stay within the park are campers who have the choice of three well-maintained campsites. Naivasha is a convenient stopover between Nairobi and the Masai Mara. The distance from Naivasha to the Masai Mara is 170 km (105 mi), and the driving time is about 3½ hours.

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