Hell’s Gate National Park
Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley with spectacular sceneries including the towering cliffs, stark rock towers, water-gouged gorges, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam. An ideal destination for a day trip from Nairobi where, in addition to the bio-diversity that includes raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.
The park got its name from the most impressive feature in the Park that is the Ol Jorowa Gorge, which runs through the middle of the park, this gorge formed the overflow of Lake Naivasha between lower and middle Cambrian times. Garzetted 1984 and covers an approximate area of 68.25sqkm.
Activities in Hell’s Gate National Park
Game Drives
Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the most captivating Parks to visit, however small in size it is, It has one of the most beautiful and diverse natural resources in Kenya. It has a variety of wildlife and it is covered by short savannah grasslands. Among the wildlife include Thomson’s gazelle, spotted hyenas, antelopes, klipspringer, Olive baboon, Impala, Wild dogs, stripped hyenas, black – backed jackal, mountain reedbuck, chandler and serval.
Cycling
This Park boosts of being the only national park in Kenya that offers cycling experiences. This begins at the gate as you navigate all the way through the park while enjoying a close encounter with these mammals.
Nature walk and Hiking Safaris
Hiking in this park is mind-blowing activity ideal for visitors who are looking for an adventure. This activity offers tourists an opportunity to explore the Scenic landscape of the park and it is done with the help of local guides who explain to you the history and nature of the park during the walk. The hike starts from Ol-Njorwa Gorge and it lasts for about 3 giving you a chance to see some animals up close such as zebras, elands, Thomson gazelles, hartebeests, klipspringer antelopes and several bird species like Verreaux’s Eagles, augur buzzard and swifts among others. However, the fact that Hell’s Gate national park has a fewer dangerous wild animals, this makes it an ideal place for hiking and nature walk.
Birding
Hell’s Gate National Park is a birder’s Haven with over 103 bird species. These birds can easily be spotted on the cliffs and mostly spotted during the rainy season since it’s their nesting period.
Nature Walk
This is walks on foot as you visit numerous corners of the park as per your guide. You will visit Obsidian cave, Fischer’s tower, and central tower and May more which are amazing to look at. You will visit Obsidian cave, more which are amazing to look at.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Hell’s Park is from June all through March as this is the dry season. The park is open throughout the year though in the wet season, game viewing is difficult as all the roads and trails are impassable.
How to Get to Hell’s Gate National Park
Easily accessed by both road and air transport means.
By Road, you will drive from Nairobi via Naivasha town on the lake road junction 5km south of Naivasha town.
By Air, you will use a scheduled flight from either Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport landing at Naivasha International Airport.
Hell’s Gate Entry Gates
The park can be accessed through 2 main gates which are;
Elsa gate
Olkaria gate
Accommodations in Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park has no established Accommodations since most of its visitors are excursionists however, it has a few camping areas where one can rest and relax for the night and they include Naiburta, Endachata and Olduvai. For those who wish to have luxury, mid-range or budget accommodations can stay within and around Lake Naivasha.