Hell’s Gate National Park- Guide to Wildlife Watching Kenya: 4×4 Africa
Hell’s Gate National Park lies south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, North West of Nairobi. Hell’s Gate National Park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley. It was established in 1984. A small national park, it is known for its wide variety of wildlife and for its scenery.
This includes the Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower columns and Hell’s Gate Gorge. The national park is also home to five geothermal power stations at Olkaria. The Hell’s gate national park is equipped with three basic campsites and includes a Maasai Cultural Center, providing education about the Maasai tribe’s culture and traditions.
Where does Hell’s Gate fit into your Kenya Safari Adventure?
The park is located 14 kilometres after the turnoff from the old Nairobi-Naivasha highway, and has a warm and dry climate. Olkaria and Hobley’s, two extinct volcanoes located in the park, can be seen as well as obsidian forms from the cool molten lava.Within Hell’s Gate is the Hells Gate Gorge, lined with red cliffs which contain two volcanic plugs: Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower. Off of Central Tower is a smaller gorge which extends to the south, with a path that descends into hot springs that have rocks hot enough to cause burns, and sulfuric water. If on Kenya Safari , a visit to Hell’s Gate National Park is recommended even on self drive adventures.
Safari activities in Hell’s Gate.
Hell’s Gate National park is a scenic national park in Kenya located in Naivasha about 2 hours’ drive from Nairobi the capital of Kenya, Hell’s Gate National park is a perfect destination to visit for 3 day Kenya safari due to the close proximity of the park to Nairobi.
Hiking Tour in Hell’s Gate National Park
Hiking is done with the help of local guides who will explain the history and nature of the park to you during the walk, the hike starts from the Ol-Njorwa Gorge and last for about 3 hours. Hiking gives you a chance to see the scenic landscape of the park and a few animals such as zebras, elands, hartebeests, Thomson gazelles, klipspringer antelopes and several bird species such as verreaux’s Eagles, augur buzzard and swifts among others. If your planning to do Mountaineering in Kenya , consider the hike in Hell’s gate and mount Kenya
Unlike other Kenya national parks, Hell’s Gate national park has a fewer dangerous wild animals which make it an ideal place for hiking and nature walk. When going for hiking and nature walk in Hell’s Gate national park, it is important to check the weather; these activities are best done during the dry season with no threats of flash flooding.
When it comes to self drive safaris in Africa, Kenya is among the best recommended destinations for Wildlife watching . Though Hell’s Gate national park is not listed among the best wildlife Kenya safari destinations, the park is a home to a reasonable population of wildlife including zebras, herds of buffalo, hartebeests, elands, Defassa waterbuck, olive baboons, and Maasai giraffe among others which you will enjoy watching during a game viewing safari.
Hell’s Gate National park is also a home to lions, leopards and cheetah, however they are hard to spot, if your a self drive adventurer, we recommend including a ranger guide to take you around the Park at an extra cost.
Game Drive in Hell’s Gate
Cycling in Hell’s Gate
Cycling at Hell’s Gate national park is an amazing experience like no other, cycling past grazing zebras and a giraffe among other animals is a great experience. The park has no wild cats making it one of the best places in Kenya to enjoy a biking tour in the wild.
For visitors who do not come with their bicycles, they can hire then at the Elsa Gate and before you ride the bicycle make sure it is comfortable for you. It is important to adjust if your seat is adjusted, the chain is ok and the tires are well inflated.
The best route to do cycling in Hell’s Gate national park is the Gorge road that goes all the way to Ranger’s post. This route has no traffic and it is basically downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back so make sure your legs are ready for the way back as you will need to push through the uphill.
While cycling make sure to get a guide to go with you as they are able to help you point in the right direction and know the places to avoid because of the animals such as buffaloes. The guides can also help you fix your bike issues in case you encounter one during your cycling expedition.
Hell’s Gate National Park is a stunning safari destination for travelers looking to explore the unique cultures and wildlife of Kenya. With its dramatic gorges, hot springs, and diverse wildlife, it provides the perfect backdrop for a cultural tour. From visiting local villages to learning about traditional customs and beliefs, this park offers an unforgettable safari experience for all visitors. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, Hell’s Gate National Park has something to offer everyone. Explore the rich history and culture of this unique region while also taking in some of the most breathtaking views in Africa.
Walking Safaris in Hell’s Gate
Picnic in Hell’s Gate National Park
Hells Gate National park is among the beautiful places in Kenya to have a picnic experience, the park has a beautiful picnic site found at the ranger’s post and another one at the bottom of Fischer’s Tower. While on your picnic experience, be care with your packed lunch as there are bold monkeys on the sites that can snatch your meals.
Where to stay?See lodges & Camps
4×4 Africa recommends that be ready for camping when you visit Hell’s Gate National park as there are no accommodations like hotels and lodges inside the park. Hell’s Gate has three camping sites:
- Endachata,
- Naiburta,
- Olduvai,
where you’ll fall asleep to the eerie sound of a hyena’s cackle and wake up early for a sunrise game drive. The camping here is rewarding, with clear blue sky during the dry season.
If your planning to stay in Lodges and styled accommodations , there are number of accommodations around Naivasha ranging from budget to luxury standards.
You can as well do camping at Lake Naivasha area and make a day trip to the park. Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort and Spa, Lake Naivasha Country Club and others
Best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is a beautiful and unique place to visit any time of the year. It offers an array of activities, wildlife, and scenery that can be enjoyed all year round. However, if you are looking to experience the best of what Hell’s Gate National Park has to offer, then the best time to visit would be during the dry season (June – October).
During this period, temperatures are milder and there is less chance of rainfall. This allows visitors to explore the park without any disruption from rain or extreme heat.
How to access Hell’s Gate National Park.
Self drive Safari in Kenya >>> This park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi (90kms) via Naivasha Town on the Lake Road South at a junction 5km south of Naivasha
4×4 Africa offers self drive safaris to Hell’s Gate National Park to explore the magical hell’s Gate which is not massively visited like the case for Masai Mara National Park.