Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate is one of Kenya’s smallest National Parks, but what it lacks in size is more than compensated for by its unusual features and charm.  Above ground the parks’ volcanic history is clearly visible in the form of towering ochre-colored cliffs, looming lava-rock towers, gorges and caves.  There is still evidence of the layer of volcanic ash that covered the surface of the park when Mt. Longonot last erupted around 100 years ago.  Below the surface, geothermal forces bubble and hiss, pushing hot water to the surface in the form of steam jets, geysers, hot springs and even hot waterfalls. The geothermal activity has been harnessed by three power stations, which together provide a sizable portion of Kenya’s electricity. 

Hell’s Gate is one of only two National Parks in Kenya where walking, hiking, climbing and even camping is not only allowed, but actively encouraged!  Hike the amazing gorges, climb the towering stone outcrops and enjoy discovering hot and cold waterfalls in this surprising corner of Kenya’s amazing Rift Valley.  Plan your visit today!

Activities in Hell’s Gate National Park

• Game Drives-While your game drive here in Hell’s Gate may be a little sedate compared to some of Kenya’s Big Five national parks, it is really wonderfully liberating to be able to leave your vehicle whenever you like to snap that perfect photo or stretch your legs.  The best time to set off to see the game is early morning and late afternoon, but there is always something to see whatever time of day you go.  The animals are remarkably habituated to vehicles and barely take any notice of visitors, which allows you to get really up close.
• Hiking-Hell’s Gate is a very popular hiking destination, and it’s close proximity to Nairobi (about 2 hours by road) make it ideal for weekend breaks from the city.  The Buffalo Circuit is a well-marked trail that starts near the main Elsa gate and rambles over the hills for about 14km before re-joining the main valley.  There are excellent views and usually plenty of wildlife to see along the way.
• At the southern end of the main Hell’s Gate gorge, close to the Central Tower, another walk descends into the Lower Gorge (Ol Njorowa)(Parts of this route can be quite dangerous particularly after rain when the rocks are slippery, and we recommend you hire a guide).  The approximately 2 hour walk through the gorge is amazing and in places the water-eroded walls are so close together at the top that they almost block out your view of the sky!  You will come across hot and cold waterfalls, hot water springs and very beautifully colored rock striations and formations.
• Rock Climbing-Rock Climbing is another popular adventure activity in Hell’s Gate National Park, and you can hire a guide and all the climbing gear you need onsite.  Most people tackle Fischer’s Tower, but you can also attempt Main Wall, a very steep cliff at the entrance to the gorge. 
• Cycling-Cycling is probably the most rewarding way to make your way through Hell’s Gate National Park.  Bicycles can be hired at the park and cycling will give you the opportunity to get really close to the very relaxed wildlife.   You can get all the information you need regarding the various cycling trails, including a park map, from the visitors Information kiosk at the main Elsa gate. 
• Bird Watching-Bird lovers will have a great time at Hell’s Gate! Birds in hells gate come in all sizes and shape numerous species of birds have made this picturesque park their home including some rather unusual ones such as the Maasai Ostrich, Verreaux’s Eagle, and the Lammergeyer. 
• Ol Karia Geothermal Power Station- this is a rather unusual activity for visitors to a National Park, but nonetheless it is a very interesting one.  Come and see how the massive underground thermal energy has been harnessed to help provide for Kenya’s ever-increasing need for electricity.
• Maasai Culture Centre-Come and get an insider’s look at the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai tribesmen who have lived in the Hell’s Gate region for hundreds of years. You can also buy some souvenirs from them. A visit to the village will give you a glimpse of their way of life
• Lake Naivasha-A visit to near-by Lake Naivasha will reward you with yet more excellent bird watching and a chance to take a boat trip out on the lake to see Hippos and Crocodiles.  Try to visit Crescent Island to see large numbers of Pelicans and Egrets and hear the plaintive call of the African Fish Eagles who breed on the island.

What to see at hell's gate

• The Wildlife-The resident wildlife includes the following animals: Zebra, Giraffe, Warthog, Buffalo, Several species of gazelle and antelope, Klipspringer, Hyrax Monkeys and Baboons, Civet Cats, Hyena, Cheetah, Lion and Leopard – very seldom spotted.
• Birds include the following: Maasai Ostrich, Hoopeo, Mottled, Swifts Sunbirds, Starlings, Peregrine Falcons, Verreaux’s Eagle, Steppe Buzzand, Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture)
• Central Tower and Fischer’s Tower – two volcanic lava plugs, over 25mt high
• Hell’s Gate gorge &The Obsidian Caves – the black glass-like rock here is the result of rapid cooling of the molten lava as it was submerged in water.

Where to stay at Hell Gate national park

Campsites-If you enjoy camping, there are a number of quite basic campsites in the park which have running water and pit-toilets.

Lake Naivasha lodges/resort-Sopa Resort, Simba Lodge, Taphe resort among others.