Hell’s Gate National Park: Hell’s Gate National Park is a stunning national park located in Nakuru county, Kenya and situated between lake Naivasha and mount longonot volcanoes. The park is ideal for wildlife viewing experiences and exceptional flora and birding. Hell’s gate national park is a real definition of a safari that will leave you stuck in nature for everlasting memories. For travelers looking to experience an African safari with a blend of heritage, hell’s gate national park is a big deal for everyone.
History of Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s gate national park is a 68.5 square kilometer park established in 1984 and named after its towering cliffs. It features the 25 meters dizzying Fischer’s tower that is a rugged mass of rock that is a remnant of the ancient volcano named after a German explorer Gustav Fischer who was in the park in 1883. Local Maasai community allege that the rock is a figure of a chief’s daughter who turned around against the dictates of the Maa tradition to take one last look at her home before leaving to be married
Attractions and activities at Hell’s Gate National Park
Wildlife viewing
Hell’s gate national park is a spot for viewing a number of wildlife species such as giraffes, eland, serval cats, hartebeest, leopards, gazelle and so much more animals.
Bird watching
The park is a destination for bird lovers with over 103 bird species. the park is a protected breeding area for the endangered Rüppell’s vultures and more birds such as white backed vulture, martial eagle, peregrine falcon, pied crow, Kenya rufous sparrow and much more.
Hiking the gorges
The Ol Njorowa gorge create a better place for hikers to do exercise on such a captivating feature of the park where you hike and view wildlife.
Rock climbing at Fischer tower
The rugged nature at hell’s gate gives opportunity for first time rock climbers to boost their muscles to take part in other hiking activities of any other hiking adventure. The Fischer tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
Geothermal spa
The park hosts the geothermal spa and the Ol Karia Geothermal Station and all products of power generation projects at Ol Karia where Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited owns and operates four Geothermal Power Plants. The spa is rich in minerals such as Sulphur and silica is believed to cure skin diseases and ailments. This is an ideal out of town plot to getaway and indulge in a wild swimming spree.
Nature walks
The park offers nature walk trails at Hobley’s Volcano and the Ol Basta Rock Tower and some scenic picnic sites at Lake View Point, Moibeni, the obsidian caves, Hell’s Kitchen and Kapartania View Point.
Cycling
The park has designated cycling routes at Elsa gate circuit and central tower circuit for cycling enthusiasts to explore the park’s scenery and encountering wildlife on two wheels.
How do I get there?
There are about two ways on how to get to hell’s gate national park to which is by Road transport and Air transport. The park has 2 main access gates, namely; Elsa Gate and Olkaria Gate.
By Road: the travel by road takes about 2 to 3 hours’ drive, take turnoff from the Nairobi-Naivasha high way
By Air: travelers book-chartered flights/domestic flights from Jomo Kenyatta airport to Naivasha airstrip or Wilson airport or Loldia airstrip to access hell’s gate park.
What are the costs for visiting Hell’s Gate National Park
Park entrance fees vary according to visitor category as follows; foreign non-Residents costs USD 50, foreign Residents costs KES 675 and East African residents costs KES 500.
What is the best time to visit?
Hell’s gate national park is never crowded but visited all year round with the best months for wildlife viewing, hiking and rock climbing starts in June to September and December to early march. While during April, may and October the rainy season calls birds and reptiles at water sources for a unique spotting.
Can a trip to hell’s gate national park be combined with another safari?
Yes! Hell’s gate national park safari can easily be combined with a visit to lake Naivasha national park since they are too close to each other and lake Naivasha has better accommodations for travelers.
Accomodations
There are camping options at hell’s gate national park, the park has three camping sites and these are Naiburta, Endachata and Olduvai where you sleep in the sounds of nature and an early morning sunrise. For Naiburta and Olduvai camp sites does not require prior booking and amenities like water, bathroom and kitchen are provided while Endachata camp is a special camp where only camping ground is provided and you reserve in advance and come along with personal travel effects.
For visitors who are not interested in camping, can get accommodations in Naivasha town and along Moi south lake road that are within reach of the park.
Final thoughts
Hell’s gate national park is a breathtaking and adventurous escape that offers authentic connection to nature through cycling, camping and hiking the dramatic cliffs and abundant wildlife. Travelers enjoy a real bliss of nature to the fullest.