Visiting Hell’s Gate National Park

Visiting Hell’s Gate National Park: Hell’s Gate National Park covers an area of 68.25 square km and is situated in the environs of Lake Naivasha about 90 km from Nairobi, and lies south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya. Hell’s Gate National Park is 14 km after the turnoff from the old Nairobi-Naivasha highway 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 is known for its wide variety of wildlife and for its scenery. Though relatively compact, Hell’s Gate National Park is home to diverse wildlife. Some of the mammals spotted here include lions, cheetahs, leopards, African buffalo, elands, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, hyenas, and baboons among others. The park is also home to servals, and small numbers of klipspringer antelope and Chanler’s mountain reedbuck as well as over 100 species, with notable residents such as Rüppell’s vulture, Verreaux’s eagle, augur buzzards, and secretary birds.

Best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park

The best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These months offer warm, sunny, and dry weather, perfect for hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. While the park is accessible during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November), some trails may be harder to navigate, although the landscape becomes lush and green.

What are the tourist activities to do while on a safari in Hell’s Gate National Park?

Game viewing

Visiting Hell’s Gate National Park offers a unique chance to experience wildlife in a stunning natural setting. Early mornings are particularly great for game viewing, as this is when the animals are most active. During your adventure, you might catch sight of eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, giraffe, Kirk’s dik-dik and steenbok, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African buffalo, zebra, spotted hyena, klipspringer, antelopes, olive baboon, impala, wild dog, stripped hyena, black-backed jackal, servals, chanler’s mountain reedbuck and many more.

While most of the wildlife here is relatively safe, it’s important to remember that buffaloes are part of the “Big Five” and can be unpredictable. For this reason, it’s advisable to have an armed guide accompany you on your game drive. They will help ensure your safety while enhancing your experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the beauty of the park and its wildlife.

Nature walks

One of the most enjoyable ways to see Hell’s Gate National Park is by going on a guided walking safari. This experience lets you stroll through the park, taking in all the beautiful details around you. As you walk, you’ll get a chance to appreciate the park’s unique environment. Keep your eyes peeled; you might spot various animals, from small creatures to larger ones like Cheetahs, African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, giraffe, Kirk’s dik-dik and steenbok, impala and wild dog among others. It’s a great way to enjoy nature up close.

Visit to the hot springs

One of the highlights of Hell’s Gate National Park is the natural hot springs. These warm pools come from the geothermal energy in the region. You can take a soothing dip in the waters and unwind while soaking in the stunning scenery around you.

Hiking

Hiking is the top choice for visitors at Hell’s Gate National Park, making it a fantastic option for anyone seeking an adventurous safari experience in Kenya. This activity allows guests to take in the park’s beautiful scenery up close.

It’s a great way for families to explore together, and hiring local guides enhances the experience since they share stories about the park’s history and wildlife. The hike begins at Ol-Njorwa Gorge and typically lasts about three hours, offering plenty of time to appreciate the stunning surroundings.

Cycling excursions

Cycling at Hell’s Gate National Park is an exciting experience that you shouldn’t miss out on. It’s one of the few places in Kenya where you can ride your bike in a national park. When you arrive, you can rent a bicycle at Elsa Gate. It’s a good idea to take a guide with you. They can show you the best routes and help keep you safe from wildlife like buffaloes, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Visiting Hell’s Gate National Park
Cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park

Visit the Olkaria Geothermal Spa

 The Olkaria Geothermal Spa is located just near the park and is one of the two areas to visit while here. This Geothermal Spa offers a unique wellness experience to both tourists and locals as many go there to soak in hot mineral water pools.

Camping

Camping at Hell’s Gate National Park offers a special chance to sleep beneath the stars, making your safari in Kenya unforgettable. This experience allows you to truly feel the beauty of a night in the African wilderness. The park has several spots where you can set up your tent. While you’re there, you can gather around a bonfire, listen to the gentle sounds of nature, and wake up to the vibrant sights and sounds of various birds and wildlife.

Bird watching

Hell’s Gate National Park boasts over 100 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. During your bird-watching tour, you will have the chance to spot a wide range of birds such as Verreaux’s eagle, the Lammergeyer, Ruppel’s griffon, hooded vultures, Chanler’s Mountain Reedbuck, vulture, eagles and augur buzzard among others.

Where to stay Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park offers diverse accommodation options that cater to various preferences, from budget camping to luxury lodges. Hell’s Gate has three camping sites: Endachata, Naiburta, and Olduvai camping site. Although no lodges are located directly within the park, numerous choices are available in the surrounding Lake Naivasha area, just a short drive away. Some of the accommodation facilities here include Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort and Spa, and Lake Naivasha Country Club among others

How to access Hell’s Gate National Park

To access Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya, you can travel by road or air

By road

Take the A104 uplands Road from Nairobi to Naivasha, then the Moi South Lake Road to Lake Naivasha. The drive is about 100 kilometers (62 mi) northwest of Nairobi and takes about 2 hours.

By air

Fly from Nairobi’s Wilson airport to Naivasha airstrip, then drive the 17 miles to the park. There are a few daily flights, but they are expensive

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