Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is located in the Nakuru County within Kenya’s Great Rift Valley Province near the shores of Lake Naivasha. It is located about 90 to 100 km northwest of Nairobi, depending on the route. This National Park is a shimmering jungle on the outskirts of Lake Naivasha along the Great Rift Valley, best known for its epic Kenyan safaris. This National Park covers only 68.25 km² (26.35 mi²), making it one of the smallest v. There are lots of interesting adventurous African safaris inside the Hell’s Gate National Park. Unlike most Kenya National Parks that are known for their large numbers of wildlife numbers, Hell’s Gate is popular for its towering basalt cliffs, steep gorges, and soaring volcanic rock formations like the Fischer’s Tower and the central Tower that dominate its landscapes.

This National Park sits within the Great Rift Valley – a place where visitors get a chance to witness the breathtaking views shaped by the millennia of volcanic activity. Further more this National Park is known for its geothermal activity, hosting one of the most significant geothermal sites in Africa, Okaria Geothermal Station. Beyond this, there are also a number of steaming events in the park. Visitors can visit the hot springs and geothermal wells, making their adventures her more unique and exciting.

For wildlife lovers, Hthis Park hosts a number of wildlife species including Zebras, giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, baboons, Hyraxes, hyenas, and different antelope species. This national park, unlike most Kenya National Parks, lacks top predators like lions and leopards which on the other hand allows for exciting safari activities like nature walking tours in Kenya, cycling safaris, and hiking. There are also 100 bird species recorded within the park.

 

History of Hell’s Gate National Park: Establishment & Management

Hell’s Gate National Park was established in 1984 by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The main reason for its creation was to preserve its unique volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity. The term ‘‘Hell’s Gate’’ was first coined by the explorers Fischer and Thomson, who passed through the narrow gorge in the Rift Valley and were struck by its stunning terrain. The Park was then named Hell’s Gate National Park, reflecting the geothermal steam vents, stark cliffs, and scorched earth features in the region.

As of today,  the management of this park is by the Kenya Wildlife Service, which is responsible for park operation, ranger patrols, and tourism regulation.

 

Activities and attractions in the Park: What to do in Hell’s Gate

Wildlife Viewing

Although unpopular on most Kenya wildlife safari bucket lists, this Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise boasting different wildlife species. About 50 mammal species and more than 100 bird species have been registered within the park boundaries. Seeing wildlife in the Park is as easy as breathing in since animals roam freely about the place, some sightings are along the walking trails on walking safaris and cycling safaris that bring visitors close to giraffes, zebras.

Among the common sightings are the Reedbucks, Klipspringers, lions, baboons, African buffalos, zebras, rhinos, serval, elephants, pythons, and elands. Discover the wild side of Kenya on your wildlife safari tour, visit Hell’s Gate National Park for a memorable experience.

 

Walking Safaris

A walking safari is an amazing way to watch wildlife and birds during a Kenyan Safari and this Park is undoubtedly the best place to relish the experience.  Walking on foot gives plenty of room for visitors to critically observe wildlife and behaviors and get to see different birds in the areas which are not car friendly. Small animals are more visible and crystal clear during the walking safaris in Hell’s Gate National Park.

Rock Climbing in Hell’s Gate National Park

There are impressive cliffs all over the Park, most of which were formed as are result of the volcanic activities in the surrounding places. Climbing the rocks is a fun activity with lots of wildlife around the climbers. From the cliffs are photogenic impressions, and far animals can be seen from a distance.

Cycling tours 

This National Park is one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can enjoy cycling adventures. There are bicycles for hire at the park. The cycling adventures are done on the well paved tracks around the park and are guided by aremed rangers. This is a must do activity in the park.

 

Visiting Olkaria Geothermal Station

Olkaria Geothermal Spa is one of the most exciting areas to visit around Hell’s Gate National Park. The hot mineral waters are good for skin treatment and improve immunity. Those interested in conversations with the locals around Hell’s Gate National Park can soak in the water, and the shuttering laughter will start.

 

Why Visit Hell’s Gate National Park

For visitors looking for something different, something beyond wildlife viewing, Hell’s Gate National Park is the best alternative for safaris in Kenya. Beyond wildlife viewing, Hell’s Gate National Park offers a number of exciting safari activities that are restricted or not permitted in top Kenya safari destinations like the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Safaris to this unique safari park allow visitors to get closer to nature on foot, exploring the park on guided nature walking safaris and hiking adventures. Visitors also get a chance to do cycling adventures around the park while having stop for wildlife viewing.

Safaris here go beyond walking safaris and climbing adventures, as you can also visit some unique features like the Olkaria geothermal spa, among others. Explore Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park on your Kenya safari adventure tour, Let us help you customize your journey.

 

How To Get To Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is much close to Nairobi city, about 90 km and can be reached by both air and road transport.

The drive from Nairobi to Naivasha takes between 1-2 hours using a 4×4 vehicle. Hell’s Gate National Park is just 5 km from Naivasha town.

Visitors using air transport can book a charter flight from Jomo Kenyatta Airport or Wilson Airport and land at Naivasha Airstrip which is near Hell’s Gate National Park.

The Best Time To Visit (Do A Safari At) Hell’s Gate National Park

Most Kenyan Safari experiences are best in between the months of June to September and December to February because of the dry season. During this time, the vehicles can move easily in less muddy roads and trails in the national parks. There is an advantage of stopping animals easily in grasslands when the grass is short. However, this National Park is visited all year round, even in the wet months.