A Guide To Hell’s Gate National Park

Hells Gate National Park is south of Lake Naivasha, northwest of Nairobi. The park is accessible by road from Nairobi (90km) through Naivasha on the lake road south at a junction five kilometers south of Naivasha.  It can also be reached by air through the Naivasha airstrip.

Despite its name, the 68km square is an ideal family getaway from Nairobi or a stop-over en route to Lake Nakuru or the Masai Mara. Hells Gate National Park is famous for its natural hot geysers and as an eagle and vulture breeding ground. The major attractions are game viewing, raptors resting on cliffs, spectacular gorge walks, hot springs, scenic landscapes, and the geothermal power station.

Quick Facts About Hell’s Gate National Park

Here is a List of Facts about Hell’s Gate National Park

  • Altitude: 1,560-2,187 m above sea level.
  • Area: 68 sq km.
  • Location: Nakuru District, Rift Valley Province.
  • Distance from Nairobi: 100 km north-west of Nairobi.
  • Opened: February 1984.
  • Climate: January- March hot and dry. April-June hot and wet. July-October is very warm and dry. November and December are warm and wet.
  • Vegetation: Mainly grassland and shrub (dominated by Leleshwa and several varieties of acacia).
  • Wildlife: Eland, buffalo, lion, giraffe, zebra, leopard, impala, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, klipspringer, hyrax and mountain reedbuck.
  • Birds: More than 100 species of birds have been recorded including numerous rare birds.
  • Prehistory: Hell’s Gate is believed to be the outlet of a prehistoric freshwater lake, which once stretched to Nakuru, and on whose shores several early human communities are believed to have lived.
  • Special interest: Hell’s Gate National Park has been designated a World Heritage Site and enjoys global protection as one of the most unique natural sites on Earth.
  • Roads: The roads of the main Park circuit are accessible all year round with 2WD. 4WD is required to tour some of the less traveled circuits.
  • Visitor note: There is a KWS (official custodians of the Kenya National Parks & Reserves) retail outlet at Elsa Gate where you can obtain water, maps of the Park, and a wide range of gifts and souvenirs.
  • Activities: rock climbing, mountain biking, trail hiking, bird watching, walking and nature trails.

About Hells Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is a national park situated near Lake Naivasha in Kenya. The park was named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley.

It is famous for its scenery and for its wide variety of wildlife. This includes the Hell’s Gate Gorge, Fischer’s Tower, and Central Tower columns. Also, the national park is home to five geothermal power stations at Olkaria. The park features three basic campsites and includes a Maasai Cultural Center, delivering education about Maasai traditions and culture.

History of Hells Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park was founded in 1984. It acquired the name “Hell’s Gate” by explorers Thomson, and Fisher in 1883. In the early 1900s, Mount Longonot exploded, and ash can even be felt around Hell’s Gate.

Hells Gate National Park
Hells Gate National Park

Why is it called Hell’s Gate?

It got the name Hells Gate after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley. It also acquired the name “Hell’s Gate” by explorers Fisher and Thomson in 1883.

Hells Gate National Park Activities

Game Drives

  • Teeming with hundreds of wild flora and fauna this fact makes it ideal for game drives. The Park also harbors a wide variety of wildlife. The animal species include lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
  • There are more than 100 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux’s eagle, augur buzzard, and swifts. The African buffalo, zebra, eland, Thomson’s gazelle, and baboons are also common. The park is also home to klipspringer antelope and Chanter’s mountain reedbuck.

Rock climbing: Fischer’s Tower

  • Experienced climbers at Hell’s Gate can enjoy exciting multi-pitch climbing on the main wall, crack climbing at the entrance wall, and some easy fun climbing on the imposing Fischer’s Tower. For also inexperienced climbers, guides are available for a small fee, and equipment can be rented.

Cycling

  • The park opens daily at 6:00 am and closes by 7:00 pm during which you can cycle to the fullest, and a maximum of 13 hours is permitted daily for one to cycle through.

Bird Watching

  • The Park has recorded more than 150 bird species, and it makes a good birding destination to merge with neighboring Lake Naivasha. Hell’s Gate also hosts an important colony of the critically endangered Rüppell’s vulture.

Hiking

Visitors go on a hike with the help of local guides who will explain the history and nature of the park to you during the walk, the hike begins from the Ol-Njorwa Gorge and last for about 3 hours.

What To See in Hells Gate National Park

  • Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub-clad volcanoes, and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa.

Wildlife Viewing

  • Aside from buffalo, there are no dangerous animals, which makes cycling, and walking wonderful activities. Coke’s hartebeest, Plains zebra, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, and impala are the main grazers. Watch also for defassa waterbuck, and giraffe . Olive baboons are all over the cliffs.

Raptor nesting in cliffs

  • The Park is home to different bird species, particularly raptors. Keep an eye out for endangered lammergeyers (bearded vultures), augur buzzards, and Verreaux’s eagles, which nest on the high cliffs. This makes Hell’s Gate a favorite for photography, and birdwatchers.

The Olkaria Geothermal Station

  • The park is a bundle of fun waiting to be explored. From spectacular scenic views, abundant flora and fauna, towering cliffs, scenic picnic sites, water gouged gorges, rock towers geothermal steam from Olkaria Geothermal power station located inside the park south-west of Naivasha.

The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide

  • This is one of the best hiding places. Raptor hide is a unique bird-viewing that allows visitors to view and photograph the raptors, which are birds of prey at extremely close range.

Hell’s Gate deaths

At least 6 people died and more are thought to be missing after flash floods in western Kenya. The incident happened on 01 September 2019 where the victims are believed to include tourists and tour guides who were visiting Hell’s Gate National Park in the Rift Valley region of Kenya.

How to get to Hells Gate National Park

By Road

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

By Air

Naivasha airstrip

Accommodation And Campsites at Hells Gate National Park

Endachata Campsite

  • This overlooks Gorge Road with a view of the Hell’s Gate cliffs. It also has two separate sites, one with a picnic table and another suitable for larger groups. Some of the basic facilities include a fire pit and a painted stone indicating the location of a toilet.
  • It is also best for bird watching, wildlife viewing (including gazelle, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog, and baboons), and enjoying the natural beauty of the park. The campsite is less frequented, offering a quieter experience.
  • The camp is also accessible from Elsa Gate and is preferred for its tranquility and seclusion.

Naiburta Campsite

  • The Campsite is located within Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya and is managed by Kenya Wildlife Services(KWS). The campsite sits on a gentle rise on the northern side of the Hell’s Gate Gorge, delivering scenic views of the park and its geological features, including Fischer’s Tower.

Oldubai Campsite

  • The campsite is positioned within Hell’s Gate National Park, and it offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and enjoying the park’s natural scenery.
  • This campsite is less recommended due to past negative experiences with noise and disruptions from other campers. It may be more crowded and prone to disturbances.

Hells Gate National Park fees

Citizen    

  • Adults KSH: 350
  • Child KSH: 250

Resident

  • Adults KSH: 700
  • Child KSH: 350

Non – Resident

  • Adults USD:30
  • Child USD: 20

Best Time to Visit

As a park not so dependent on the game for its fame, Hell’s Gate National Park is popular throughout the year.

Hells Gate National Park Contacts

  • Attraction Type: Wildlife, Adventure, Wildlife
  • Category: National Park, Mountain Climbing, Birding Site
  • Region: South Rift
  • City / Town: Naivasha
  • Road / Street: Moi South Road
  • Telephone: 254 20 243 3037 254 788 925952
  • Email: hellsgatenp@kws.go.ke

Where is Hells Gate located in Kenya?

Hells Gate National Park Kenya is located in Nakuru County, between Lake Naivasha and the Longonot and Suswa volcanoes.