Hell’s Gate National Park

Nestled in the county of Nakuru, Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the best homes of Kenya Wildlife Safari/ Kenya Holiday Trips. Hell’s Gate National Park is a unique wildlife viewing destination adored for its rare activities like walking safari, bike adventures, and cliff hiking experience. In a single visit to the iconic Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha, travelers can kill two birds with one stone as they experience both adrenaline and serenity in equal proportions in side the 68.25 km2 paradise. The best views in Kenya have been captured about Hell’s Gate National Park, where visitors stand about 1,900 meters above sea level to appreciate the beauty of the countryside. Moreover, this gem is not hidden from the rest of the world with its location just about 14 kilometers off the highway connecting Nairobi and Naivasha to engage in diverse adventures.

The shimmering wilderness around the Hell’s Gate National Park is very rich with abundant wildlife and Big Five animals like lions, leopards, African buffaloes and elephants. While exploring the terrain around Hell’s Gate Sanctuary, numerous animal species like baboons, lions, zebras, elands, hartebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, hyenas, Klipspringer antelope, and cheetahs are common.

Meanwhile, there is a colorful and spectral birdlife, like never seen before in Kenya, living around the wilderness of Hell’s Gate National Park. In one of the best birding safari destinations, there are close to 103 species concentrated in the small and pristine paradise. The famous birds of East Africa found in the vegetation around Hell’s Gate Park include: the vultures, bearded vultures, swifts, buzzard,s and Verreaux’s eagles.

Out of the prominent Kenya wildlife tour activities, visitors are privileged to engage in cycling safaris, cliff walking, bird watching, Cultural experiences in the Masai communities, wildlife watching, game drives among other things to do.

Things to do in Hell’s Gate National Park

  • Hiking the Gorges

Given the rugged nature of the area around Hell’s  Gate National Park, there are many features and depression that are worthy visiting for visitors. The features have influenced most of the activities carried in the area.  There are key and strategic things to see like the Lower Gorge, Geothermal steam vents, the Hell’s Kitchen among others.

  • Rock Climbing

Given the land nature around this part of Nakuru County and Lake Naivasha, rock climbing is a popular adventure given the rift valley areas, dramatic cliffs to mention. For the starters in the climbing activities, it important to take part in the in the hike along the Fischer’s Tower whereas the climbers with the crown can indulge in the Central Tower to boast  their adventures.

  • Big Five watching

Hell’s Gate is a popular home of the Big Five in Kenya having many infestations of the animals. Moreover, the park is a host to several animal species of the Big Five animals like lions, buffalos, elephants among other. Wildlife lovers are amazed by the unique viewing of these creatures on foot.  The experience also involves walking along the cliffs and cycling near the animals.

  • Camping

To enrich the game viewing experience for visitors, Hell’s Gate National Park offers a wide range of camping sites and facilities. This allows longer stays within the park and encourages travelers to indulge in the diverse activities offered. During the time in Hell’s Gate Sanctuary, guests can camp around Ol Karia and the Central Tower. The camping facilities include pit latrines, water supply units among others.

  • Geothermal Spa Visit

One of the most impressive things to do in the Hell’s Gate National Park is visiting the Olakaria Geothermal Plant. This is a natural wonder that cannot be found in other parts of the country thus making the site a must-visit area during the Kenya Adventure Trip. Many people go to the site after hiking in the cliffs to explore the naturally heated pools which are ideal for soaking.

  • Wildlife viewing

Just like other wildlife homes of the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park and the Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell’s Gate is one of the best places to host wildlife viewing in Kenya. While on the game drive and walking safari, animals like buffalos, zebras , raptors, baboons and hyrax are common.

The Time to visit Hell’s Gate Park

Just like other East African parks, the best time to visit Hell’s Gate is during the dry season from June-September and December-February. During these months the roads are less slippery enabling the 4×4 vehicle to moves with ease. Furthermore remote areas of the sanctuary can be explored in the short time possible.

How to get there

People moving to Hell’s Gate Park can either opt to use road transport along the highway connecting Nairobi and Naivasha while observing the scenic landscapes or hire a chartered flight. When using air transport, a flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport leads to the nearby Loldia airstrip. From there, one can use any of the gates to access the park.