Hell's Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is situated south of lake Naivasha, north west of Nairobi, named after a narrow break in the cliffs. The park was established in 1984 however it is a small park in size but known for a variety of wildlife and scenery namely; the Fischer’s tower and central tower columns with hell’s gate gorge. This national park is a home to five geothermal power stations at Olkaria and equipped with three basic campsites that include; Maasai cultural center which provides education about the tribe’s culture and traditions.
Hell’s gate national park covers an area of 68.25km2 which is relatively small according to African standards, 1,900 meters above sea level within Nakuru county and near lake Naivasha and approximately 90km from Nairobi.it is also a 14km after a turnoff from the old Nairobi Naivasha highway with a warm and dry climate and with two extinct volcanos namely; Olkaria and Hobley’s which are located in the park and can be seen from the cool molten lava.
Hell’s gate national park is a home to a variety of wildlife in the national park although few in number. For example; lions, leopards and cheetahs but it has been historically a home for the rare lammergeier vultures, over 103 bird species in the park including; vultures, augur buzzard, verreaux’s eagles and wildlife like; African buffalos, zebras, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, hyenas, klipspringer antelope and chanters mountain reedbuck.
The national park is popular due to its closeness to Nairobi and lowered park fees compared to other national parks, with activities like hiking, bicycling, motorcycling and camping in the park and it is one of the 2nd parks where these activities are allowed. The park is also equipped with three basic campsites, although camping in the park is safe without Guns and fence between the guide and the animals around lake Naivasha popular for watersports, bird and game viewing in private ranches and walks along the crescent island, crater lake, Mt. Longonot.
Why you must visit hell’s gate national park.
Hell’s gate national park consists of numerous things to do with no exception, and a park that inspired the lion king. It has a real setting film, wild and even open to visitors, with animators of Disney’s lion king with dramatic landscapes of Kenya’s great rift valley which gives a feel for Mufasa’s great circle of life. Tourists will discover pride rock’s real-life inspiration is no less majestic when they reach the sweeping cliffs carved by a prehistoric lake.
Animals
The national park is a home to klipspringer antelope and Chandler’s Mountain reedbuck with over 100 species of birds in the park including vultures, Verreaux’s eagles. It is a home of a wide variety of wildlife although few in number and the most common include; lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras and gazelle, hyenas, African buffalos and baboons are also common.
Birds
The national park is covered with over 100 species of birds in the national park including vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, augur buzzard and swifts. The cliffs attract several nesting raptor species including Egyptian and Ruppell’s vultures and the Verreaux’s eagle can often be seen soaring above the cliffs looking for rodents and migratory birds are always present from November to April.
Olkaria geothermal power station
The power station is one of its kind on the whole African continent and was established in 1981 which involves generating electricity to the hell’s gate from the hot springs and geysers. It also features the lower gorge which is also one of the features that are found in the park located at the southern end of the main gorge with the large volcanic plug consisting of walls encoded by the water and its famous for movie production for example; the top raider movie.
Volcanic plug scenery
The national park is composed of several volcanic plugs that are a result of the hard igneous rocks during the volcanic activities and the towers include; the central tower which is found at the southern end of the main gorge and the Fischer’s tower found at the entrance of the hell’s gate park. The Fischer’s tower’s history is stats he’d to the Maasai mara people and their undisputable culture where they believed that the towers were formed due to the result of a girl who turned into the impressive rock and the story is impressive when given time with illustration.
The national park boosts the gorge which is a deep valley moving through the center of the park lengthened in by the rusty hued rock walls and within the sheer, also consisting of the Fischer’s tower climbed by tourists with proper instructions by the safari guide.
Caves
Tourists will also enjoy caves especially the obsidian cave which is found in the park. The cave was found with obsidian rocks and it can be accessed while you are on a 2km track of Buffalo circuit and you will witness a bushy rocket and a black rock which comprises of rift Valley.
Things to Do in Hell's Gate National Park
Hells gate national park consists of tourism activities that offer a safari expedition experience that tourists can enjoy and leave with an unforgettable experience. Below are the activities that can be done in the park.
Safari game drives
Hell’s gate offers opportunities for a game drive although it is small in size and it is a home to various animal species though few in number through the Savannah plains that cover the entire park, where you will see various animals which include; lions, wild dogs, hyenas, buffalos, antelopes, olive baboons, impala, mountain reedbuck and a lot more. Game drives in the park can be done on wheels as well as on cycles in the park.
Rock climbing
The national park consists of several rocks which were formed as a result of volcanic activity and they include; cliffs and towers which offer the best experience to tourists especially climbers making the park popular due to the many tourists that come in the park for climbing experience.
Nature walks
The nature walks in the park is done on foot while being escorted by the park ranger, visiting various sceneries within the park including the obsidian cave, Fischer’s tower and other features in the park. During your nature walk, you can also see various animals which include the striped hyenas, wild dogs, giraffes, and jobs among others, filled with villages and volcanic features which give spectacular scenes that are enjoyed by tourists during the safari.
Birdwatching
The park hosts over 100 species of recorded birds in the park making it an important area for birding destination. Tourists will experience birds like; chin spot babbler, white rumpled swift, yellow ramped seedeater, golden winged sunbird, bearded vulture, imperial eagle and yellow bishop among others.
How to reach the Hells Gate
By Air:
The nearest airport to Hell’s Gate National Park is Naivasha Airstrip, which connects to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. It is a short drive from the airstrip to the park. If you would like to fly, then you can use the Naivasha airstrip as your landing ground, connecting Charter flights between parks can be an efficient way to travel. These flights are booked by tour operators as part of their tour package. Domestic flights, including flights to Naivasha, leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4mi south of Nairobi by road to Hell’s Gate.
By Road
The national park is located in areas of lake Naivasha 90km from Nairobi, lying south of lake Naivasha in Kenya. The park covers an area of 68.25km2, 14km after the turnoff from the old Nairobi-Naivasha highway and can be easily accessed by road close to Nairobi, a 2-hour drive from Nairobi and 9 miles from the turnoff from Nairobi Naivasha highway and through Elsa main gate and Olkaria gate.
Elsa’s gate
This is the main gate of hell’s gate national park located on the northern border, offering park information, souvenir shop and tourist information center, and also get assistance from a ranger with a parking area.
Olkaria gate
This is an entrance of hell’s gate park located on the northwestern border with a parking area, KWS offices, and the five power stations are found at Olkaria, with three basic campsites.
Best Time to Visit Hell’s Gate National Park
When planning a safari to hell’s gate national gate, dry months from June to October are for the best wildlife viewing and general activities but more spectacular in wet seasons during November to may giving beautiful park scenery. The park offers activities like hiking and cycling, making it open throughout the year for tourists to visit and camp within the park. The months of march to may are the wettest and not good for safari because the camping activity and cycling experience may be good.
Where to stay on your safari at Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is a unique destination known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal activity, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. While it doesn’t have the same range of accommodation options as larger parks, there are some excellent places to stay in the vicinity. Here are a few options for your safari at Hell’s Gate National Park:
- 1. Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge is situated on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, not far from Hell’s Gate National Park. It offers comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the lake. Guests can enjoy boat safaris on Lake Naivasha, guided walks, and birdwatching. The lodge features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s a great base for exploring Hell’s Gate and the nearby Crescent Island.
- Crayfish Camp
Crayfish Camp is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly camp located on the shores of Lake Naivasha, not far from Hell’s Gate National Park. It provides simple and comfortable accommodations. Guests can take part in boat rides on Lake Naivasha, guided nature walks, and cycling excursions. The camp has a dining area and a bar. It’s a popular choice for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.
- 3. Fisherman’s Camp:
Fisherman’s Camp is another budget-friendly option situated on the shores of Lake Naivasha. It offers basic but comfortable accommodations and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can participate in boat safaris, birdwatching and hiking. The camp features a restaurant and a bar, and it’s known for its excellent fish dishes.
Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp
Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp is located on the shores of a freshwater lake in Kenya, about 90 minutes’ drive to North West of Nairobi, outside the town of Naivasha along Moi South road. It is made of canvas, and all tents offer en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water with flushing toilets. All lodges provide an ambiance and style of a traditional tent with all the comforts of a home.
Lake Naivasha Country Club
The club is a lively home based for tourists looking to explore the natural beauty of Lake Naivasha and Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and is known as the oldest property in Naivasha. Naivasha Country Club is a 55-acre property gorged with lavish gardens in Naivasha, outdoor swimming pool, open lawns, a spa and lots of shady acacia trees.