Did you know, you could visit a National Park outside Nairobi and return to Nairobi the same day? Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya is one of the most dramatic attractions in Kenya with appealing features that are pleasing to the eye.
Naicef curates an exclusive package to Hell’s Gate National Park giving you a memorable experience.
An interesting fact about Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park is, that, it has been an inspiration for two major films. Disney’s Lion King and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider- The Cradle of Life.
History of Hell’s Gate National Park Kenya
Hell’s Gate Kenya is named after a break in the cliffs which was a tributary lake in the Rift Valley. Explorers Fisher and Thomson in 1883 gave it the name ‘Hell’s Gate’.
The Ol Jorowa Gorge running in the middle of the park is a beautiful feature where the name of the park also comes from.
Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya is covered with ashes left from the eruption of Mount Longonot which occurred a century ago. The park was established in 1984.
Location of Hell’s Gate National Park
Kenya’s Hell’s Gate is located near Lake Naivasha, bordering the sister Lake Nakuru National Park. Hell’s Gate National Park covers an area of 68.25 sq. km and is 1,90 meters above sea level.
This unique national park in Kenya is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Nairobi, fitting on your Nairobi day tour list.
Hell’s Gate National Park can be accessed via the A104 Uplands Road from Nairobi to Naivasha and then take the Moi South Lake Road which leads to Lake Naivasha.
From Moi South Lake Road Junction, the park can be accessed via Elsa Gate, a distance of 25 KM.
A flight from Nairobi to Hell’s Gate is possible from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Naivasha. It is also possible to connect to Masai Mara National Reserve by flight if it’s your next destination.
Best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate is perfect to experience all year round. Be aware of the months of March to May because the rains might interfere with cycling, rock climbing, and walking activities. The months of June to February are the driest months and are perfect for wildlife viewing.
Hell’s Gate National Park entrance fees
According to the fees at Kenya Wildlife Service, these are the charges for Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park;
EAC Citizen
Adult- KES 400
Child- KES 250
Rest of Africa USD
Adult- 20
Child- 15
International USD
Adult- 30
Child- 20
East African Community (EAC) citizen refers to nationals of East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a valid passport.
Attractions in Hell’s Gate National Park
Wildlife and birdlife are beautiful attractions in the park. Wild animals include Eland, Hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, Impalas, Herds of buffaloes, Warthog, Defassa waterbuck, rock hyrax, Kirk’s dik-dik, Chandler’s mountain reedbuck among others.
Our professional Naicef guide will drive you to spot your favorite animal in Kenya’s Hell’s Gate. As for the Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards, they are difficult to spot.
Birdlife in the park amounts to 103 species and they are found on cliffs in the park. Birdlife includes White-backed vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Ruppell’s Vultures, Grey-crested helmet-Shrike, and many others. Carry your binoculars with you for a beautiful viewing of the birds.
Olkaria Geothermal Power Station and the Geothermal Spa are the major attractions in Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park. The first of its kind in Africa, established in 1981 generates geothermal power underneath Hell’s Gate from the area’s hot springs and geysers.
The spa is rich in minerals such as Silica and Sulphur which is good for the skin, curing any skin ailments. Healthy and relaxing, are what describe this spa.
Fischer’s Tower stands at 25 meters is another major attraction in Kenya’s Hell’s Gate. The tower is a mass of rock which is as a result of an ancient volcano.
It is named after the German explorer, Gustav Fischer. The Maasai tradition states that this rock is the figure of a chief’s daughter who rebelled against the elders and took a last look at her home before leaving to be married.
The rock is good for rock climbing activities and is home to rock hyraxes.
Ol Basta Nature Trail, located on the southern end of the gorge is a second rock tower, Ol Basta. There is an ideal picnic spot and car park where you may halt and explore the hiking trail.
The Mervyn Carnelly Raptor Hide is a unique birding hide that incorporates viewing of the park’s birds of prey at a closer range. For a small fee, the hide is accessible and located above the Endachata campsite.
Maasai Cultural Center offers great insights into the traditions and heritage of the Masai people.
Activities in Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is a great destination in Kenya for sporting pursuits including
- Biking- bicycles are found at Elsa Gate
- Hiking
- Camping
- Birdwatching
- Rock climbing
- Game drives and guided walks to spot wildlife in their natural habitat
- Culture exploration of the Maasai culture.
Accommodations in Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya
Where to stay in Hell’s Gate National Park? Below are accommodations near Hell’s Gate National Park
- Enashipai Resort & Spa
- Naiburta public campsite
- Oldubai public campsite
- Endachata special campsite
- Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
- Dove Nest Lodge
Book with Naicef for the best accommodation deals in Hell’s Gate National Park.
For every Hell’s Gate National Park tour you take with Naicef, you impact Sustainable tourism through the environment and the local community. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
For the best Hell’s Gate National Park safaris, contact Naicef.com or write to my@naicef.com or +254799922277 Not ready now? opt for our Naicef savings plan to visit Mombasa later on.
