The Hells Gate national park is named for its intense geothermal activity within its boundaries. It is a spectacular quarter of the rift valley and one of the most atmospheric parks in Africa.
The park offers 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. It is an ideal destination for a day trip from the city where, in addition to the bio-diversity that includes raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.
Key features
Wildlife
The park is home to mixed wildlife dominated by small game because of its nature. The animals include;
- African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and baboons are common. The park is also home to klipspringer antelope and Chandler’s mountain reedbuck
- For bird lovers – there are over 100 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux’s Eagles, augur buzzard and swifts.
Park Size
68 sq. Km
Climate
The park experiences two rain seasons with the heavy rains coming in March and April and the low / short rains in November and December. The temperatures range from 20-30 degrees Celsius
What to take with you
On your visit to Hell’s Gate national park, below is a highlight of what you may need to carry for a successful expedition of the park and its game.
- Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight.
- Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, walking boots and guidebooks
Activities
Biking, Camping, Bird watching, Game viewing Hiking, Horse riding, Rock climbing.
How to get there
Hell’s Gate national park can be accessed both by road and by air.
- By Road: A 90 kilometers tarmac road from Nairobi leads you to the park via Naivasha Town on the Lake Road South at a junction 5km south of Naivasha.
- By Air: You will fly to Naivasha air strip and a short drive to the park
Attractions
A visit to Hell’s Gate national park is indeed “a walk on the wild side” because if the geothermal activity and its rugged nature. There are a number of attractions and activities that you can expect on your visit including;
- 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 / game viewing
- Raptor nesting in cliffs
- Hot springs
- The Olkaria Geothermal Station
- The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide
- Tourist circuits, nature trails
- Natural Health spa
