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With hikes, rock climbs and bike safaris past breathtaking gorges and enormous cliffs, Hells Gate National Park is an adventurer’s paradise. It spans for more than 68 square kilometres. Beyond just being a cultural landmark, Hell’s Gate is also an ecological treasure. As evidenced by its name, it comes from a small fissure in the cliffs. The park is popular with tourists seeking an immersive experience of the splendour of nature. Its cinematic landscapes served as inspiration for the Disney film The Lion King.
Quick Facts About Hells Gate National Park
Location: Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: KES 3,360 / ₹2,240 for foreigners, KES 300 / ₹200 for residents, Children: KES 2,200 / ₹1, 470 for foreigners, KES 215 / ₹140 for residents
How To Reach: By road, rail or air
Nearest Airport: Wilson Airport, Nairobi, 100 km
Nearest Railway Station: Naivasha Railway Station, 20 km
Best Time To Visit: June to February
Location
Photo: Roma Neus / Wikimedia Commons
Hells Gate National Park is located in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya. The entrance is about 10 km from Naivasha town on the Moi South Lake Road. Located in the breathtaking Rift Valley, the parks’ adjacent attractions are the Olkaria Geothermal Spa and the Olkaria Power Station. The park surrounds the city of Nairobi for easy access for visitors on a day trip. The park is nestled among small settlements, farmlands and the picturesque Lake Naivasha.
How To Reach
Photo: flightlog / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Wilson Airport, Nairobi, 100 km from the park. You can take a taxi from the airport or use pre-arranged tours to get to the park. There are frequent flights to Wilson Airport from other major Kenyan cities.
By Rail: The closest rail stop to the park is the Naivasha Railway Station, which is about 20 km away. Travellers can take the standard gauge railway (SGR) from Nairobi to Naivasha and then use a taxi or matatu (a shared minibus) to get to the park entrance.
By Road: Hells Gate National Park is a 90-kilometre drive from Nairobi that takes about two hours. The Mai Mahiu Road route is scenic and well-maintained and matatus and buses are operating from Nairobi to Naivasha town. Taxis and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) are available from Naivasha town to the entrance of the park.
Things To Do In Hells Gate National Park
Here are the best things to do in Hells Gate National Park to make the best of your trip:
1. Explore The Hell’s Gate Gorge
Photo: Galkey / Wikimedia Commons
Adventure lovers should visit Hell’s Gate Gorge. This dramatic canyon, with its towering red sandstone walls and geothermal steam vents, is good for hiking and exploring. Guided hikes lead you along the gorge’s serpentine paths, where you can marvel at unusual rock formations such as Fischer’s Tower and Devil’s Bedroom. Be ready to scramble over the rocks and walk through shallow streams. Apart from its geological and wildlife interest, the gorge is culturally significant to the Maasai community. Early mornings are perfect for escaping the midday heat and taking in undisturbed views
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2. Embark On Fischer’s Tower Rock Climbing
Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons
The 25-meter-high Fischer’s Tower is especially popular with rock-climbing aficionados. The tower has routes ranging from easy to difficult for beginning and experienced climbers, each presenting a different challenge. Breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah and cliffs make the climbing experience even better. All participants are safe under the care of qualified guides, and gear rentals are available. There is also plenty of zebra and gazelle around Fischer’s Tower, a bit of the wild for your climb. Remember to photograph the rugged volcanic rock set against the wide Kenyan skies.
3. Try Bike Safaris
Photo: Antony Trivet / Wikimedia Commons
You can cycle alongside wildlife in only a handful of parks in Kenya, one of them being Hells Gate National Park. Rent a bike at the entrance and pedal along the 14 km main trail through the park, flanked by stunning cliffs, open plains and geothermal hot springs. You can also come across zebras, giraffes, warthogs and buffaloes along the way. Without the big predators, cycling is a perfectly safe and exhilarating way to explore the park.
Places To Visit Near Hells Gate National Park
On the outskirts of Hells Gate National Park, these are the attractions and opportunities to look into different landscapes and adventures in the Great Rift Valley:
1. Lake Naivasha
Photo: Ahero dala / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s Rift Valley’s water bodies, an idyllic freshwater lake teeming with biodiversity. Over 400 bird species, including emblematic African fish eagles and colourful kingfishers, reside at the lake. It is popular for boat rides, as its placid waters allow you to glide past hippos and enjoy its peaceful beauty. A boat ride out to Crescent Island is an amazing experience where walking safaris allow you to walk among giraffes, zebras and antelopes. The lake’s lovely shores are perfect for picnics or walking. Attractions in the surrounding town of Naivasha include lodges, restaurants and markets.
Timings: Open all day
Distance From Hells Gate: 13 km
2. Olkaria Geothermal Spa
Photo: Richard Pan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Relaxation & Education Nestled next to the Olkaria geothermal power station, the spa has pools filled with naturally heated mineral water with therapeutic properties. You can dip in the hot waters and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and open fields. Modern showers and changing rooms, a restaurant and a separate swimming pool for children are all part of the spa complex. Tours of the geothermal plant are available for those interested in sustainable energy, providing a behind-the-scenes look at Kenya’s renewable energy efforts. Olkaria is an unforgettable stop, a combination of comfort and innovation.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Hells Gate: 10 km
3. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife lovers looking for the ultimate trip-walking safari. The sanctuary on Lake Naivasha is predator-free, so visitors can explore safely on foot. Wildlife like giraffes, wildebeests, zebras and impalas wander freely, providing intimate viewings in an idyllic location. It’s a bird-watching hotspot with species such as cormorants, egrets and pelicans thriving in its wetlands. Panoramic views of Lake Naivasha are visible from the island’s highest point. Its previous life as a filming location for Out of Africa gives it a cinematic touch.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Hells Gate: 13 km
4. Mount Longonot National Park
Photo: Goatmburu / Wikimedia Commons
Hiking and nature enthusiasts can have a field day at Mount Longonot National Park. The park revolves around Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano with a challenging but rewarding trail. The 3.1 kilometre climb to the crater rim offers spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley. More adventurous visitors can also hike around the 7.2 kilometre crater rim, where you can spot diverse vegetation and wildlife, including buffaloes and baboons. From the top, the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha stretch out below you. This moderately challenging trek requires proper preparation.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Hells Gate: 19 km
5. Elsamere Conservation Center
Photo: Ray in Manila / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Joy Adamson’s former home, Elsamere, whose best-known work is Born Free, is now a conservation centre and museum. Visitors can read about Adamson’s work with lions and her efforts to protect Kenya’s wildlife. The peaceful setting on the shores of Lake Naivasha is ideal for afternoon tea with views of the lake and its birdlife. The centre also backs current conservation programs and has a gift shop with sustainable goods. Set within peaceful gardens of the coolest blue and with its historical significance, Elsamere is a cultural and educational treasure for visitors.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Distance From Hells Gate: 7 km
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Antony Trivet / Wikimedia Commons
Hells Gate National Park is best visited between June and February, Kenya’s dry season. This is the time of year when the skies are clear and it is hot, making this a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and rock climbing. The dry season is also a much better time for visibility during wildlife spotting.
Average Cost Of The Trip
Hells Gate National Park is reasonably priced. Other than the entry fees, bike charges, guided hikes, and rock climbing vary depending on size or guides, but expect to pay $10 – $30 / ₹800 – ₹2,400. Food and drinks are not served inside the park, so please budget for packed meals. There are budget lodges to luxury resorts for around $15 – $200 / ₹1,200 – ₹16,000 per night for a stay close to the park.
Tips For Travellers
- Bring sturdy, closed-toe shoes fit for rugged terrain, especially if visiting the gorge.
- Make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen, as daytime temperatures can climb high.
- Bring your camera or binoculars for birdwatching and sightseeing.
- For many activities, such as hiking and rock climbing, hire a guide to increase safety and to learn about the park’s history and geology.
- Check weather alerts in advance, especially during the rainy season, to prevent disruptions.
For adventure seekers and nature lovers, Hells Gate National Park is a destination you won’t want to miss. Whether it is its dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, unique outdoor activities or all of it, it always has something new in store for you. From pedalling alongside wildlife to marvelling at geothermal wonders, soak in one of Kenya’s most beautiful parks. Book your trip to Hells Gate National Park with TripXL now and feel the thrill of nature.
Cover Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons
