Located North West of Nairobi, in the south of Lake Naivasha. The park was established in 1984. It was named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the rift valley. The park is famous for its vast wild life and scenery of sharp rock towers, cliffs, beautiful water-gouged valleys and volcanoes. It has the first Olkaria Geothermal station, the first of its kind in African. More two stations were constructed in 2000. The park is relatively small, covering 68.25sqkm but having a lot to display.
How to access the park
The park lies in Nakuru County, in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya close to Lake Naivasha 90km, 2hours drive from Nairobi city. Proceed for 14km after the turnoff from the Old Nairobi-Naivasha highway. There two gates that can be used by visitors. As for air transport, one should land at Naivasha airstrip, then proceed with road transport to the park.
When to plan an expedition at Hell’s gate National Park
The park is open and enjoyable throughout the year although the dry season has been recommended as the best time to visit the park. The status of the park during different seasons as below. With this you will be to decide when to visit the park.
Dry season (June-October and December-February)
The season is characterized of mostly sunny weather. It barely rains during this time. The weather is perfect for game viewing. The grass is short and clear views of these animals can be seen alongside water bodies.
During this period, activities like rock climbing, cycling, and walk safaris for the ground is dry and trails are penetrable, the roads are passable and tourists get to enjoy any game.
It should be noted that sometimes the park can be so dusty and clear views can be affected.
Wet Season (October-November and March – May)
The season is characterized of short and long rains and heavy rains in the last season. Wildlife can still be visible in the early rainy season. To most of the animals, it’s the breeding period and you could see some giving birth.
The first wet season is the peak of bird watching in the park. Birds are so enjoyable and migratory birds join them and it gets so interesting.
The best views of the park are best seen in the wet season. The place is free of dust, plants are all green, and flowers are many. Rocks and volcanoes are so clear.
It should also be noted that the last wet season can be challenging for tourists. The heavy rains disorganize most of the activities in the park. Roads and trails can be impassable and some activities like rock climbing can be risky to attempt.
Things to do at Hell’s gate National Park
There many ways tourists can have a wonderful time in the park and one of them is to get involved in the activities done. The most interesting are as below.
Watching the game
The wildlife in the area can be watched. On these rides, tourists are roam the park in search of these animals. These are most enjoyed in the dry season and are best viewed when they settle along water holes during day. The likes of buffaloes, elands, impalas, waterbucks, among others will be seen.
Camping
This is more or less a must do activity. The park has three campsites, but also private camping can be allowed. In case you didn’t come with equipment, you can use the available campsites and have fun. The exciting bit of this activity is the feeling of being in the wilderness and also sights of sunrise and sunset, and sounds of wildlife in the place.
Boat cruising
The lovely lake Naivasha is a wonderful ground for boat cruising. You have an opportunity of exploring on the lake and also have a look at wildlife and fish in water. Fishing can also be added once you have the time.
Nature walks
These are so interesting. Guided safaris are arranged and tourists get to adventure the whole park and all that is has. You will walk on the shores of the lake, along the volcanoes, and the valleys. You will not only enjoy the scenery but also you will have a chance to view wildlife and birds, hot springs, waterfalls, among others
Rock Climbing
There a number of rocks in the area but the activity is most practiced on Fischer’s tower. These came to existence during eruption. Climbing these rocks to the top is quite exciting and on top one gets to enjoy views of the park from above.
Bird watching
The park is a home for over 100 species of birds. These are joined by migratory birds during the first wet season and it gets so interesting for bird lovers. With the help of binoculars, tourists enjoy clear views of these birds that can be seen on cliffs, shores of the lake, on trees, and other places as guides will lead you.
Visit power stations
The park now has over three geothermal power stations and one of the first in Africa. A visit to this place will be interesting for still stand strong and are power sources in the country.
Visit Masai Cultural Center
The park has a site or station where tourists can visit and gain knowledge of Masai culture. In Kenya Masai are one of the popular tribes that have not appreciated modernization. Their culture and way of life will not leave the same.
Safari Attractions at Hell’s gate National Park
The park has a number of attractions that one shouldn’t miss out. The must-sees of the place are as follows:
Wildlife
The park is well known of having variety of wildlife to display. The likes of cheetahs, lions, leopards, plain zebras, warthogs, elands, giraffes, baboons, civet cats, klipspringers, hyraxes, waterbucks, impalas, can be watched on game drives and also on walk safaris.
Birds
The wonderful species of the park can’t be missed. Park your pair of binoculars and enjoy views of Masai ostrich, steppe buzzards, augur buzzards, peregrine falcons, starlings, mottled swifts, lammergeyer vultures, among others will be enjoyed most in the wet season when the migratory birds are present.
Geothermal Power Stations
The park is a home to these power stations that serve the country. If you have never seen a power station, this will be a chance to see how power generations are built. Besides it’s quite rare to find three power stations in one are. One of these stations was first in Africa.
Hells Gate Gorge
This is located in the park and its most recommended features are the red cliffs that contain two volcanic plugs: Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower which are amazing features to see, on these tourists enjoy rock climbing.
Masai Cultural Center
Located in the park, is a great source of information about Masai culture and Kenyan History. If you’re interested in and new knowledge, this is a must visit place.
Hot Springs
These lie in the southern part of the park, and turn the rocks nearby red because their sulfuric water. These are so amazing to see.
Obsidian Cave
This lies close to Elsa Gate end of the Buffalo circuit. You will find black rocks, an indicative factor of lava flows.
Where to stay on a Hell’s gate National Park Trip
Accommodation is affordable in the area, tourists get to choose from different options, although in the park its only campsites, which are perfect for tourists who plan for budget accommodation. These include: Naiburta, Oldubai and Endachata. These provide tourists with tents and separate private bathrooms, and provision of all activities in the park.
There other closest places of accommodation can be found near Lake Naivasha.
Kiboko Luxury Camp
A luxurious camp that lies 18.8km from Hell’s gate National park. It has self-contained rooms, fully furnished, with provision of wonderful customized service. It provides all activities in the park, and more. It has facilities like swimming pool, restaurant with variety of meals, a bar, to mention but a few.
Lake Naivasha Country Club
Also luxurious category, lies 18km away from the park. It has customized service and perfect accommodation. It has a bar, a restaurant, a spa, a gym, sports, ground, conference center, power supply, among others.
Lake Naivasha Resort
Located on Moi South lake road, a few meters from Lake Naivasha. It’s a midrange option. It offers luxurious cottages for accommodation, it has gardens, a bar, swimming pool, and offers all activities in the park.
Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
Lies a few meters from Hell’s gate National park. The place is a good relaxing ground. It has comfortable beds, wonderful services, and a restaurant for breakfast, lunch, a dinning, a swimming pool. It’s a midrange category.
Sweet Lake Resort
Located close to Lake Naivasha, offers midrange accommodation and comfort to tourists. It has rooms spacious and with private bathrooms. It has a restaurant, a bar, sports area among others.
The breathtaking park is an adventurous and fun park to visit. Keeping in mind of all that we have advised, we guarantee you will have wonderful time.
