Hell’s Gate National Park

Hells Gate National Park in Kenya is a rare gem among game parks, offering visitors the chance to walk, run, or cycle through its 68 square kilometer expanse alongside zebra gazelles and other wildlife. The park features the prominent Fischer’s tower, which offers breathtaking scenery and is a favorite for rock climbing enthusiasts and beginners alike. Hikers on arranged tours can scale their way up the 25-meter-high tower for an unforgettable experience.

Day Trip to Hells Gate

This spectacular park has been the filming location for several Hollywood movies, including King Solomon’s Mines and Tomb Rider. A day trip to Hells Gate National Park is a must for adventure seekers, and the most rewarding trip plan includes following the 12-km road through the flat valley floor between Elsa’s Gate and Maiben, returning the same way. The 3-hour walk or 1-hour cycling trip in either direction is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty.

It’s recommended to start your tour at dawn to avoid the midday sun, increase your chances of spotting wildlife and have the best game viewing experience. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water to keep hydrated.

Other Things to Do

In addition to thrilling outdoor activities, Hells Gate National Park has cultural tours available at Oloorkarian Maasai Centre. Visitors with a vehicle could continue west from Maiben to the little-visited Ol Koria Geothermal Power Station and explore the eastern Twiga Loop.

Hells Gate is one of the few places in Kenya allowing visitors to walk or cycle through herds of big game, such as Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, and eland. The sheer rock walls in the park make it ideal for rock climbing, and there are resident safety climbers available in the park to assist climbers.

Attractions

The jewel in the crown of Hell’s Gate National Park is the magnificent Ol Karia gorge and its hot water springs feeding a stream that meanders down its floor. The gorge is a beautiful place to explore and offers excellent hiking opportunities.

The park’s Central Tower, a prominent volcanic plug, is a breeding site for several species of raptors, while the Obsidian Cave, named after a type of black igneous rock, is a site of historical significance, with early man using the glassy rock to create cutting tools.

Getting There

Hells Gate National Park is located off the Naivasha road, and visitors can easily access it by turning off at Elsa Gate. Visitors can hire a bike to ride to the gate and into the park, making for a great adventure safari.