Hell’s Gate National Park was named so because of a small gap in the cliffs that was originally a stream of an ancient lake that provided food for early humans in the Rift Valley. If you have an additional day in Nairobi, the Park, which is less than two hours away by car over the Rift Valley escarpment, is an excellent place to spend it. It can also be coupled with Lake Naivasha for an overnight stay. The only national park in Kenya that is accessible on foot is this one.In 1984, Hell’s Gate National Park was created. It is a small national park that is renowned for both its splendor and the diverse fauna it is home to. The Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower columns as well as Hell’s Gate Gorge are included in this. At Olkaria, three geothermal power plants are also located within the national park. The park has three modest campsites and a Maasai Cultural Center that offers information on the customs and culture of the Maasai people.
Due of its close proximity to Nairobi and cheaper park fees than other national parks, Hell’s Gate National Park is well-liked. The park permits camping, motorcycling, bicycling, and hiking. The main Elsa Gate and the Olkaria Gate are the two entrances to Hell’s Gate that are used by visitors. The latter also provides service to the National Park’s Olkaria Geothermal Station. The fact that this park is marked by stark red granite cliffs, stunning rock towers, and geothermal steam erupting from the ground is another one of its most distinctive aspects. The Lion King by Disney and Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life both used this spectacular backdrop as inspiration for their background sceneries.
Numerous wild animals live freely in Hell’s Gate National Park, including baboons, zebra, hyena, African buffalo, giraffes, and even a few secretive large cats (though they rarely represent a serious threat to passing tourists). The park is also home to klipspringer antelope, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, baboons, and Chandler’s Mountain reedbuck. More than 100 different bird species can be found in the park, including vultures, Verreaux’s Eagles, augur buzzards, and swifts. The environment of Hell’s Gate National Park is primarily made up of grassland and shrubs, with Leleshwa and several Acacia species dominating.
The Endachata Campsite, Naiburta Campsite, and Oldubai Campsite are the three basic campgrounds that the park offers. Even though there are no fences or weapons to keep you from the wildlife, camping in the park is still safe.
Activities the Hell’s Gate National Park
- Photography safari tours
- Hiking
- Safari Walk
- Sightseeing tours
- Cycling
- Visiting the Olkaria SPA
- Rock Climbing
