Here is a list of the best things to do at Hell’s Gate National Park. Situated just south of Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park is the only national park in Kenya that you can explore on foot. The park was established back in 1984 and named ‘Hell’s Gate’ due to powerful forces shaping the national park from below.
Dramatic volcanic rocky outcrops, obsidian caves, spitting geysers, rock towers, sandstone cliffs, and water-gouged gorges are what make this park worth visiting. Hell’s Gate National Park is a great choice for thrill-seekers; mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking are some of the available activities.
Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is less than two hours from Nairobi. It’s ideal for a day trip, an excursion from your nearby hotel or campsite, and for the savvy backpacker wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city who wants to explore more of what Kenya has to offer. This is one of the places that inspired the animators of The Lion King (the musical film). A day trip may also include: riding a boat at the nearby Lake Naivasha; a Crescent Island walking safari; a Crater Lake tour; a geothermal spa experience; a Lake Oloiden trip/camping, visiting the neighbouring Mount Longonot; and a Lake Nakuru National Park tour.
Hell’s Gate is also not too far from Kenya’s famed Maasai Mara. It is possible to stop here if you take the scenic route across the Rift Valley floor on your Journey to the Mara or you can fly from the Mara to Lake Naivasha. Here are the top activities to do at Hell’s Gate National Park.
1. Appreciate the Local Fauna
This park is unique in allowing visitors to bike or walk through it while observing the animals. Among the animals that can be seen are giraffes, zebras, buffalo, Thomson’s gazelles, and other antelopes. Birdwatchers will also find this park to be a great location. Although there are no dangerous animals in this park, it is still advisable to exercise caution while exploring
2. Hell’s Gate Gorge Walk/Trekking
The gorge at Hell’s Gate is a magnificent valley, bordered by steep, curvy rock walls. It begins near Fischer’s Tower and stretches across the national park. The gorge was formed when the water flowing to Lake Naivasha stopped moving through the Ol-Njorowa Gorge. This particular gorge is the one that was featured in the Lion King film, where a wildebeest stampede takes place. It is also the one that Mufasa describes as the place where one experiences the “great circle of life.”
The gorge walk begins past Fischer’s Tower, and as one reaches the Ranger’s Post, one can see the Central Tower in the background. This is just the beginning of the adventure. To get to the Devil’s Bedroom, one must walk past some hot springs. It’s an incredible experience to view and feel the fantastic rock walls.
3. Rock Climbing
This amazing activity is normally done at Fischer’s Tower, which is a 25-meter-high rock tower that was formed as a result of volcanic activity. For the more adventurous explorers, rock climbing is a must-try. The beautiful rock faces boast a range of difficulty levels. Allowing beginners and experts alike to enjoy this activity, with well-trained professional instructors at your aid.
To do this activity, one needs the services of an experienced guide who is based at the tower. They provide the safety equipment required, such as ropes, helmets, and more. One gets the opportunity to safely climb the tower and enjoy a great view of the park from the top for a few minutes.
It is important to note that this activity is charged separately from the park entrance fees. One pays the guides at the rock climbing spot.
4. Cycling through the Park
The cycle trail is a half-day excursion and best begins early before it gets too hot. Bicycles are rented from Elsa’s Gate (the main gate), from which it is a mostly downhill 9-kilometre cycle to the gorge. The ride is scenic, taking you through the park’s biggest attractions, such as the volcanic plugs, lookouts, zebra, giraffe, and buffalo grazing grounds.
Once you arrive at the gorge, you can hike down into it. Some parts of this trek are more of a scramble and involve rope climbing, and it takes about 1.5 hours in total to go through the gorge. You will then cycle uphill back to the main gate. All in all, it takes about five hours, and a good level of fitness is recommended. Alternatively, a shorter and slightly easier route is the 6-kilometre round trip to the obsidian caves.
The cost of taking a bicycle inside is Ksh 200, while the cost of renting a bike is around Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 1,500. One can rent a bike at the junction before the entrance. They may ask for more money, but one can usually negotiate a bit to get it down to a fair price.
5. Hiking
This park may have fewer animals to watch than some of Kenya’s other parks, but it makes up for it with activities like mountain climbing, camping, hiking, and canyon walking. The unique ability to freely roam anywhere in the park on foot surrounded by zebras, giraffes, and the best of Kenya’s plains game in the pristine and unspoiled wilderness is hard to match. There are several trails in the park to choose from, a guide is required, but as experts on the park’s landscape, history, and wildlife, they will only enhance the experience. Currently, the cost of hiring a ranger in Kenya National Parks is set at US$11.
Good walking shoes, binoculars, long sleeves, light trousers, sunglasses, a hat and plenty of water are a must, as the park has little shade and can get very hot (try avoiding the middle of the day, when it is hottest if you can) Carved by a prehistoric lake that once fed the Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate Gorge cuts through the park and is one of the many highlights on the walking and cycling trail.
6. Swimming at Olkaria Spa
Located on the northern tip of Hell’s Gate National Park, the Olkaria Geothermal Spa is a series of three geothermal pools. Beautiful azure blue waters heated by the earth’s geothermal activity, sun loungers, and restaurants make this the perfect spot to relax and recuperate after cycling or hiking in the park. Between 30 and 40 degrees Celcius, only the third pool is cool enough to swim in. There is also a baby spa pool for the young ones to not feel left out.
There are clean washrooms and bathrooms to take a shower in after the rejuvenating dip. The spa closes at 6 pm, and there is no limit to the number of hours you can spend in the water.
7. Picnicking
Bring a packed lunch—and a cold beer, to picnic at the Ranger’s Station picnic area. Be warned, vervet monkeys and baboons are more likely to steal your food than offer sage advice. A day trip from Nairobi is very common here, as you can come with your packed lunch and enjoy an incredible moment here.
8. Wild Camping
The park is equipped with three basic campsites. Camping is safe in the park, even though there are no guns or fencing between you and wildlife. Those who enjoy wild adventure, always visit this park to enjoy a wonderful picnic while camping here. There are also several lodges around Naivasha Lake, popular among tourists for watersports, bird, and game viewing in private ranches and walks along Crescent Island, Crater Lake, and Mt. Longonot.
9. Filming and photography Tours
The main setting of the 1994 film, The Lion King is heavily modelled after the park, where several lead crew members of the film went to the park to study and gain an appreciation of the environment for the film. The 2003 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life was shot on location in this park.
10. Bird watching
The park is a must-visit for birders all over the world. It is home to over 100 bird species and is a breeding area for lammergeier vultures. The vultures’ nesting points are hidden high up on cliffs to protect them from predators. The vultures can fly as far as the Maasai Mara, forage, and be back by afternoon. Other bird species in the park are the African kestrel, Imperial eagle, Arrow-marked Babbler, Chinspot Batis, Golden-winged Sunbird, and Yellow-rumped seedeater Jackson’s widowbird. The park, in the months of November-April, houses migratory birds from all corners of the world.
11. The Maasai Culture Centre/Manyattas
Naivasha is a corruption of the Maasai word’ Nai’posha’ meaning rough waters. The Maasai have called the park home for more than a century now. Maasai Cultural Centre at the park offers an inside look into the lifestyle and tradition of the Maa people. Feel free to pop into one of the many Maasai manyattas (traditional homesteads) found in the park for a brief chat and photos (always ask for permission before taking pictures).
On your way out, consider buying the popular Maasai beads and shukas (traditional wraps) as a reminder of your mind-blowing experience at the park.
12. Boat Riding at Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is just 2.8 kilometres away from Hell’s Gate National Park. This is the best place to take an uncharted boat safari. Drift around the lake as you have a pleasant view of the lake’s birds, hippos, and buffalos. The boat boys are well-informed, so do not hesitate to ask questions about the lake, the area, or the animals. You can also take a boat ride to Crescent Island, an animal and bird conservatory home to animals like zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests.
13. Visit the Olkaria Geothermal Station
Known as the Olkaria II Geothermal Power Station or Olkaria II Geothermal Power Plant, the plant has an electric generating capacity of 105 MW. The plant became operational in 2003 when the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN), which owns it, commissioned two 35 MW units. Seven years later, a third 35 MW unit was installed, bringing the total capacity at Olkaria to 105 MW.
14. Stand on Pride Rock
Stand at the edge of this iconic rock and meditate on the great circle of life. Pride Rock provides the backdrop to Disney’s epic animation, Lion King. It is at this rock that King Mufasa tells his son, Simba, how we are all connected in the great circle of life.
15. Descend into the Spectacular Ol Njorowa Gorge
Besides the walks among wildlife and Fischer’s Tower, this is the next big attraction at Hell’s Gate National Park. Walking through the gorge takes about two hours. You will see water-eroded walls so narrow that they almost touch at the top. There are also several hot and cold waterfalls, hot water springs, and colourful strata and rock formations. Ol Njorowa Gorge is very popular in Hollywood. Several blockbuster films have used it as a backdrop, including Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life, King Solomon’s Mines, and Mountains of the Moon.
16. Game Viewing
Hell’s Gate National Park is home to a variety of animals, thus providing a gainful game-viewing experience, especially during the morning hours. During your game-viewing experience here, you will be able to see animals like buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and huge rodents. The park does not have dangerous wildlife except for one big five, ‘’the buffaloes’’. But still, you have to take an armed guide with you on your game drive viewing for self-guide.
Hell’s Gate National Park Entrance Fees
High Season (July-February)
| Citizen/Resident | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 300 |
| Child | Ksh 215 |
| Non-Resident | Charges |
| Adult | 30 USD |
| Child | 20 USD |
Low Season (March-June)
| Citizen/Resident | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 250 |
| Child | Ksh 215 |
| Non-Resident | Charges |
| Adult | 20 USD |
| Child | 20 USD |
Getting to Hell’s Gate National Park (Nairobi to Naivasha)
The best way to get to Hell’s Gate National Park is by road along the scenic Rift Valley escarpment. The journey is 90 km long and roughly takes two hours depending on traffic, which can get quite congested on the escarpment with lorries travelling from the Athi River.
A short flight from Wilson Airport to Naivasha is possible. There are a few daily flights that take under an hour but are quite expensive. Your accommodation will pick you up and organise excursions in Hell’s Gate National Park. It is also possible to connect to the Maasai Mara from here by flight if that is your next destination.
Where to Stay at Hell’s Gate National Park
Within Hell’s Gate National Park, a few DIY campsites are available for those who wish to go back to basics and immerse themselves in nature. However, those opting for mid-range and luxury accommodation options will stay in Lake Naivasha
Situated on the southern shores of Lake Naivasha, Sopa Lodge offers guests the ultimate luxury experience. Nestled within a green acacia woodland are two-story African-style rondavels containing 84 rooms. The rooms on the ground floor have a sunken bath, a balcony, and queen-sized twin beds. On the upper floor, the rooms have a king-size bed and balcony. The balconies are furnished with a table and chairs, providing a fantastic place to unwind and watch over the wildlife.
Surrounded by lush gardens, Camp Carnelley’s has both budget and mid-range accommodation choices close to Hell’s Gate and a great Lake Naivasha view (if you pitch your tent, you have the greatest possibility of securing a great view).
The bandas sleep six and are en-suite, as do the cottages, which sleep two. The dormitories sleep eight and have shared bathroom facilities.
Hell’s Gate National Park Risks and Precautions
It is amazing to explore the canyon, but there is a risk of flash floods. In some cases, both visitors and their guides have been washed away and lost their lives. If you don’t want to take the risk, you can opt to see the canyon from outside instead.
If you still want to walk the canyons for a safer visit, consider the precautions below.
- Going there in the rainy season is a big “NO.” The risk of flash floods is very high during that period.
- Unless you only plan on walking and cycling, going there without a trained guide is not at all a safe option. The ascents and descents for hikers and climbers are acute and slippery, and only guides know how to navigate those areas safely.
- There are a few emergency exits that a guide can locate quickly. One needs to be fit enough to climb there.
Must See Attractions While at Hell’s Gate National Park
The park has a lot to offer, but below are the features that you must look out for:
1. Fisher’s Tower and Central Tower
The two volcanic outlets are over 25 metres high. Fisher’s Tower and Central Tower were formed simultaneously after a molten rock forced its way through a fissure to the surface. Local Maasai legend believes that once, a Maasai girl was led away to be married and warned not to turn back towards her homestead, but she did. She immediately turned into a stone, which is now Fisher’s Tower. The two towers are a perfect viewing spot for bird nesting sites, striated cliff faces, and volcanic towers.
2. Lower Gorge (Ol Njorowa)
This Hell’s Gate Gorge is one of the fascinating attractions in the park, as it is the inspiration behind ‘Pride Rock” in the Disney movie The Lion King. Going through the gorge reveals ‘Hell’s Kitchen‘, where steam jets can be seen gushing from the ground due to geothermal energy. A walk further inside reveals the ‘devil’s bedroom.’
After inscribing your name on the bedroom wall, as many visitors have in the past, this is the end of the trail, and you will exit via the ‘devil’s mouth.’ However, hiking up to this point during the rainy season is discouraged. This is due to the life-threatening nature of flash floods on the gorge floors.
3. The Obsidian Caves
The caves are named after the distinctive glass-like rocks formed from molten lava in contact with water. The iron and magnesium present create the rocks’ black or dark green colour. The caves on the Buffalo Circuit have a track leading to Fischer’s Tower and the Kedong plains around Mt. Longonot. The obsidian caves are perfect for family picnics and getaways.
Best Time To Visit Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate has great wildlife viewing all year round. The driest seasons are between June and February, so it is recommended to visit then. If you are travelling in the wet months, March through May, be aware that rain might interfere with walking, cycling, and rock climbing.
Hell’s Gate National Park Contacts
Phone: 0770 070 405, 0774 435 934
Email: hellsgatenp@kws.go.ke
