HELLS GATE NATIONAL PARK

“A Walk on the Wild Side” 

Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi where, in addition to the bio-diversity that includes raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.

Key features

Wildlife

• African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and baboons are common. The park is also home to klipspringer antelope and Chandler’s mountain reedbuck
• Prolific birdlife – there are over 100 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux’s Eagles, augur buzzard and swifts. 

What to take with you

• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight.
• Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, walking boots and guideboo

Climate

• Temperature ranges from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm, Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December

Attractions

• Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa.
• Wildlife viewing
• Raptor nesting in cliffs
• Hot springs
• The Olkaria Geothermal Station
• The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide
• Tourist circuits, nature trails
• Health spa

How to get there

• By Road: This park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi (90kms) via Naivasha Town on the Lake Road South at a junction 5km south of Naivasha
• By Air: Naivasha air strip