Hells Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is found in Naivasha a town that’s located along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. It’s about 90 Kilometers from Nairobi. It is one of the small parks in Kenya compared to the other parks and reserves. Hell’s Gate National Park offers one of the best nature walk and hiking grounds in Kenya.

The park is said to have been home to early man in the Rift Valley region. It was named ‘Hell’s gate’ after one of the prehistoric lakes found there fed on the early men who lived there.

Hell’s Gate National Park was officially founded in 1984. It has a geothermal station located inside; Olkaria Geothermal Station which was started in 1981. The geothermal station is said to be the first of its kind in Africa. It has 2 geothermal stations namely Olkaria l and Olkaria ll.

Inside the park also is Hell’s Gate Gorge which has two volcanic plugs namely Central tower and Fischer’s Tower. Hell’s Gate National Park also forms the basis of the 1994 film ‘The Lion King’.

Wildlife at Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park even though smaller in size is home to wild animals and various bird species. Apart from nature walks and hiking, the other reason why tourists visit the park is to see these wild animals and birds. The wild animals found here include; African buffalo, Thompson Gazelle, zebra, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, hartebeest and baboons among others. There are about 102 recorded bird species at Hell’s Gate National Park. Some of these birds include eagles, Vultures, swifts and Augur Buzzards among other species.

Activities at Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National park is a famous spot among local and international tourists for the many activities allowed here. The park is actually one of the two National parks in Kenya where camping is allowed. These activities include;

Cycling : Hell’s Gate National Park has good paths between cliffs that are good for cycling. If you love cycling, this is the best park to visit.

Camping : Hell’s Gate National Park offers a great site for campers. The park has 3 camping sites where security is intact. Camping arrangements are made prior to visit.

Bird Watching :Due to the high number of bird species, Hell’s Gate National Park makes a great site for bird watching. For easier bird watching, bring a pair of binoculars along.

Hiking : The two towers, Fischer’s and Central Tower offer good grounds for hiking. All hikes are guided.

Rock climbing : The park has several rock formations and cliffs thus making rock climbing possible.

Game Watching : Watching wild animals at the park is an enjoyable activity. Carry with you a camera to take pictures of the animals found here.

Photography : Hell’s Gate National Park is a great site for nature photographers. You can get a permit that will allow you take photos of the animals, rock formations, cliffs and gorges.

Hell’s Gate National Park is a great place to visit as groups since most of the activities are done in groups. However, even an individual can visit since one will find other people already on site.