Hell's Gate National Park
Hell's Gate National Park [dead link] lies south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya.
Understand
Hell's Gate National Park was established in 1984 and named after a narrow break in the cliffs. The park is mostly known for its scenery, what includes the Fischer's Tower and Central Tower columns and the Hell's Gate Gorge. It is also a good place to meet giraffes, zebras or warthogs face to face while walking or biking through the park.
Get in
By car or arranged tour.
Fees and permits
- US$26 for non-resident adults (2024)
- Ksh 700 for adult residents
- Ksh 350 for a car (less than 6 seats)
- Ksh 200 to take a bike into the park
The entry fee has to be paid with credit card (no cash!) via https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/services/1/apply/16, they can also handle it for you at the gate but booking ahead of time allows you to skip potential queues.
Get around
- Bike (usually rental)
- Foot
- Car
See
As of 2024, access to all Gorges is forbidden since 2019 because of flash flood incidents.
- 1 Hell's Gate Gorge (Ol Njorowa). A narrow sandstone gorge which was sculpted by water and light. In some places it can be slippery and you need to know where to put your feet. The rangers will ask for (at least) Ksh 500/person to guide you while just after the gate locals will wait to do so for less and for a whole group. If you're not going with an official guide you have to sign in and out at the Ranger's Post. There is no charge to hike into the gorge and it is within the national park not part of a “Masai Village” as some scammers might tell you when you reach the Ranger Station. If you choose to hike alone be very careful of the weather, there is a real danger of flash floods in the narrow canyon - there are a number of emergency exits, look out for them.
- 2 Central Tower Gorge. The Central Tower Gorge is the main creek coming from the left hand side when you walk the Hell's Gate Gorge. Since there was an deadly accident with 7 Kenyan university students because of flooding waters most guides pass this way. Do not go there without a guide.
- 3 Fischer's Tower. A 25 m high volcanic column named after the German explorer, who reached the gorge in 1882. It's the starting point for a wide and deep valley surrounded by red rock walls. Zebras, Giraffe and warthog are seen in this 7km-long stretch leading to the Gorges. Also look out for small Hyrax relaxing around the tower in the thickets.
Do
- Cycling. From the Elsa Gate to the Hell's Gate Gorge its a 7 km dirt road, slightly downhill - coming back will take you longer. Cycling is a good option to see a few African animals face to face. Be prepared for the burning afternoon sun. There are bikes for rent in many hotels, at the junction to the Elsa Gate and at the park entrance. Don't pay more than Ksh500, you can bargain for less, especially at the junction.
- The 14km “Buffalo Circuit” gives you a better chance to see giraffes, and provides a stunning view of Longonot volcano. Allow plenty of time because you probably have to push for a steep section to the lookout at the top.
- You can also make it a hike, or half-half bike/walk/drive, you will have more time to take in everything on foot as you have to be mindful of the path while biking. Some of the walls have a nice echo.
- There are a couple of stores, restaurants and other businesses near Elsa Gate that can store your backpack while you cycle around the park. Organise with the bicycle rental guys and tip the store owner when you get back.
- There is a nice market behind the Ranger's Camp just before the Gorge. You can stock up with slightly overpriced supplies and get decently priced handicraft if you take some time to chat and haggle (a Maasai Belt for example starts at Ksh 10k but may be acquired as low as Ksh 2k)
- Climbing. The rock walls are just made for climbing. An easy but famous climb is the Fischer's Tower. You need equipment and a guiding to climb in the park, so ask before in your hotel.
- Mvuke Geothermal Spa. Fed by a Sulfur Hot Spring in the northwest of the park is a nice way to end an adventurous day if you manage to arrive before they close at 6pm. Residents Ksh 400, Non-Residents Ksh 1200.
Eat
If you plan to do a day trip, go with some food and refreshments. There are also usually cooled drinks and some snacks available for purchase at the Market between Ranger's Camp and Gorge.
Drink
Water and soft drinks can be bought in the Elsa Gate shop and at the Ranger's Post at the Hell's Gate Gorge.
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
There are three basic camping sites in the national park.