Things to do and see in Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya; Hell’s Gate National Park was created in 1984 and named after a narrow break in the cliffs. It inspired Hollywood films like ‘’The Lion King and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, lies in Naivasha just a few kilometers away from Nairobi. More fact, it’s a small park but a stunning place composed of scenic natural landscape, towering cliffs, Hell’s Gate Gorge, camping sites and Geothermal springs not to miss while on Kenya Wildlife Safaris.
Hell’s Gate National Park is a popular destination because of the many interesting things to do. Visiting this park will give you different options of activities such as rock climbing, hiking, bike riding, game viewing, walking through nature trails and a number of picnic sites
Hiking experience
This activity is perfectly done by the help of a local guide; you can take through walking tour in the park. Walk as the guide explains the historical background of the park and the park’s nature. Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park starts from OI- Njorwa Gorge, which is currently closed to the public who owe to flash floods that caused a tragedy due to loss of youth who died from the floods.
Hiking experience can take about 3 hours, and through hiking, you will get a chance to explore the scenic landscape of the park. It is best done during the dry season when the hiking trails are easy to navigate.
Rock Climbing at Fischer’s Tower
By the year 1883, there was a prominent German explorer, Dr. Fisher called Hell’s Gate who came up with an idea of translating from the Maasai word ‘’ Enemeneng. The tall rock that exists within the park promises and they’re named after him. The rocks are recommended for climbing enthusiasts in Kenya.
Note; This rock measures about 25 meters tall with an impressive view of scenic landscapes, wildlife within the park.
Game viewing
Hell’s Gate National Park is inhabited by a variety of animals, thus making game viewing special, especially morning hours. During your game drive, you will be able to see animals like giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and huge rodents among others. Among the big five mammals, only buffaloes can be spotted here. But your advised to go with armed guide with you on your game drive viewing for self-guided.
Cycling at Hell’s Gate National Park
Cycling is a unique game experience which allows you to enjoy unwinding and fresh air, as you ride through an open environment, as you have clear viewing of giraffes, zebras, among others. Tourists who love a cycling experience visit Hell’s Gate for a perfect adventure.
You hire a park but before you take an adventure, first check the bike whether the seat is adjusted, the chain is okay, and the tires are well prepared. It is advised to be accompanied by a skilled guide who will be able to direct you in the right direction as well as help you to fix your bike issues in case you fail on the way.
Picnic sites
The park stuns with picnic sites around the ranger’s station. You need to be very careful with a packed lunch as there are monkeys on site; if you don’t, they may end up snatching your meal away. If you wish to relax your mind, you can rest at the bottom of Fischer’s tower. There’s a cool resting place where you can enjoy your picnic lunch.
Visit the Hot Spring
This place is quite rewarding with its beautiful springs where you can engage in swimming and gainful sights of a small waterfall in the gorge.
How to Get There;
From Nairobi capital – Kenya takes around 90 kilometers to access the park by car. You can choose to take a flight from Wilson Airport to the park.
