Are you traveling to Kenya for business or a short time and would still love to explore? A day safari to Hell’s Gate National Park would be perfect for you. You can experience the beauty of a safari and explore a bit of the country, all in one day.
In this article, we look at Hell’s Gate National Park, a World Heritage Site and a great destination just 2-2.5 hours from the national capital. Nairobi. We’ll also give you some tips on what you need for the trip and recommend other things you can do during your day trip.
Here’s an overview:
What is Hell’s Gate National Park?
Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the unique game parks in Kenya. It is situated in the city of Naivasha, which is also famous for one of the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Naivasha, and covers a total of 68.25 km² (26 sq mi). This region is famous for its intense prehistoric and modern tectonic and volcanic activities, including volcanic eruptions, active geysers, and more.
The uniqueness of this region gave rise to Hell’s Gate National Park, whose name is very unique. At the moment, the origin of the name ‘Hell’s Gate’ is controversial, with some people saying it was named after the local Maasai tribe, whose members were buried alive when nearby Mount Longonot erupted. Local legends say that after the tragedy, the tribe called the area ‘Enee Meneng’a’, which settlers later translated as ‘Hell’.
Another school of thought says that the name comes from two late 19th century explorers, Fischers and Thompson, who, when they saw the narrow cliffs in the park full of geysers and gorges, felt that they looked like a gateway to hell.
Regardless of the origin of the name, Hell’s Gate is considered a park unlike others in Kenya for its beautiful landscape, geysers, cliffs and geothermal steam rising from cracks in the ground. Making it a beautiful place to visit.
Did you know: Hell’s Gate National Park inspired images in The Lion King, especially Pride Rock. However, no lions can currently be found in the park.
Related reading: Thompson Falls in Kenya: Things to do, when to visit and how to get there
What to Keep in Mind for Your Hell’s Gate National Park Day Trip
Before heading to Hell’s Gate National Park, there are a few things you should check off your checklist. These include;
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing: Since you are going to a park, it is highly recommended that you wear comfortable clothing. Make sure you have shoes with good grip, preferably walking shoes, a hat, and comfortable shorts or pants. Since the region is a little warmer than other places in the country, remember to bring sunscreen and a light jacket for your return trip.
- Check the season: Hell’s Gate is known for its prehistoric river, which has carved a beautiful gorge. However, this gorge can also be a dangerous hike during the rainy season and can experience flash flooding which has caused injuries and deaths in the past. It is important to check the season and what activities you can comfortably do while you are in the park.
- Bring cash for food, tips and Souvenirs: While Kenya is technologically advanced compared to many countries, you will still need to have some cash on hand, preferably in the local currency. This will make it easier for you to make purchases as souvenirs or even tip local traditional dancers and staff.
If you have any questions, always remember to ask your travel guide or park staff.
How to Get to Hell’s Gate National Park
- Hell’s Gate is approximately 120 km from Nairobi and 102 km from Nakuru. The trip will take you a maximum of 3 hours, if you include stops.
- If you are coming from Nairobi, your tour provider will take you to Naivasha town. The tour is scenic and includes stunning views of the Great Rift Valley, a deep crack in the earth’s surface caused by a fault line that stretches from Mozambique to Syria in Asia. During the trip, you will also see shops selling souvenirs at various viewpoints, allowing you to shop while taking in the beauty of the Rift Valley.
- You will see several villages, including Limuru, and observe the different activities taking place along the way, including farming and selling produce. 1.5 hours later, you will arrive in the town of Naivasha, known as the “Happy Valley” during colonial times. The city is also home to Kenya’s major flower farms and is one of the world’s leading flower suppliers.
- Once you reach the town, you will continue until you reach your final destination, Hell’s Gate National Park.
Things to do in Hell’s Gate National Park
With its spectacular scenery, towering cliffs, gorges and geothermal features, the park offers a variety of exciting activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Bike safari
One of the most unique experiences at Hell’s Gate is touring the park by bicycle, making it the only park in Kenya where you can tour the park by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented at the park entrance, allowing visitors to ride dirt roads flanked by zebras, giraffes, antelopes and wild boars.
The terrain is relatively flat, making it suitable for most fitness levels, and the walk offers an intimate way to experience wildlife up close.
Rock climbing
Hell’s Gate is a climber’s paradise. The park is home to two iconic volcanic plugs, the Fischer Tower and the Central Tower, which are popular for climbing. Fischer’s Tower is especially known for its beginner-friendly routes, while more experienced climbers can make challenging ascents of the cliffs and towers.
Local guides can be hired and equipment can be rented nearby. Remember to bring your hiking equipment and comfortable clothing if you are interested in this activity.
Hiking the famous Hell’s Gate Gorge
The spectacular Hell’s Gate Gorge, carved by water and wind over thousands of years, offers guided walks through narrow rock passages, past hot springs and small waterfalls.
The gorge is famous for its rugged beauty and was the filming location for Disney’s ‘The Lion King’. Some parts can be slippery or steep, so guided walks are recommended for safety and context. It is also prone to flooding and would require working with local guides to help you decide when and where to walk.
Wildlife observation
Although Hell’s Gate lacks large predators, it is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can spot gazelles, buffalo, elands, baboons and more than 100 species of birds, including vultures, eagles and the rare bearded vulture. The absence of carnivores makes it safe to explore on foot or by bike, offering a more interactive safari experience.
Related reading: The best times of year to go on safari in Kenya
Exploring geothermal features
The park is part of the East African Rift Valley, known for its geothermal activity. Visitors can explore hot springs and steam chimneys, especially near the Olkaria geothermal station. The smoky landscape adds a surreal element to the park’s natural beauty and highlights Kenya’s renewable energy efforts.
Whether you’re biking alongside zebras, climbing volcanic cliffs, or hiking through ancient gorges, Hell’s Gate National Park offers an unforgettable adventure that combines outdoor activity with raw natural beauty.
Additional Activities You Can Do Near Hells Gate National Park
Beyond Hell’s Gate National Park, Naivasha is packed with exciting activities that highlight its rich landscapes, wildlife and geothermal wonders. Here are some other experiences while visiting the area:
Visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Located on Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island is a tranquil paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. You can walk among free-ranging animals such as giraffes, zebras, impalas and wildebeests in a predator-free environment. The island also offers fantastic panoramic views of the lake and bird watching, making it ideal for photographs and quiet nature walks.
Explore Olkaria Geothermal Spa
Located within Hell’s Gate National Park, the Olkaria geothermal spa is the first of its kind in Africa. Naturally heated pools are rich in minerals and known for their therapeutic properties. After a day of outdoor adventures, soaking in the warm waters is the perfect way to relax while taking in views of the steam chimneys and surrounding Rift Valley landscape.
Tour a local flower farm
Naivasha is the flower capital of Kenya and produces millions of flowers for export. Several flower farms offer guided tours where visitors can learn about greenhouse growing, hydroponics, and the export process. It’s a fascinating and unusual activity that also supports local agriculture and employment.
return home
After a day in the park, you can return to your destination using the same route or request the alternative Mai Mahiu route if you are heading to Nairobi.
A day trip to Hell’s Gate National Park is a great way to explore Kenya if you’re short on time.
