What is found in Hell’s Gate National Park Naivasha? A major contributor to Kenya’s tourism sector, Hells Gate National Park is one of the country’s most visited safari in kenya destination. The park lies in Kenya, northwest of Nairobi, and south of Lake Naivasha. Originally a tributary of an ancient lake that provided food for early humans in the Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate National Park gets its name from a slender crack in the cliffs. The parks main Kenya safari attraction is its variety of species and breathtaking scenery. The park was founded in 1984 and is one of Kenya’s smaller but most visited national parks. The attractive areas to visit are the Hell’s Gate Gorge, Fischer’s Tower, and Central Tower columns. Five geothermal power plants at Olkaria, which supply electricity to Kenya’s national grid, is also located within the Hell Gate National Park.
The Maasai Cultural Centre, which houses documents, history, and cultural practices of the Maasai tribe, is situated within the park along with three modest campsites. A remarkable portion of the Great Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate National Park got its name from the strong geothermal activity that occurs there. It is one of the most atmospheric parks in Africa with its spectacular scenery of towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, austere rock towers, scrub-clad volcanoes, and spewing plumes of geothermal steam. A great place for a day excursion from Nairobi is Hell’s Gate, where guests may experience rock climbing, mountain riding, and a natural spa.
The name Hell’s Gate National Park originates from a narrow opening in the rocks that was once a lake that supplied food to the first people to live in the Rift Valley. It was named “Hell’s Gate” in 1883 by the two famous explorers, Fisher and Thomson. There is still volcanic ash felt close to Hell’s Gate, which is believed to have erupted from Mount Longonot in the early 1900s.Hells Gate National Park, which covers an area of roughly 68.25 square kilometres and was formally established in 1984, is one of Kenya’s smallest national parks. Located 1,900 metres above sea level, the park is situated. It is one of Nakuru County’s most popular tourist attractions, along with Lake Nakuru National Park. It is approximately ninety kilometres by car from Nairobi, and it is located near Lake Naivasha.
The park has two extinct volcanoes, Olkaria and Hobley’s, it is at this place that Kenya safari visitors can witness the formation of obsidian rock from the cooled lava. Additionally, there is the Hells Gate Gorge, which is surrounded by red cliffs with two volcanic plugs which are the Central Tower and Fischer’s Tower. There is small valley that leads southward off Central Tower and features a walkway that falls into sulphuric water and hot springs with rocks hot enough to burn. Because to its proximity to Nairobi and its affordable and relatively low park fees compared to other National Parks, the park is popular kenya safari destination. Hell’s Gate National park, camping, cycling, motorcycling, and hiking are all practiced. One of just two national parks in Kenya that permits cycling, the other being National Park Chyulu Hills.
Other suggested kenya safari tour attractions in Naivasha include the Joy Adamson’s Centre and lakeside boating. The Daily Nation, Kenya’s biggest read daily, described the mountain climbing in Hell’s Gate as ext5remely thrilling.
What to see
Wildlife
Although there aren’t many animals in Hells Gate National Park, there are plenty of species to see, the park has no predators such as lions. The park has also historically been home to a significant number of rare Lammergeyer vultures. Other animals include serval, African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, hyena, and baboons.
Cycling at Hell’s Gate National Park
One of the best spots to cycle in Kenya is Hells Gate National Park, which is also one of just two parks where cycling is allowed. At Elsa Gate, visitors can rent bicycles. It’s advisable to travel with a guide, as they can provide guidance and knowledge on where to avoid certain species, including buffaloes. In the event that you have bike problems while on your cycling safari, the guides can also assist with repairs.
Hiking and Rock climbing
The primary activity in Hell’s Gate National Park is hiking, which is great for those looking for an adventure-filled wild safari tour in Kenya. It gives visitors a chance to explore the park’s scenic landscapes and is ideal for family safari tours. The hike normally lasts three hours and begins at the Ol-Njorowa Gorge. At the northern end of the park is Fischer’s Tower, named for German explorer Dr Gustav Fischer, who was tasked with figuring out a route from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. The tall rocks, which are the first naturally occurring rocks in the park, are well-known for being good places to go rock climbing. From the top of the rock, views of the gorges, cliffs, and wildlife can be had.
How to reach Hell’s Gate National Park
From Nairobi, Hells Gate National Park is reachable by tarmac road around 90 km via Naivasha Town on the Lake Road South at a junction 5 km south of Naivasha. Alternatively, the park may be reached by air through the Naivasha air strip.
The best time to visit
You can visit the park any time of year. The best time to go is in the driest months, which are June through February. However, December and Easter break are often when most hotels are packed up.
There are several lodges outside Hell’s Gate National Park all the way around Lake Naivasha, popular Kenya safari tour activities are; water sports, bird and game viewing in private ranches and walks along Crescent Island and Crater Lake.
What to bring
Water to drink, picnic supplies, camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight, binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, walking boots, and guidebooks.
Why Visit Hell’s Gate National Park
Not only is Hell’s Gate National Park one of the world’s most unusual experiences, but it is also one of Kenya’s. It’s incredible and very bizarre to be able to enjoy Kenya’s natural beauty and biodiversity while riding a bike; I still gasp when I think about the two giraffes that darted in front of my bike. One of my favourite experiences in life has been biking at Hell’s Gate National Park, and I hope you can have the same!
