Hells Gate National Park

“A Walk on the Wild Side”

Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa.

Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi where, in addition to the bio-diversity that includes raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.

Hells Gate National Park Highlights

Location: Hell’s Gate is 90 km or 55 miles northwest from the capital of Nairobi and just south of Lake Naivasha. It’s an easy day trip from Nairobi and close to several other national parks such as Naivasha and Lake Nakuru.

Climate: The park is known to be warm, dry and dusty.

Best time to visit:  Hell’s Gate is open for wildlife viewing throughout the year however the rainy season could impede your touring during the wet season months of March through May.

Operating Hours: The park is open from 0600 hrs. to 1800 hrs. daily.

Getting there:
By road – you can book a tour with Nova Afrika Safaris from the coast or Nairobi. From Nairobi, you’ll take the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. The drive affords fantastic views of the Rift Valley.

Things to do and see

Hiking – The park is an ideal place to follow nature trails and get close to the plentiful grazing wildlife. With a ranger you can explore the park’s exotic gorges, cut into the rock over eons by the steady passing of water.

Not to be missed is Hell’s Gate Gorge, the inspiration behind “pride rock” from the Disney movie, “The Lion King”. The filmmakers came to the park to study this formation to be replicated in their film.

Mountain biking – Cycling is a great and unique way to view the antelope, zebra and other foraging animals. Take the “buffalo circuit” for views of giraffe and the nearby Longonot volcano.

Climbing – Fisher’s Tower and Central Tower are extinct volcanos with perfect rock walls for climbing. You’ll need a guide but they’re easy and rewarding climbs.

Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide – This is a camouflaged viewing platform with a one-way window to view the many raptors in the park.

Ol Karia Geothermal Spa – The largest natural spa on the continent, it has been describe

Visit Hells Gate With Us

There’s so much to do in this small but very special national park. Enjoy the many kinds of safaris available here as you take in the dramatic canyons, peaks and spires. You’re sure to see abundant wildlife and thrill to the views, the steamy “atmosphere” and the land that inspired “The Lion King”.

Join us on safari to this wonderful park. We have safaris departing from Nairobi, Mombasa and other coastal resorts going to Hell’s Gate and other great Kenya Parks.