“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.

Next to Lake Naivasha is Hell’s Gate national park with two extinct volcanoes which caused a dramatic landscape with sandstone cliffs and high-altitude differences. This is one of the few parks in Kenya where you can walk or mountain bike alongside the animals.

Named for a great gash in its sheer red cliffs and its steamy geothermal billows, Hell’s Gate features three geothermal stations, the first in Africa. Lying beneath Hell’s Gate, the plants generate power from the constant energy flowing off the hot springs and geysers.

Size of Hell’s gate national park

Hell’s Gate National Park covers an area of 68.25 square kilometres (26 sq mi), relatively small by African standards. The park is at 1,900 metres (6,200 ft) above sea level. It is within Nakuru County, near Lake Naivasha and approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) from Nairobi.

Location of Hell’s gate national park

Hell’s Gate National Park lies south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, North West of Nairobi. Hell’s Gate National Park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley. It was established in 1984

Things to do in Hell’s gate national park

Mountain bike tour at Hells Gate

You will cycle on a mountain bike alongside wild animals in the park with a professional guide to escort you. An active activity with the beautiful backdrop of hell’s gate national park riding past grazing zebra, giraffe, impala, buffalo and baboon.

Walking tour at Hells Gate gorge

During this adventurous walk through the Hells gate gorge, you will walk and climb between the steep rock formation and cliffs. A local guide will tell you all about the geology and bird species you will find on the way.

Walking safari

You can take a guided walking safari here. In fact, it’s encouraged.

Though there are populations of the larger hunters like lion, leopard and cheetah, their numbers are small and sightings rare, so you can walk or ride in peace, enjoying close-up views of eland, hartebeest, gazelle, antelope and over 130 species of birds.

Birding tours

The park is also a sanctuary for the rare bearded or lammergeyer vulture and Verreaux’s eagle. Plus, there are opportunities here to view these raptors up close.

When to visit Hell’s gate national park

The best time to visit Hells gate national park is June and March when wildlife viewing is more rewarding due to the little amount of rainfall received during this time of year.

Where to stay in Hell’s gate national park

Places to stay near the national park are found in Lake Naivasha and places to look out for include Naivasha Kongoni lodge, Lake Naivasha country club, Crater Lake Tented camp and game sanctuary and Lake Naivasha Sopa lodge.