Hell’s Gate National Park

Welcome to Hell’s Gate National Park, a small but incredible park located in the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley. This park is a haven for wildlife and natural beauty, and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular parks in Kenya. Named after a narrow break in the cliffs, which was once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Established in 1984, the park boasts a wide variety of wildlife and stunning scenery, including the Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower columns and the Hell’s Gate Gorge. The park’s geography is equally fascinating. Hell’s Gate National Park covers an area of 68.25 square kilometres, making it relatively small by African standards. The park is situated at an altitude of 1,900 metres above sea level, and it’s warm and dry climate is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, and camping. There is a wide variety of wildlife in the park, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and rare lammergeyer vultures. Over 103 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, augur buzzards, and swifts. Other animals you may see on your visit to the park include hyraxes, African buffalos, zebras, elands, hartebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, hyenas, and baboons. The park is also home to servals and small numbers of klipspringer antelope and Chanler’s mountain reedbuck. The park’s tourism is also worth mentioning, as it’s one of only two national parks in Kenya where hiking, bicycling, motorcycling, and camping are allowed. The park is also popular due to its close proximity to Nairobi and its lowered park fees compared to other national parks. The park is equipped with three basic campsites, and camping is safe, even though there are no guns or fencing between you and wildlife. If you’re interested in learning about the Maasai tribe’s culture and traditions, the park’s Maasai Cultural Center provides an excellent opportunity to do so. Additionally, several lodges around Naivasha Lake offer activities such as watersports, bird and game viewing, and walks along Crescent Island, Crater Lake, and Mt. Longonot. It’s worth mentioning that the park is also home to five geothermal power stations at Olkaria, including the comprehensive Olkaria Geothermal Station, the first of its kind in Africa. Although parts of the park have turned into an industrial area due to the power stations, the park still retains its natural beauty and is a must-visit destination in Kenya. Overall, Hell’s Gate National Park is a gem that should not be missed when visiting Kenya. With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating geology, and abundant wildlife, this park is truly a wonder of nature.