Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is set in the Northwest of Nairobi and South of Naivasha. It takes its name from the narrow gate like a break on the red stone volcanic cliff which formed due to geothermal activity. A visit to this park on Kenya safari rewards travel endeavors with jaw-dropping views of the mighty East African Rift Valley. It was designated as a national park in 1984 and it occupies an area of about 68sq.kms which makes it one of Kenya’s smallest parks. The park also hosts the Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower columns as well as Hell’s Gate Gorge.
History of Hell’s Gate National Park
Like any park in Kenya, Hell’s Gate National Park features a unique history which is worth exploring on Kenya safari. Its history can be traced as far as 1883 when Fisher and Thomson gave it a name. The park derived its name from a narrow break in the cliffs which initially a tributary of a prehistoric Lake which fed early humans in the rift valley. Mount Longonot erupted in the 1900s and while at Hell’s Gate, it is claimed the ash can still be felt. Hell’s Gate National Park was designated as a national park in 1984 and today, it is remarkably one of Kenya’s magical safari destination visitors on Kenya safari should consider a must-visit.
Wildlife in Hell’s Gate National Park
Regardless of its small size, Hell’s Gate National Park boasts of its diverse wildlife species which make it an outstanding game-viewing safari destination in Kenya. Among the many wildlife species to view in the park include wild dog, cheetahs, leopards, hartebeest, bat-eared fox, lions, elands, giraffes, olive baboon, Thompson gazelles, spotted hyenas, striped hyenas, impalas, buffaloes, rock hyraxes, zebras, klipspringer, Chanler’s mountain reedbuck and many more.
Birdlife in Hell’s Gate National Park
Over 103 birdlife are all confined in Hell’s Gate National Park and birders on Kenya safari have opportunity to identify birds such as the Augur buzzard, Verreaux’s eagle, Ruppel’s griffon, speckled pigeons, wailing cisticola, white-fronted bee-eaters, Schawlow’s wheatear, Anteater chat and red-winged starling, Lanner falcons, spotted eagle owls, mottled and Horus swifts, white-backed vultures, Egyptian vultures, yellow bishops, African kestrel, grey crested helmet shrike, baglafetch, arrow market babblers, chin spot batis, Masai ostriches, streaky seedeater, brown parisoma, Hunter’s sunbirds, Lammergeyer and many others.
Other attractions in Hell’s Gate National Park include Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower, Hell’s Gate Gorge, Ol Njorwa Gorge, Obsidian Caves, Ol Karia Geothermal Power Station.
Activities to do in Hell’s Gate National Park
- Wildlife viewing
Game viewing in Hell’s Gate Park involves sighting different wildlife species like Thompson gazelles, spotted hyenas, wild dog, cheetahs, leopards, hartebeest, bat-eared fox, lions, elands, giraffes, olive baboon, striped hyenas, impalas, buffaloes, rock hyraxes, zebras, Chanler’s mountain reedbuck and klipspringer.
- Birding
Bird watching in Hell’s Gate Park rewards birders with astonishing bird sights such as Augur buzzard, Verreaux’s eagle, Ruppel’s griffon, speckled pigeons, wailing cisticola, white-fronted bee-eaters, Schawlow’s wheatear, Anteater chat, and red-winged starling, Lanner falcons, spotted eagle owls, ball fetch, arrow market babblers, chin spot batis, Masai ostriches, streaky seedeater, brown parisoma, Hunter’s sunbirds, Lammergeyer mottled and Horus swifts, white-backed vultures, Egyptian vultures, yellow bishops, African kestrel, grey crested helmet shrike to mention but a few.
- Rock climbing
Rock climbing in this park allows you to explore iconic sites like Fischer’s tower which formed as a result of semi-solid molten rock. It is best explored with climbing equipment which you can hire.
- Hiking
The best hikes in Hell’s Gate Park are carried out along the River Gorges. Hikers have the opportunity to explore the park’s scenic sites like rock towers, hot springs, geysers, deep gorges.
Other activities to do in Hell’s Gate Park include a cultural tour in Masai cultural center, camping, cycling and many more.
Best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park
Game viewing in Hell’s Gate Park is best conducted in June and March. During this period, the park experiences low rainfall thus making it easier for visitors to navigate through the park.
Where to stay in Hell’s Gate National Park
Budget: Triple Eden Naivasha Hotel, Naivasha Tree House, Burch’s Resort Naivasha
Mid-range: Eseriani the Hotel, Hippos Safaris Resort, Sweet Lake Resort, Lake Naivasha Resort.
Luxury: Mvuke Spa, Kiboko Luxury Camp, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge.
Bird Watching Safaris in Kenya
Proposed Kenya Wildlife Safari Packages to Kenya the Magical Destination in Africa
3 Days Maasai Mara National Reserve Safari Kenya takes you for a wildlife Safari adventure in Kenya where you explore wildebeest Migration in Kenya Tour. While on the 3 Days Maasai Mara Kenya Wildlife Safari, you will visit the Maasai Mara Game reserve which is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border – Serengeti National park where you will adventure Wildebeest Migration in Kenya.
The 4 Days Kenya wildlife safaris tour takes you to Maasai Mara National Reserve where you will adventure millions of Wildebeests migrating from Maasai mara reserve to Serengeti national park. After which you be transferred to Lake Nakuru National Park for bird Watching tour in Kenya, Boat cruise at the lake, game drive and viewing in the park.
5 Days Kenya Adventure Safari takes you for a Kenya Safari in Maasai Mara national reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Lake Naivasha National park for a Kenya Adventure Safari. On this 5 Days Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari Kenya, You will visit Lake Naivasha National park which is famous for its millions of flamingos, other birds, and other wildlife animals.
6 Days Kenya Wildlife Adventure Safari takes you to Maasai Mara National Reserve then transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park for a Kenya Adventure Safari after which you go to Amboseli National Park for a game drive. While on the 6 Days Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari Kenya, You will visit Masai Mara Game reserve for wildlife viewing of the big five.
While on the 6 Days Wildlife Safari Kenya Adventure Tour, 6 Days Kenya Adventure Safaris tour, you will visit Samburu Game reserve well known for numerous permanent springs and a wealth of wildlife, you will also visit Sweet Waters Game reserve at the Mt. Kenya region, you will visit Nakuru National park which is a sanctuary for huge numbers of native African animals, and you will visit Masai Mara Game reserve where you will view the big five and wildebeest.
