Welcome to Hell’s Gate National Park

Welcome to Hell’s Gate National Park, a raw, rugged, and utterly unique corner of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Unlike most parks in the country, Hell’s Gate invites you to explore on foot, by bike, or even while climbing its cliffs, offering an immersive experience that feels like stepping back into a prehistoric world.

Whether you’re here to hike through red-rock gorges, bike beside herds of zebras, or scale volcanic spires, Hell’s Gate delivers adrenaline and serenity in equal measure.

🌐 Hellsgatepark.org has partnered with reputable tour operators like Kambu Campers to offer comfortable transport options from Nairobi and guided tours using safari Land Cruisers, giving visitors hassle-free access to all this park has to offer.

📍 Overview of Hell’s Gate National Park

  • Location: Southern Lake Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya
  • Established: 1984
  • Size: ~68 square kilometers (26 sq. miles)
  • Elevation: ~1,900 meters above sea level
  • Closest Town: Naivasha (~15 minutes away)

Hell’s Gate is part of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) system of protected areas. It’s famously named after a narrow break in the cliffs—a former outlet of a prehistoric lake that fed early Rift Valley ecosystems.

🗺️ Location & Access

Hell’s Gate lies about 90 km northwest of Nairobi and just 15 km from Naivasha town. It’s easily accessible via the Nairobi–Nakuru highway and connects to the park via the Moi South Lake Road.

🔑 Main Access Gates:

  1. Elsamere Gate – Closest to Lake Naivasha and Naivasha town
  2. Ol Karia Gate – Popular for visiting the geothermal plant and hot springs
  3. Main Gate (Fischer’s Tower Gate) – The most commonly used entry point for tourists

🚗 How to Get There

🚌 By Road from Nairobi:

  • Distance: ~100 km
  • Duration: ~2.5 hours
  • Route: Nairobi → Mai Mahiu → Naivasha → Moi South Lake Road → Hell’s Gate
  • Roads are mostly paved but dusty near the park. 4x4s recommended during the rainy season.

✈️ By Air:

  • Closest airstrip: Naivasha Airstrip
  • Charter flights available from Nairobi Wilson Airport

🚐 Guided Transport:

Hellsgatepark.org partners with trusted operators like Kambu Campers, offering:

  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser safaris with driver-guide
  • Group transfers from Nairobi or Naivasha
  • Combined itineraries with Lake Naivasha or Crescent Island

🧭 Why Visit Hell’s Gate?

Hell’s Gate is unlike any other park in Kenya. With no lions and few large predators, visitors are free to roam on foot or by bike—making it one of the most interactive wildlife parks in Africa.

🌟 Highlights Include:

  • Stunning gorges & cliffs shaped by geothermal activity
  • Towering volcanic plugs like Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower
  • Geothermal hot springs and steaming vents
  • Rich wildlife: giraffes, zebras, buffalos, antelope, warthogs
  • Over 100 bird species including Verreaux’s eagle, vultures, and augur buzzards
  • Rock climbing, hiking, biking, and camping—adventure at its best

🌦️ Weather & Climate

Hell’s Gate enjoys a mild semi-arid climate, typical of the Rift Valley floor.

SeasonTemperature RangeRainfallNotes
Jan–Mar18–28°CLight rainsBest for hiking & biking
Apr–May17–26°CLong rainsSlippery trails, fewer tourists
Jun–Sep16–25°CDry seasonGreat for camping & climbing
Oct–Dec18–27°CShort rainsLush landscape, good photography

🎫 Entry Fees (As of 2025)

CategoryCitizen (KES)Resident (KES)Non-Resident (USD)
Adults30060026
Children (3–17)21530017
Student Groups170215N/A
Bike Entry Fee215215$5
Camping Fee200350$15

Park fees are payable online using eCitizen.

📆 Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (June–Sept, Jan–Feb) is best for:
    • Hiking the gorge
    • Rock climbing
    • Mountain biking
    • Wildlife spotting
  • Green Season (April–May) is best for:
    • Fewer crowds
    • Beautiful lush views
    • Lower travel and accommodation costs

🧗 Top Activities to Do

1. 🚶‍♂️ Hiking the Gorges

  • Explore the Lower Gorge with dramatic cliffs, twisty trails, and geothermal steam vents
  • Visit Devil’s Bedroom and Hell’s Kitchen
  • Local guides are required for safety

2. 🧗‍♀️ Rock Climbing

  • Fischer’s Tower – Ideal for beginners and pros
  • Central Tower – For intermediate and advanced climbers
  • Guides and gear available at the gate

3. 🚴 Biking in the Wild

  • Ride alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelope on open plains
  • Biking trail: ~8 km from Main Gate to Central Tower
  • Bike rentals available at the gate (approx. KES 1,000/day)

4. 🏕️ Camping

  • Campgrounds near Ol Karia and Central Tower
  • Bring your own gear or book with tour operators
  • Facilities: pit latrines, water points, and basic shelters

5. 🔥 Geothermal Spa Visit

  • Located at Olkaria Geothermal Plant (extra entrance fee applies)
  • Naturally heated pools perfect for soaking after a hike

6. 🦓 Wildlife Viewing

  • Spot buffalo, elands, zebras, giraffes, baboons, hyrax, and more
  • Birding is excellent, especially for raptors and cliff-dwelling species

⛺ Camping Info

  • Campsites: Basic but scenic
  • Best Sites: Ol Karia, Central Tower, and Nderit Campground
  • No food or equipment rental—bring your own or book with a tour company
  • Security is provided by rangers
  • Quiet, safe, and ideal for families or students

Check out Kambu Campers’ blog with very helpful info on camping at Hell’s Gate National Park.

🚴 Biking Routes & Rentals

  • Main Route: From Main Gate to Central Tower and back (~16 km round-trip)
  • Optional Extensions: Through the gorge (must dismount and walk)
  • Bike Rentals: Available at the park gate or from tour operators
    • Rates: KES 800–1,500/day
    • Some operators offer guided cycling safaris

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Hell’s Gate safe to walk or bike through?
A: Yes! The park has no lions or dangerous predators. It’s one of the few in Africa where walking and biking safaris are permitted.

Q: Do I need a guide for the gorge hike?
A: Yes. A local guide is mandatory for hiking the Lower Gorge due to past flash floods and narrow terrain.

Q: Can I visit as a day trip from Nairobi?
A: Absolutely. It’s one of the best national parks for a full-day adventure just 2.5 hours from Nairobi.

Q: Are there lodges inside the park?
A: No permanent lodges are inside Hell’s Gate, but nearby accommodations in Naivasha range from campsites to luxury resorts.

Q: Are bikes and gear provided?
A: Yes, bikes can be rented at the gate. Rock climbing gear and guides can be arranged in advance or on-site.

🚙 Travel & Tour Packages

Hellsgatepark.org works with experienced operators like Kambu Campers to offer:

  • Guided 1-day or 2-day road safaris from Nairobi
  • Private Land Cruiser tours with licensed driver-guides
  • Add-on itineraries with Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island, or Hells Gate + Olkaria Spa
  • Group student, family, or team-building packages with meals, activities, and gear included

🧳 What to Pack

  • Good walking or hiking shoes
  • Hat, sunscreen, and refillable water bottle
  • Lightweight layers (mornings can be chilly)
  • Snacks and packed lunch (or request from tour operator)
  • Swimsuit and towel if visiting the geothermal spa
  • Binoculars and camera for bird and wildlife spotting

🏁 Final Word

Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, photographer, or weekend explorer, Hell’s Gate National Park offers a rare opportunity to connect with Kenya’s wilderness on your own two feet or wheels. From biking and hiking to climbing and soaking in geothermal pools, it’s a destination that combines adventure, beauty, and history like nowhere else in East Africa.

For smooth logistics, guided safaris and day trips with transport can be arranged via Hellsgatepark.org in collaboration with Kambu Campers.

Ready to enter the gates of adventure? Let’s help you plan the perfect Hell’s Gate itinerary!

Hadventure.

Entry Fees

🌍 Overview of Hell’s Gate National Park Hell’s Gate National Park is located in Naivasha,…

Read More
Scroll to Top