Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk, cycle, rock-climb, and camp among plains game beneath towering volcanic cliffs. There are no permanent lodges inside the park—just three official KWS public campsites: Endachata, Naiburta, and Oldubai. This guide compares them side-by-side, explains what to expect, and shares the practical tips seasoned campers wish they’d known.
Quick facts
- Gates: Elsa (main), Olkaria (near the geothermal area/spa)
- Best for: Self-sufficient campers, cyclists, hikers, rock-climbers, school groups, photographers
- Wildlife: Zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, klipspringer, buffalo; rich raptor/bird life
- Activities: Walking and cycling on park roads, Fisher’s Tower climbing, Central & Eastern (Embarta) Towers, gorge walks (check current safety status), geothermal features, Olkaria Geothermal Spa
- Roads: Generally good all-weather murram; no 4×4 required in normal conditions
- Supplies: Stock up in Naivasha town before taking Moi South Lake Road; only snacks/soft drinks at Elsa Gate when available
Fees & tickets: Park and camping fees are collected by KWS at the gate; bring a cashless payment option and your ID/resident documents. Rates change periodically—confirm the latest the day you go.
The Campsites at a Glance
| Campsite | Setting & feel | Access & proximity | Facilities | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endachata | Open grassland with sweeping views toward the cliffs; dramatic sunsets | Easy reach from Elsa Gate; convenient for southern loops | Basic long-drop latrine, water point (sometimes limited), cooking shelters in varying condition | Groups, photo lovers, stargazing | Exposed to wind; bring extra pegs/guylines |
| Naiburta | Slightly elevated, quiet; classic savannah with wildlife passing through | Central; good base to explore multiple loops; short but steep final approach | Basic ablutions, simple shelters; water sometimes available | First-timers, small groups wanting solitude | Steep last stretch if cycling; baboons can be cheeky—secure food |
| Oldubai | Closer to geothermal side and some hiking routes; rugged, less trafficked | Northern/central sector; best reached by vehicle | Basic pit latrine; simple cooking space; water by jerrycan if arranged | Hikers and explorers keen on quieter corners | Industrial hum from distant wells; fewer shade trees—carry a tarp |
Shelters & showers: Expect basic infrastructure. Bring your own tent, mats, stove, fuel, lighting, and a water plan. Do not rely on hot showers.
Choosing your campsite
- For the view + easy logistics: Endachata
- For quiet + central access to loops: Naiburta
- For a “frontier” feel + proximity to Olkaria features: Oldubai
If you’re driving, you can pop by all three in under an hour and pick your favorite before committing. Cyclists/walkers should decide in advance (or plan for Naiburta to avoid a long backtrack).
What to expect (and pack)
Expect
- Space and silence. Once day-trippers leave, the park is wonderfully quiet—perfect for dawn walks and golden-hour cycling.
- Wind and temperature swings. Even in dry season, nights can be chilly; bring a warm layer.
- Wild neighbors. You’re sharing the space with plains game and occasional buffalo—give them room, stay alert after dark, and never approach.
- Baboons. They are expert opportunists. Lock food in your car or sturdy bins; never leave coolers or utensils out.
Pack
- Shelter: 3-season tent, stout pegs, guylines, groundsheet, shade tarp
- Sleep: Insulated mat, 0–10 °C comfort sleeping bag, pillow
- Kitchen: Gas/white-spirit stove, fuel, lighter, pot/pan, cutting board, knife, utensils, headlamp/lantern, biodegradable soap, trash bags (pack out)
- Water: 4–6 L per person/day minimum + purification (filter or tabs)
- Food: Fully self-cater; there’s no real shop in the park
- Clothing: Windbreaker, fleece, hat, sun protection, sturdy shoes or light hikers
- Other: First-aid kit, power bank, bike spares if cycling, climbing kit if tackling Fisher’s Tower (or hire a certified guide on site)
Safety & etiquette
- Register at the gate and ask about: current gorge access, weather, wildlife notes, any closed roads.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife; buffalo deserve extra margin.
- Secure food from baboons/monkeys at all times.
- Fires: Use your stove; only make a small fire where and when permitted. No collecting firewood.
- Noise: Sound carries. Be kind to other campers (quiet hours after 10 pm).
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all rubbish—including food scraps and foil.
- Cycling/Walking: Keep right, be visible, and yield to wildlife.
Classic activities & routes
- Cycling the main loop: Enter via Elsa Gate → Fisher’s Tower → Central Tower (Embarta) viewpoints; add side tracks as time allows.
- Fisher’s Tower climbing: Rock climbing with local guides; great for beginners and kids (safety gear provided).
- Eastern/Central Towers circuit: Short scenic hikes to viewpoints; sublime for sunrise/sunset.
- Olkaria Geothermal Spa: Soak in warm mineral waters post-ride; check operating hours at Olkaria gate and whether you need separate spa entry.
- Gorge walk: Access is variable—ask rangers about safety after rains.
Sample weekend plan (self-drive)
Day 1 (pm): Arrive via Elsa Gate, recon campsites, set up at Naiburta, sunset walk to viewpoints, dinner under stars.
Day 2: Sunrise cycle to Fisher’s Tower, optional intro climb, brunch at camp, siesta, afternoon soak at Olkaria Spa, return for campfire.
Day 3 (am): Short hike near Central Tower, break camp, slow game/landscape drive out via scenic loop.
Getting there
- From Nairobi: A104 to Naivasha (via Mai Mahiu or via Limuru), then Moi South Lake Road to Elsa Gate. Allow ~2 hours to town + 30–40 minutes to the gate (traffic dependent).
- Fuel & supplies: Top up in Naivasha town. On South Lake Road, options are limited.
- Public transport: Nairobi → Naivasha by bus/matatu; then hire a taxi to the gate; inside the park you’ll need a bike or private vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a bike?
Yes—usually just outside Elsa Gate and at some camps/lodges on South Lake Road. Inspect brakes/tyres; carry a tube and pump.
Do I need a guide?
Not for cycling or walking the roads. Climbing Fisher’s Tower requires a guide/operator. Gorge walks may be ranger-guided when open.
Are there predators?
Large predators are absent; buffalo occur—give way and keep distance. Night walking is not advised.
Can I rely on water at camp?
No. Treat any campsite tap as a bonus. Arrive self-sufficient.
Is a 4×4 required?
No, in normal conditions. After heavy rain, ask rangers about road status.
Can I camp with kids?
Yes—Hell’s Gate is excellent for families who camp regularly. Keep children close, especially around baboons and at dusk.
Mini profiles: each campsite
Endachata
- Why you’ll love it: Big-sky views, photo-friendly sunsets, easy in/out.
- Good to know: Exposed site—bring extra guylines and a windbreak. Limited shade at midday.
Naiburta
- Why you’ll love it: Quiet, central location, classic plains feel.
- Good to know: Short steep approach if cycling; baboons patrol—stow everything.
Oldubai
- Why you’ll love it: Fewer people, rugged vibe, closer to geothermal features and northern loops.
- Good to know: Expect a faint industrial hum when the wind is right; carry a shade tarp.
What a realistic budget looks like (per adult, weekend)
- Park entry (per day) + camping fee (per night): Check latest at gate
- Bike hire (optional): Day rate near the gate
- Olkaria Spa (optional): Separate entry fee
- Food & water: Self-catered groceries from Naivasha
- Transport: Fuel or taxi hire to/from gate
(Exact figures vary by citizenship/residency and current KWS schedules—confirm on arrival.)
Final take
If you enjoy hands-on, self-reliant camping and want to walk or cycle among wildlife in a geologically dramatic landscape, Hell’s Gate’s Endachata, Naiburta, and Oldubai deliver exactly that. Pick Endachata for big views, Naiburta for quiet central access, and Oldubai for a wilder edge close to the Olkaria side. Arrive stocked, secure your food from baboons, and give yourself time for a sunset ride, a stargazing dinner, and a dawn hike—the hours when day-trip crowds vanish and the park truly belongs to you.