🌍 Overview of Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is located in Naivasha, Nakuru County, just about 90 km northwest of Nairobi. Unlike most other Kenyan parks, Hell’s Gate is unique because it allows walking, cycling, and rock climbing within the park boundaries. Visitors are drawn to its towering cliffs, deep gorges, steam vents, and geothermal landscapes.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a full exploration of its attractions—including Fischer’s Tower, the Ol Njorowa Gorge (now partially restricted), and hot springs—understanding the park’s entry fees is essential for budgeting.
🧾 Entry Fees for Hell’s Gate National Park (Effective 2024–2025)
These are the current Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) standard rates for Hell’s Gate National Park:
🧍 Park Entry Fees (Per Day)
| Category | Citizen (KES) | Resident (KES) | Non-Resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 300 | 300 | 26 |
| Child (3–17 yrs) | 215 | 215 | 17 |
| Students (with KWS approval letter) | 215 | 215 | N/A |
🔹 Citizens: Kenyan nationals with valid national ID or passport
🔹 Residents: East African residents with valid work permits or alien cards
🔹 Non-Residents: International visitors
Hell’s Gate NP Entrance Fee Comparison: Old Rates (In effect) vs New Rates (Halted)
| Category | Old Rate | New Rate | Currency |
| Citizen | 300 | 500 | KES |
| Resident | 300 | 675 | KES |
| Non-Resident | 26 | 50 | USD |
Citizens & Residents: The proposed rates (now suspended) would have increased from KES 300 to KES 500 for citizens and to KES 675 for residents — a rise of 67% and 125% respectively.
Non-Residents: Fees were set to increase from USD 26 to USD 50, nearly doubling the previous amount.
đźš— Vehicle Entry Fees (Per Day)
| Vehicle Type | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Private car (Up to 6 seats) | 300 |
| Minibus (6–12 seats) | 1,030 |
| Tour vehicle (13–24 seats) | 2,585 |
| Tour bus (25–44 seats) | 4,050 |
| Motorbike | 215 |
| Bicycle | 215 |
Vehicle fees apply in addition to individual entry fees.
⛺ Camping Fees (Per Night)
| Category | Citizen/Resident (KES) | Non-Resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Special Campsites | 500 | 35 |
| Public Campsites | 200 | 15 |
🕰️ Operating Hours
- Daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry typically allowed by 4:30 PM)
🧗 Activities and Additional Charges
- Rock Climbing Permit: Required for accessing and climbing Fischer’s Tower or other designated formations. Check with KWS wardens for current climbing conditions and safety.
- Guides: Recommended for gorge walks or climbing and may be hired at the gate or inside the park.
- Bike Rentals: Available from vendors outside the gate (approx. KES 500–1000 per day).
- Geothermal Spa Visit (Optional): A separate fee is charged to access the Olkaria Geothermal Spa nearby.
🎒 Tips for Visitors
- Bring your ID or passport for verification at the gate.
- Carry enough water, sunscreen, and a hat—it gets hot and dry!
- Wear sturdy shoes if planning to hike or walk through gorges or on rocky paths.
- Cyclists should be comfortable with uneven terrain and sun exposure.
- There is no dangerous big game, so walking and cycling are generally safe.
- Gorges may be closed during rainy seasons due to safety hazards. Check ahead.
💡 Why Visit Hell’s Gate?
- One of the few parks in Kenya you can walk or cycle through
- Offers rock climbing, scenic views, birdwatching, and geothermal features
- Close to Naivasha for easy day trips or overnight stays
- Filming location for parts of The Lion King and Tomb Raider
🏞️ Proposed KWS Rates for Hell’s Gate National Park (Effective Oct 1, 2025 — Now on Hold)
1. Park Entry Fees (Per Day)
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| African Citizen | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-Resident (International Visitor) | USD 50 | USD 25 |
2. Camping Fees
| Category | Visitor Type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Campsite | East African Citizen | KES 200 | KES 150 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 300 | KES 200 | |
| African Citizen | USD 10 | USD 8 | |
| Non-Resident | USD 20 | USD 15 | |
| Special Campsite | East African Citizen | KES 250 | KES 200 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 350 | KES 250 | |
| African Citizen | USD 20 | USD 10 | |
| Non-Resident | USD 35 | USD 20 |
3. Activities & Experiences
| Activity / Service | EA Citizen / Kenya Resident | African Citizen / Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Cycling | KES 300 | USD 10 |
| Night Game Drive | KES 3,000 | USD 50 |
| Security Guided Tour (Up to 4 hours) | KES 2,000 | — |
| Security Guided Tour (Over 4 hours) | KES 4,000 | — |
| Vehicle Recovery Inside the Park | KES 10,500 | — |
| Event Security (Per Section) | KES 87,000 | USD 1,000 |
4. Key Notes
- These proposed rates were to take effect from October 1, 2025, across all KWS-managed parks and reserves, including Hell’s Gate.
- On October 2, 2025, the Milimani High Court issued orders suspending implementation pending determination of a petition by the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF).
- As a result, the old rates remain in effect, meaning visitors are still paying KES 300 (adults) and KES 215 (children) for citizens/residents, and USD 26 / USD 17 for non-residents until further notice.