Where to Eat, What to Pack, and How to Dine Well on Your Rift Valley Adventure
While Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its raw nature and thrilling activities, visitors also need to fuel their adventures—and luckily, there are great dining options both near the park and in the nearby town of Naivasha. Whether you’re planning a picnic, staying in a self-catering lodge, or looking for a sit-down restaurant, this guide covers everything you need to know about food and dining around Hell’s Gate.
🍽️ Restaurants Near Hell’s Gate National Park
Convenient Dining Before or After Your Park Visit
There are no restaurants inside the park boundaries, but several good eateries are found along Moi South Lake Road, which connects Naivasha to Hell’s Gate. These restaurants cater to both local and international tastes, often with lake views or garden seating.
🏞️ Top Restaurants Near the Park:
1. The Ranch House Bistro (Oserian)
- Rustic, open-air garden restaurant inside Oserian Conservancy
- Known for: Wood-fired pizzas, steaks, fresh salads
- Family-friendly with scenic views of Lake Naivasha
- ~10 minutes from Hell’s Gate entrance
2. Fisherman’s Camp Restaurant
- Casual lakeside restaurant and bar with continental and African menu
- Great for lunch after visiting Hell’s Gate
- Offers vegetarian options and freshly made juices
- Occasional live music on weekends
3. Camp Carnelley’s Bar & Kitchen
- Laid-back vibe with a leafy garden and lake view
- Known for: Burgers, curries, veggie meals, and cold drinks
- Great atmosphere for backpackers, families, and group hangouts
4. Java House Naivasha
- Located in Naivasha town (20–30 minutes from the park)
- Reliable for coffee, breakfast, and light meals
- Air-conditioned indoor seating and clean restrooms
🎯 Tip: Most restaurants near the park open around 8 AM and close by 9–10 PM, so plan early meals if staying inside the park.
🧺 Hell’s Gate Picnic Food Ideas
Pack Your Own Feast for the Perfect Outdoor Meal
Hell’s Gate is one of the best parks in Kenya for picnicking, thanks to its open layout and several shaded rest spots. If you’re planning a day visit, bringing your own food is ideal—especially if you’re cycling or hiking.
🥪 Easy Picnic Food Suggestions:
- Sandwiches or wraps with grilled chicken, cheese, or veggies
- Hard-boiled eggs and fruit (bananas, apples, oranges travel well)
- Mandazi, samosas, or chapati wraps (available in Naivasha bakeries)
- Trail mix or nuts for energy on the go
- Cookies or granola bars
- Cold drinks or juice boxes (freeze them overnight for extra refreshment)
🧊 Pack Essentials:
- Cooler bag or insulated backpack
- Reusable water bottles
- Napkins, hand sanitizer, biodegradable trash bags
- Cutting board, small knife, and cups if needed
📍 Recommended picnic spots:
- Fischer’s Tower area
- Ol Njorowa Gorge entrance
- Naiburta Campsite
- Spa picnic lawns (if visiting Olkaria Spa)
🔥 Note: Open fires and cooking inside the park are prohibited unless you’re at designated campsites.
🍳 Self-Catering Lodges Near Hell’s Gate
Cook Your Own Meals at Lodges with Kitchen Access
Several eco-lodges and campsites near the park offer self-catering facilities, making them ideal for families, long-stay visitors, and budget-conscious travelers who prefer to cook.
🏡 Lodges & Camps with Self-Catering:
1. Camp Carnelley’s
- Offers bandas and cottages with shared or private kitchens
- Fully equipped: gas cookers, utensils, fridge
- On-site restaurant if you prefer to mix dining and DIY
2. Fisherman’s Camp
- Cottages with kitchenettes
- Campsite with basic cooking shelters and water
- Close to Naivasha markets for shopping
3. Oloiden Camp
- Beautiful lakeside setting with self-catering cottages
- BBQ facilities and outdoor fire pits available
- Small shop onsite with basics (bread, eggs, snacks)
4. Elsamere Lodge (Limited Self-Catering)
- Offers full board but can allow small groups to self-cater on request
🛒 Shop for supplies in Naivasha town, where you’ll find supermarkets like Tuskys, Naivas, and open-air markets for fresh produce.
🍳 Recommended groceries to bring:
- Pasta, rice, canned beans or vegetables
- Breakfast items (bread, spreads, tea, coffee)
- Eggs, sausages, tomatoes, onions
- Refillable water containers and snacks
🏙️ Dining Options in Naivasha Town
Where to Eat Before or After Your Adventure
Naivasha town is a vibrant food hub with everything from fast food to fine dining. If you’re staying outside the park or heading back to Nairobi, consider stopping here for a proper meal.
🍽️ Best Dining Spots in Naivasha:
1. Java House Naivasha
- Coffee, sandwiches, pancakes, burgers
- Fast, clean, family-friendly
- Located on Moi South Lake Road
2. La Belle Inn
- Buffet and à la carte options
- Mix of local and international dishes
- Mid-range hotel restaurant in town center
3. Mother’s Kitchen
- Home-style Kenyan meals: nyama choma, sukuma wiki, chapati
- Popular with locals, affordable pricing
4. Gabby’s Restaurant
- Great for fish, rice dishes, and local favorites
- Fast service and generous portions
🧾 Most restaurants in Naivasha accept cash, MPESA, and card payments. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
✅ Final Dining & Food Tips for Hell’s Gate Visitors
- 🍽️ No restaurants inside the park, so plan meals before or after your visit
- 🧺 Pack a picnic if doing a full-day hike, cycle, or spa visit
- 🛍️ Buy supplies in Naivasha if self-catering or camping
- 🥤 Stay hydrated: carry water bottles (at least 2 liters per person)
- 🧼 Clean up: dispose of all trash responsibly—pack out what you pack in
- 🧯 No fires or cooking inside the park unless at designated campsites
🍃 Whether you’re savoring nyama choma by the lake, enjoying sandwiches beside Fischer’s Tower, or cooking under the stars, food is part of the adventure at Hell’s Gate.