Hell’s Gate
| Distance from Nairobi | About 110km |
| Starting Point | Elsa Park Gate |
| Ending point | Elsa Park Gate |
| Walking Duration | 3-6 hours |
| Terrain | Mostly sandy riverbed in Ol Njorowa gorge, with a few rocky spots. |
| Difficulty | Easy walk. |
The Hell’s Gate National Park, situated 110km from Nairobi and on the edge of Lake Naivasha, is one of the most spectacular destinations on earth. Covering an area of about 68 square km, it is one of few game parks in Kenya where you can walk, run or cycle alongside Giraffe, Zebra, Gazelles and other wildlife. The breathtaking scenery inspired the filming of various Hollywood movies in this location over the years.
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- Cliffs framing Hell’s Gate park
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- Climbers on Fischer’s tower
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- Lone Giraffe at Hell’s Gate
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- Walking alongside buffaloes
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- Ol Njorowa Gorge
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- Rock shelves in the gorge
Activities
Besides game, the Hell’s Gate National Park features the Fischer’s Tower, a prominent volcanic plug standing 25m high over the surrounding flat valley floor. Seasoned rock climbing enthusiasts and beginners alike will often be spotted scaling their way up this imposing tower. The Park is framed by imposing cathedral like cliffs along the edges of the valley.
The jewel of Hell’s Gate however is Ol Njorowa Gorge, a 24km long deep ravine lined with sheer cliffs, and endowed with hot water springs feeding a stream that meanders down the floor of the gorge as it cuts its way through the rugged and semi-arid surrounding landscape. The Gorge widens out as it weaves its way down and out of the National Park. It is arguably one of the most beautiful places to go for a hike.
Cycling through this Park, as you take in the game and enjoy the surrounding scenery is another favorite pastime with visitors. This has been made possible by the availability of rental bikes from a number of businesses barely 5km from the Park along the shores of Lake Naivasha.
Getting there
From Nairobi, take Naivasha matatus at Nyamakima Stage off River Road. From Naivasha town, get matatus headed to Lake Naivasha, and alight at the KWS signposted junction to Elsa Gate, Hell’s Gate National Park. From this junction, the Park Gate is a short 2km hike down the dirt road.
If driving, you can get there using one of two routes. The first and my personal favorite route is the lower escarpment road to Naivasha used by trucks, which passes the old Catholic Church built by Italian Prisoners of war during the second world war. This church is reputed to be the smallest church in Kenya. The road takes you past Mai Mahiu and Longonot towns before you turn left onto South Lake Road. Keep driving past a number of Horticultural farms till you get to the Elsa Gate junction where you turn left again. The second route is via the upper escarpment road to Nakuru. This road takes you past some great viewpoints on the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley, Mt Longonot, and Lake Naivasha. You then turn left at the Naivasha turn off, drive through Naivasha town and onto the old Naivasha Road heading towards Nairobi, and turn right onto South Lake Road.
Entry Requirements
Here are the latest KWS Park entry fees for accessing Hell’s Gate National Park.
Rock Climbing Instructor
For those interested in rock climbing lessons on Fischer’s Tower, call Simon Kiarie, an experienced rock climbing instructor, on 0720909718 to make the necessary arrangements. He’s generally available at the Park, and has ample gear for large groups of climbers.
Very creative and a master piece of information.
Very useful piece of information to the last detail, a master piece in my words. Bravo.
Thank you Robert. I take it you enjoyed your visit to Hell’s gate. I hope others will be inspired to make the trip, and see for themselves this magnificent part of our country.
hey, we are planning to make a visit to naivasha with other 2dudes and our girlfriends but not really sure where exactly would best suit us. we want a place that we can have a romantic picnic and also a place with activities that can last us for a whole day. any advice?
is it a must you have a tour guide in order to hike @ hells g@?
Thanks for asking Mary. Taking a guide is optional at Hell’s Gate. My experience is that you can explore a little more without one.
I wanna visit naivasha dis wkend wid my galfriend. cn i gt da direction frm twn 2hell’s gate by public means. is there any other cheaper interesting sites 4a memorable one day picnic
I and my fellow Tourism students from The Technical University of Kenya recently made a trip to this park and the experience we had was just wonderful. The whole thing was awesome! The hike was thrilling! The gorge was gorgeous! The waters were warm! We enjoyed it to our fullest before heading to Naivasha Simba Sopa Lodge, Elsamere Conservancy, Hippo point and the Fish Eagle! We also participated in Corporate Social Responsibility by raising funds that we gave to the Maasai dwellers in the park so that they could buy their children uniforms and books as well. Indeed, Naivasha is a paradise of its own.
I love this article.kudos guys for sharing the information. Visit our website and face book pages for more info.
http://www.kws.org/parks/parks_reserves/HGNP.html
I’m planning to be in Naivasha this chrismas holiday does the Park have bus service like lake Nakuru National Park,,How do we get there by Public Transport from Naivasha Town???
Thanks for asking Carolyn. No there is no bus service. In Naivasha town you’ll find Matatus to Olkaria which will drop you off along the South Lake Road at the junction to the Park. Many visitors like to hire bicycles and ride in the Park. Enjoy.
How much do they charge to hire a bicycle and ride in the park plus a guide?
Hi,am a student recently completed my course in travel and tourism management and I’m in search of Internship..kindly show how I can get it at Hell’s Gate park,,Thanks in advance
hi, am planning to have a picnic and scenic tour at hellsgate park but got no idea on how much u guys charge at the gate, any help? (am kenyan)
Adults Kshs 350 Children Kshs 250
Visited in July 2015, to update on how to get there and the change in rates.
Take a matatu at Nyamakima, the fare varies depending on the day and time, we paid Sh 400 one way, (return was Ksh 200 on the same day).
At Naivasha ask for matatus to Oleserian (Sh 80) ask the crew to show you Hells gate or just watch out for a huge sign. Rent a mountain bike for Ksh 500 (negotiable) then ride a gentle slope up to Elsa gate. Pay Sh 700 for the bike and yourself, (different rates if you are driving or hiking through). Cycle through the park to Ol Njorowa gorge, at the gorge you will pay Sh 2,000 for the long hike.
There that is your budget guide.
thanks Ruskin. So helpful