Hells Gate National Park Kenya : Something funny about Kenyan tourism is that you have a lot of spectacular destinations such that you won’t regret taking a trip to this mysterious East African country. With more than hundreds of options for exploring, Kenya stands a chance to be a top destination for your precious holiday. Among the 24 national parks in Kenya, Hells Gate National Park is the only one that is embraced with both wildlife richness and spectacular geological features. Newbies who want to learn various things on their safari, should not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Hells Gate National Park.
Located in North West of Nairobi in Nakuru County just to the south of Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate National Park is a splendid destination for every safari-goer. It is found in the Great Rift Valley and is jam-packed with incredible geological features whose formations date back to 100 years ago.
Why is it called Hells Gate National Park? It is because of volcanic eruptions that led to the formation of sensational features such as towering cliffs happened more than 100 years ago. The eruptions were brutal and noisy and sometimes ashes and smoke was spotted hence people called it Hells Gate. This park was established in 1984 and it covers an area of 68.25 square kilometers.
Getting to Hells Gate National Park is very easy especially when you are coming from Nairobi. An airstrip is available at Naivasha town, and it receives many scheduled flights for visitors of Hells Gate National Park. You can also drive from Nairobi via Naivasha through a tarmac road and reach Hells Gate National Park, which is just 5 kilometers south of Naivasha.
For an unforgettable safari in Hells Gate National Park Kenya, you have to plan your trip in the right time. This park gives wonderful experience to its visitors when visited in the dry season (between June and October). During this period, unpaved roads are easily accessible and rainfall is less likely to hinder your safari.
Attractions in Hells Gate National Park
Geological features: Volcanic eruptions that happened more than a century ago led to the formation of spectacular, eye-catching geological features within Hells Gate National Park. You will enjoy the views of towering cliffs, water-gauged gorges, scrub-clad volcanoes and plumes of geothermal steam. You will meet with the Fisher tower, Obsidian Caves, Ol Jorowa Gorge and Longonot volcano. These geological features are very important players in the survival of flora and fauna in Hells Gate National Park. They are used by some endangered species as their breeding areas. For instance, white-backed vultures like to breed in cliffs.
Vegetation: Another stunning feature of Hells Gate National Park is the glamorous flora species that decorates it. The plains of Hells Gate National Park are covered with grasses and whistling thorns. These plants are important sources of food for many herbivores residing in this park. In the high-ground vegetation, especially in valleys, you will find shrubs and leleshwa species which play home to various small animals.
Wildlife: Hells Gate National Park is home to dazzling wild animals which are incredibly beautiful. They include zebra, African buffalo, Maasai giraffe, eland, hartebeest, hyena, baboons and antelopes.
Birdlife: Hells Gate National Park is home to around 103 species of birds, some of which are endangered. They include vultures, Augur buzzards and eagles. Some endangered birds that can be seen in Hells Gate National Park include the white-backed vulture, the Egyptian goose and Ruppel’s vulture. This park also plays home to some birds whose existence is labeled as rare, threatened and vulnerable. They include Verreax’s eagle, Lammergeyer, Ruppel’s griffon, hooded vultures, grey-crested Helmet-shrike and secretary bird.
Hotsprings: This is a splendid feature within Hells Gate National Park. The interesting part of these hot springs is they coexist with plants. You can go there to see by yourself how the plants survive under the high temperatures of these hot springs.
Olkaria Geothermal Station: This is a geothermal power station located within Hells Gate National Park. It is a perfect spot for learning many things about how electricity is generated using geothermal energy.
Tourists who are interested in doing many things while in Hells Gate National Park are always amazed by activities such as biking, hiking, game viewing, camping, birding and rock climbing.
Hells Gate National Park Entrance Fees
As of 2023, the entrance fees for Hells Gate National Park are as follows: An adult (above 17 years) East African resident will pay KSH 300 per day while an East African child of the age between 3 and 17 years will be charged KSH 215 per day. An adult foreigner (non-East African resident) will have to pay $26 per day while a child of the corresponding identity will be charged $17 per day.
Hells Gate National Park deserves a visit as it has a lot of things for you to explore. This magnificent park is a hidden gem for those who want to learn more about geological features, birdlife and wildlife.
