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Hell's Gate National Park

Naivasha, Kenya
“A Walk on the Wild Side”
Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell's Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi where, in addition to the bio-diversity that includes raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.
Hells Gate lies to the south of Lake Naivasha about 90 km from Nairobi and is a small park with numerous animals. The main feature of the park is the high red- rock cliffs that form a wide gorge. In the hills overlooking the gorge are hot springs and steaming geysers which the reason for the name "Hell's Gate" given to it by the German naturalist Dr Fischer.

A good park to visit as part of a day trip that includes a stop at Lake Naivasha. The drive from Nairobi provides some good views of the rift valley. It is possible to use the fast road one way and the old road now used for trucks in the other direction
Key features
Wildlife
  • African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle and baboons are common. The park is also home to klipspringer antelope and Chandler’s mountain reedbuck
  • Prolific birdlife – there are over 100 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux's Eagles, augur buzzard and swifts.
Attractions
  • Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa.
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Raptor nesting in cliffs
  • Hot springs
  • The Olkaria Geothermal Station
  • The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide
  • Tourist circuits, nature trails
  • Health spa
How to get there
  • By Road: This park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi (90kms) via Naivasha Town on the Lake Road South at a junction 5km south of Naivasha
  • By Air: Naivasha airstrip

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