National parks and reserves

Kenya's Parks

Hells gate National Park

Information

Altitude: 5,000-7,000 Ft
Area: 68 Sq. Kms.
Distance from Nairobi: 90 Kms.
Opened February 1984

Game viewing includes: lion, buffalo & giraffe
Traditional eagle nesting ground
Spectacular gorge walk
Hot springs, natural open air saunas
Walking, camping, rock climbing, cycling & riding
Maasai Cultural Centre

Despite its name, Hell's Gate is an ideal family getaway for a day trip from Nairobi or stopover en-route to Lake Nakuru or the Masai Mara, located just beyond Lake Naivasha. Famous for its natural hot geysers, eagle and vulture breeding grounds, visitors have the choice of driving, walking, camping, cycling and rock-climbing within the park. Horseback safaris can also be arranged.
Special locations to view include Fischer's Tower, formerly a volcano's plug, the Central Tower and Njorowa Gorges. Two extinct volcanoes: Olkaria and Hobley's are worth a trip. Natural steam vents rise from fissures in the volcanic rock. Obsidian, a striking black glassy rock formed from cooled molten lava is a feature of this landscape. Game to view includes: buffalo, Masai Giraffe, eland, Coke's Hartebeest, lion, leopard and some cheetah. A haven for ornithologists and rock climbers, the cliffs of Hell's Gate are breeding grounds for vultures, Verreaux's Eagles, augur buzzard and thousands of swifts; 103 species of bird have been recorded in the park.