Hell's Gate National Park
Overview
Kenya Parks
By Anthony Ham
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
This small park near Lake Naivasha isn’t on many safari itineraries. It contains a nice variety of plains animals, but it lacks most of the flagship species. The appeal lies more in the scenery with impressive sandstone cliffs and volcanic outcrops. Rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking are some of the activities available. It’s one of the few parks in Kenya where you can easily walk among herds of plains animals.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Hell’s Gate is not a big wildlife safari destination. Of the Big Five, only buffalo are seen, while leopard are around but seldom encountered. Giraffe, zebra, eland, hartebeest and Thomson's gazelle are common. Olive baboons are often seen perched on the cliffs while a good spotter might pick up a pair of klipspringers. Less common is the Chanler's mountain reedbuck, which can be found grazing on the grassy slopes.
Scenery
The main attraction of Hell’s Gate NP is its dramatic scenery. The name refers to the steep-sided valley running through the park. The volcanic landscape is dominated by dormant volcanos and several ancient lava plugs sticking out from the valley floor.
Weather & Climate
The climate at Hell’s Gate is similar to other places near the equator in that temperatures are fairly consistent year-round. What makes it unusual is its altitude, which is high enough to lend a distinct coolness to the air, particularly at night. The Dry season (June to October) sees plenty of blue-sky days, while the Wet season (November to May) trades the sunshine for afternoon showers.
Best Time to Visit
Except for the Christmas season, Hell’s Gate gets relatively few visitors, so you don’t have to factor that into the timing of your visit. The Dry season (June to October) is the best time to go wildlife watching, as the animals are easier to observe in the thinned-out bush. The wetter months, on the other hand, reward you with nesting birds of prey, and the vegetation is in full bloom.
Want to Visit Hell's Gate NP?
Safari Tours to Hell's Gate NP
-
![10-Day Your Wildlife Dream Safari to Kenya]()
10-Day Your Wildlife Dream Safari to Kenya
$2,450 to $2,900 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Amboseli NP, Ol Pejeta (Laikipia), Lake Bogoria NR, Hell's Gate NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi Airport (End)
Across The Wild Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 31 Reviews
-
![13-Day Kenya Safari]()
13-Day Kenya Safari
$3,760 to $4,610 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Samburu NR, Ol Pejeta (Laikipia), Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate NP, Amboseli NP, Nairobi Airport (End)
Kenya Safaris Holiday
4.9/5 – 47 Reviews
-
![7-Day Kenya Budget Group Joining Tour Early Bird Deal]()
7-Day Kenya Budget Group Joining Tour Early Bird Deal
$880 to $910 pp (USD)
Kenya: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp & Hotel
You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Hell's Gate NP, Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)
Exciting Africa Holidays
4.5/5 – 2 Reviews
