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 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.
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
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![7-Day Top Luxury Wild Safari]()
7-Day Top Luxury Wild Safari
$2,350 to $2,700 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Lake Elementaita, Hell's Gate NP, Nairobi Airport (End)
Across The Wild Tours & Safaris
4.9/5 – 34 Reviews
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![6-Day -Samburu/Nakuru/Masai Mara Cultural Safari]()
6-Day -Samburu/Nakuru/Masai Mara Cultural Safari
$1,250 pp (USD)
Kenya: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Samburu NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Hell's Gate NP, Nairobi (End)
African Breeze Tours
3.9/5 – 35 Reviews
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![10-Day Tourist's Choice Safari]()
10-Day Tourist's Choice Safari
$2,069 to $2,462 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Mt Kenya, Nakuru (City), Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Loita Hills (Mountain Range), Hell's Gate NP, Nairobi (End)
Best Memory Safaris
5.0/5 – 39 Reviews
