More than 150 bird species have been recorded at Hell’s Gate National Park, and it makes a good birding destination to combine with neighboring Lake Naivasha. Hell’s Gate hosts an important colony of the critically endangered Rüppell’s vulture. You’ll see this bird easily from the main road (look for white streaking on the cliff face). The park is also often listed as a breeding site for bearded vulture, Egyptian vulture and Verreaux’s eagle, but these iconic raptors are no longer resident. Grassland species are well represented and migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
Best Time for Bird Watching
Hell’s Gate offers good bird watching throughout the year. However, the best time is from November to April when migrants from Europe and North Africa are in the park. This coincides with the Wet season (November to May), when many species can be seen in breeding plumage as they are nesting. June to October is the Dry season and tends to be best for general wildlife viewing.