​Malaria & Safety – Hell's Gate NP

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Safety

Hell’s Gate National Park is a very safe park to visit, in our opinion. Most visitors to the park will stay in Naivasha town. There are no big safety concerns in Naivasha, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious when walking in urban centers (see ‘Cities and Other Urban Areas Safety Precautions’ below). You’ll be shielded from any potential issues on an organized tour.

For up-to-date information about safety in Kenya, it is always worth checking the travel advisories (see the ‘Safety & Security – Kenya’ link below).

Malaria & Vaccinations

Several vaccinations are recommended before coming to Kenya. Hell’s Gate NP (and Naivasha) lies in a malaria area and precautions should be taken. Aside from antimalarials, the use of mosquito repellent containing DEET is highly recommended. Covering up in the evening minimizes the risk of being bitten too.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is generally very safe, especially from a car. A big attraction of the park is that it offers the opportunity to cycle and walk unguided. It is quite safe to do so as long as you use common sense and respect the wildlife. Most dangerous animals aren’t present in the park, but there is a healthy population of buffalo (always keep your distance). Never proceed if potentially dangerous animals block the road.

For more information, please read the 'Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions' below.

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