"A walk on the wild side"-Hells Gate National Park
“A walk on the wild side”-Hells Gate National Park.
Hell’s Gate National Park lies to the south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, North West of Nairobi. Hell’s Gate National Park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley. It received the name “Hell’s Gate” by explorers Fisher and Thomson in 1883.
The park which is mainly comprised of savannah ecosystem habours a wide variety of wildlife. Some of the frequently observed animal species include lions, leopards, and cheetahs. There are over 100 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux’s Eagles, augur buzzard, and swifts. African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, and baboons are also common. The park is also home to klipspringer antelope and Chanler’s mountain reedbuck.
ACCESS
- By Road: This park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi (90kms) via Naivasha Town on the Lake Road South at a junction 5km south of Naivasha
- By Air: Naivasha air strip
PARK GATES
- The main Elsa Gate
- Olkaria Gate
SIZE / LOCATION
- 68 Km2.
- Naivasha , Rift Valley Province
CLIMATE
- Temperature ranges from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm
- Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December
PERSONNEL ON CALL
- The Warden
SAFARICARD REQUIRED?
At present the park does not operate on the smartcard system. Entry is by cash only (KShs or US $)
- Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
- Residents – Valid Passport & re entry pass
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
- Elephant in Eden
- Aruba Dam
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
- Game viewing
- Raptor nesting in cliffs
- Spectecular Gorge walk
- Hot springs
- The Olkaria Geothermal Station
- The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide
- Fischer’s Tower
- Tourist circuits, nature trails and picnic sites
WILDLIFE
- Buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and giraffe, babooms, serval cat and klipspringer antelopes
- Prolific birdlife features 103 species.
WHERE TO STAY
- In – Park Accommodation
There is no accommodation in the Park ; although a wide range of accommodations options are available in Naivasha town and along Moi South Lake Road.
- KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:
There are no self-catering facilities at Hell’s Gate National Park.
- Camping Facilities
Oldubai campsite( on the cliff top south of Fischer’s Tower)
Nairburta campsite
Endchata campsite (across the gorge on the northern cliffs)
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
- Hiking
- Camping
- Rock climbing
- Biking
- Bird watching
- Wildlife viewing
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, walking boots and guidebooks