Hell's Gate National Park lies south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya.
Understand
[edit]Hell's Gate National Park was established in 1984 and named after a narrow break in the cliffs. The park is mostly known for its scenery, what includes the Fischer's Tower and Central Tower columns and the Hell's Gate Gorge. It is also a good place to meet giraffes, zebras or warthogs face to face while walking or biking through the park.
However, since a few years, the park is getting transformed into an industrial area with lots of power plants producing electricity with the heat from the earth. Trucks, dirty roads and lot of noise from the power plants make the park not that much interesting today.
Get in
[edit]By car, taxi (even Uber for about Ksh 10,000), boda boda or arranged tour.
Fees and permits
[edit]- US$26 for non-resident adults (2024)
- Ksh 700 for adult residents
- Ksh 350 for a car (less than 6 seats)
- Ksh 200 to take a bike into the park
The entry fee has to be paid with credit card (no cash!) via https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/services/1/apply/16[dead link], they can also handle it for you at the gate but booking ahead of time allows you to skip potential queues.
Get around
[edit]
- Bike (usually rental)
- Foot
- Car
See
[edit]
As of 2025, access to some gorges is forbidden since 2019 because of flash flood incidents. And to enter Hell's Gate Gorge, you must hire a guide.
- 1 Hell's Gate Gorge (Ol Njorowa). A narrow sandstone gorge which was sculpted by water and light. In some places it can be slippery and you need to know where to put your feet. Note that there is a real danger of flash floods in the narrow canyon - there are a number of emergency exits, look out for them.
Since 2024, you must hire a guide to get in. You can hire a national guide at the gate (Ksh 2000 for half a day) or hire a local Masai guide just at the entrance of the Gorge. This option can be more expensive as the Masais ask for Ksh 2000 for a short walk (20 min), Ksh 4000 for a medium walk (40 min) and Ksh 6000 for the long walk up to the end of the gorge. However, note that you can bargain the medium one for the price of the short one. 
- 2 Central Tower Gorge. The Central Tower Gorge is the main creek coming from the left hand side when you walk the Hell's Gate Gorge. Since there was a deadly accident with 7 Kenyan university students because of flooding waters most guides pass this way. Do not go there without a guide.
- 3 Fischer's Tower. A 25 m high volcanic column named after the German explorer, who reached the gorge in 1882. It's the starting point for a wide and deep valley surrounded by red rock walls. Zebras, Giraffe and warthog are seen in this 7km-long stretch leading to the Gorges. Also look out for small Hyrax relaxing around the tower in the thickets.
Do
[edit]- Cycling. From the Elsa Gate to the Hell's Gate Gorge it's a 7 km dirt road, slightly downhill - coming back will take you longer. Cycling is a good option to see a few African animals face to face. Be prepared for the burning afternoon sun. There are bikes for rent in many hotels, at the junction to the Elsa Gate and at the park entrance. Don't pay more than Ksh500, you can bargain for less, especially at the junction.
- The 14km “Buffalo Circuit” gives you a better chance to see giraffes, and provides a stunning view of Longonot volcano. Allow plenty of time because you probably have to push for a steep section to the lookout at the top.
- You can also make it a hike, or half-half bike/walk/drive, you will have more time to take in everything on foot as you have to be mindful of the path while biking. Some of the walls have a nice echo.
- There are a couple of stores, restaurants and other businesses near Elsa Gate that can store your backpack while you cycle around the park. Organise with the bicycle rental guys and tip the store owner when you get back.
- There is a nice market behind the Ranger's Camp just before the Gorge. You can stock up with slightly overpriced supplies and get decently priced handicraft if you take some time to chat and haggle (a Maasai Belt for example starts at Ksh 10k but may be acquired as low as Ksh 2k)
- Climbing. The rock walls are just made for climbing. An easy but famous climb is the Fischer's Tower. You need equipment and a guiding to climb in the park, so ask before in your hotel.
- Mvuke Geothermal Spa. Fed by a Sulfur Hot Spring in the northwest of the park is a nice way to end an adventurous day if you manage to arrive before they close at 6pm. Residents Ksh 400, Non-Residents Ksh 1200.
Eat
[edit]If you plan to do a day trip, go with some food and refreshments. There are also usually cooled drinks and some snacks available for purchase at the market between Ranger's Camp and Gorge.
Drink
[edit]Water and soft drinks can be bought in the Elsa Gate shop and at the Ranger's Post at the Hell's Gate Gorge.
Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]Camping
[edit]There are three basic camping sites in the national park.
Backcountry
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few parks in Kenya where visitors can walk, cycle, and hike among wildlife, making safety awareness especially important. Although the park lacks large predators, it is still home to potentially dangerous animals such as buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and baboons. Keep a respectful distance, avoid approaching wildlife on foot, and give any large animal—especially buffalo—a wide berth. Do not feed baboons or leave food in the open, as they can be aggressive.
Cyclists and hikers should stay on designated roads and trails. The park’s dramatic gorges and cliffs are prone to flash floods, especially during the rainy seasons (March–May and November). Check weather conditions before entering any gorge, and avoid the area entirely if heavy rain is forecast—water from distant hills can surge into the gorge suddenly, even when skies above are clear. Several fatalities have occurred in the past due to unexpected flooding.
The volcanic landscape contains hot springs, fumaroles, and geothermal vents. Some areas have very hot ground or unstable surfaces. Follow signage, stay with guides where required, and avoid walking close to steam vents or boiling springs.
The sun can be intense, as much of the park consists of open grassland and exposed rock. Carry plenty of water when hiking or cycling—at least 1–2 liters per person—and wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear. Temperatures can rise quickly, and dehydration is a common issue for unprepared visitors.
Rock climbing is a popular activity around Fischer’s Tower and other cliffs, but it should only be undertaken with proper gear and an experienced guide. Loose rock and sudden gusts of wind can make climbs hazardous. Always verify that your climbing provider is licensed and uses well-maintained equipment.
Because the park allows walking and cycling, you may find yourself sharing the road with safari vehicles. Stay aware of traffic, especially on narrow bends and in dusty areas where visibility is reduced. When in doubt, move to the side of the track and give vehicles priority.
Crime is rare within the park, but secure your belongings, especially at picnic sites where baboons and monkeys may attempt to steal bags or food. In nearby towns and around Naivasha, use normal precautions—avoid leaving valuables in the car and keep personal items close.
Mobile phone reception is generally good near the gates but can be weaker in the deeper gorges and cliff areas. Let your lodge or companion know your plans if hiking alone and always carry a charged phone.
With awareness of the terrain, wildlife, and weather, Hell’s Gate is a safe and enjoyable park for walking, cycling, and adventure activities.