Hell's Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is located to the south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, situated northwest of Nairobi. The park derives its name from a narrow break in the cliffs, which was once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that nourished early humans in the Rift Valley. Established in 1984, it is renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes, featuring prominent landmarks such as Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower columns, along with Hell’s Gate Gorge. Additionally, the national park hosts five geothermal power stations at Ol Karia. Offering three basic campsites, the park also houses a Masai Cultural Center that imparts knowledge about the cultural heritage and traditions of the Masai tribe.

Wildlife

The national park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, albeit in limited numbers. Some rarely encountered species include lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Notably, the park has historically served as a crucial habitat for the scarce lammergeyer vultures. With over 103 bird species, the park features vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, augur buzzards, and swifts.

Commonly found animals in the park include hyraxes, African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, hyena, and baboons. Additionally, the park is inhabited by serval cats, as well as small populations of klipspringer antelope and Chanler’s mountain reedbuck.

Activities

  • Cycling through the park.
  • Hiking through the canyons.
  • Appreciating the local fauna.
  • Bird watching.