Hell’s gate national park lies in the eastern part of the great East African rift valley between Mountain Longonot, Mountain Suswa and Lake Naivasha. Hell’s gate national park derived its name from the Oi Njorawa Gorge which was created as a result of over flowing from Lake Naivasha through the middle of the park creating a narrow rugged gorge in form of a scaring gate, thus obtaining he name Hell’s gate. The park was established in 1984 to protect wildlife from extinction, it covers an area of about 68 square kilometers. The dramatic features in the park include cliffs, gorges, rock out crops and these were formed as a result of geothermal activity. The park is a home to hot springs and geysers and these featured in the Disney movie called “The Lion King”.
Which Attractions are in Hell’s Gate National Park?
Hell’s gate national park is one of Kenya’s top tourist destinations due to high concentration of attractions and unique features, making it a travelers’ choice. The park’s attractions include the following;
Wildlife in Hell’s Gate National Park
The park is a home to a variety of wildlife which roams in different parts of the park. the park boasts to have these animals for example lions, leopards, cheetahs, African buffaloes, zebras, elands, hartebeests, gazelles, Masai giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, troupes of baboons which fringe around Fischer’s tower, kirk’s Dik-Dik among others and these can be explored during a game drive in Hell’s gate national park or a guided nature walk.
Birdlife in Hell’s Gate National Park
The park accommodates over 100 bird species which are at your disposal with ostriches and secretary birds being the most visible at the rift valley floor. Some of the birds to come across in the park are; African kestrel, arrow-marked babbler, chins pot batis, golden-winged sunbird, eastern imperial eagle, Egyptian vulture, Jackson’s widowbird, bearded vulture, mottled swift, Nyanza swift, white-fronted bee-eater, speckled mousebird, lanner falcon, ruppell’s vulture, verreaux’s eagle, Kori bustards, Abyssinian wheatear, Augur buzzard among others.
Oi Njorawa Gorge
The Oi Njorawa Gorge is a unique and breathtaking feature that is a must visit for the travelers who are on a Kenyan safari. This was formed about 100 years ago due to volcanic action that led to the overflow of lava and volcanic rocks forming a unique feature. The gorge offers breathtaking scenery especially when you hike to the top, spotting hot springs is a different feeling.
The Fischer Towers in Hell’s Gate National Park
This is a volcanic pillar that stands upright and this is as a result of magma solidifying from with the pipe of the volcano. The towers are named after the German explore Gustav Fischer who visited the park in 1883. There is a mythical story attached to the towers that by the Masai people. The Masai people believe that the pillar was a chief’s daughter who turned against the tradition norm and took one last look at his family when she was getting married and this was like a punishment. The pillars when hiked to the top, offer breathtaking views of the park, shores of Naivasha and they also offer a home to rock hyraxes, baboons, birds and other creatures.
Obsidian Cave in Hell’s Gate National Park
This is a cave near Elsa Gate at the end of buffalo circuit. This is a fascinating feature that offers breathtaking views and it is covered by grassy rocks and lava.
The Masai People in Hell’s Gate National Park
The Masai people are indigenous tribe that has lived here since time immemorial. While you are on a safari in Hell’s gate national park, you will have an opportunity to explore the ancient lifestyle of the Masai person. You will enjoy cultural beliefs, norms, dances, initiation ceremonies among others. The Masai people have put up their shops therefore you will be able to buy yourself souvenirs. You will be amazed how the Masai have coexisted with the wildlife.
What is the best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park?
You can visit the park throughout the year, however, it is advisable to visit Hell’s gate national park during dry season. This is when you find most of the animals at the water sources. This is when the vegetation is short and you will be able to see wildlife clearly and this is the best time when the hiking trails, walkways and roads in the park are dry enough for tourists to access all corners of the park. The dry season is between June to September, and then December to February. On the other hand, birders enjoy the park during the wet season and this is between March and May and October and November. This is the best time when the birds are nesting, breeding season and migratory birds are seen all over the place.
Which Safari Can I Combine Hell’s Gate National Park With?
You can combine Hell’s gate national park safari with Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya, or gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda or Volcanoes national park in Rwanda or Serengeti national park in Tanzania. You will need to grab a flight to Uganda which is about 1hour 15minutes, if you want to fly to Rwanda from Kenya it is about 1hour and 40 minutes and a flight to Tanzania from Kenya it is about 2hours.
