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Wim
KE
Visited:
February 2009
Reviewed: May 7, 2012
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Small but Sweet park. With gorgeous (but sometimes dangerous) gorge.
Ian Macfadyen
GB
Visited:
September 2010
Reviewed: Apr 30, 2012
50-65 years of age
A day-trip into a mini-bite of real Africa
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the ground is hot to the touch and a strong smell of sulphur pervades the air. In addition to buffalo and the two species of Big Cat mentioned above, there are numerous species of plains game to be found, including Zebra, Kongoni, (Hartebeest), Eland, Clipspringer, Masai Giraffe, Thomson's Gazelle, Grant's Gazelle, and various other species of animal such as Olive Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Silver-backed Jackal, Warthog, and, if you're really lucky, Bat-eared Fox. Vultures nest on the cliffs, and at the base of the "plugs" live colonies of Rock Hyrax, a little brown animal resembling a guinea-pig, although substantially larger. In the centre of the park is a scenic gorge, - you can generally walk down this, (a good level of fitness is required), or view the gorge from above. The gorge was used in the filming of "Sheena, Queen of The jungle", and other locations within the park have on various occassions been used as a film-set, such as "Born Free", the story of Elsa the lioness. Hell's Gate National Park is highly recommended for a good day out whether you're in a vehicle or whether you've walked or cycled in from Lake Naivasha, where most of the campsites and lodges are located. Although my last visit was a while ago, I've been returning regularly since 1989. I stay at Fisherman's Camp, about three miles from the main entrance along the South Lake Road. This is primarily a campsite for back-packers, but the owner rents out a cottage which is ideal for a family, and there are bandas available too. When I visit with my wife or family we always rent the cottage, which is 600' above the lake near the owner's own house, - beyond this is the "top camp" which is quiet and secluded, or you can choose to stay on the bottom camp by the lakeshore. There's a restaurant there in which meals are served throughout the day, good simple fare such as buger & chips, etc., at a very reasonable price, indeed the food's so good that we take all our meals there throughout our stay although we tend to self-cater for breakfast. Within a short drive of the camp is Hell's Gate of course, and in the opposite direction there's Elsamere, (the former home of George & Joy Adamson), now open to the public for afternoon tea, and Crater Lake, a small private game conservancy with scenic views into the remains of a dormant volcano, open daily. Further afield there's The Aberdares and Lake Nakuru National Park, both of which can be visited in a day. For it's central position in relation to the other major lakes & parks, (Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Samburu, and to the south, the Masai Mara, I always base myself at Naivasha for the major part of each and every trip. There are other camp-sites and lodges around Lake Naivasha but the other camp-sites don't have the stability and infra-structure of Fisherman's Camp and the lodges are of course, very much more expensive.
Stuart
Visited:
December 2004
Reviewed: Apr 30, 2012
Great place for walking or cycling safari
Hell's gate has good access, very close to Naivasha. I have cycled through the park and walked and camped there on several trips. The campsite is well situated overlooking the main (upper) gorge and is an easy walk from the gate. The lower gorge is also easily accessible on foot. On the walk and around the campsite you are likely to see zebra, giraffes, warthog, and perhaps buffalo. Because of the latter you should make sure you have plenty of time to get to the campsite before dark.
The best thing about Hell's Gate is the freedom is gives you - you can walk, drive or cycle, and although there are wild animals around, you do not need a guide. The scenery is spectacular and the lower gorge unmissable.
It is also possible to follow the park road around to the far (West) sector of the park, where the geothermal power stations are, and exit further up the Naivasha ring road. However, this part of the park is not as interesting as the main part and is quite developed with the works and the related buildings.
Chris M.
Visited:
February 2009
Reviewed: Apr 26, 2012
Great place to get out of the truck and join the wildlife. Ride a mountain bike alongside zebras and gazelles. Explore sandstone caverns.
Kinyanjui Hager
DE
Visited:
January 2012
Reviewed: Apr 23, 2012
Email Kinyanjui Hager | 35-50 years of age
Not a big park, but you can get close to the animals and you can walk free around. A walk to the gorge and to the hot springs should not be missed.
Hells Gate is a nice, small and very different National Park close to Lake Naivasha. The main attraction is, suprisingly, not the wildlife but the gorge. The landscape has been formed by giantic ancient streams of lava. A walk (climbing with a guide) though is an exciting advanture. It is the only Park in Kenya you can explore on a bicycle cause of the absence of large predetors (so they say).
Yukon Travellor
CA
Visited:
April 2011
Reviewed: Dec 26, 2011
Email Yukon Travellor | 50-65 years of age
Stopped along the way from Naivasha to the Mara. Smaller in scale than most of the other parks though no less interesting and there are a quantity of wildlife to view.
Off the beaten path destination with genuine Masai people and unique and beautiful landscape
Hells Gate National Park in Kenya's Great Rift Valley is a small off the beaten path park worth visiting if you have a couple of days. Although the wildlife is not as prolific as some of the other parks in Kenya it is a fascinating geological park with hot springs, ancient, volcanos, lava plugs, and gorges. There are plenty of nice walking trails around the park and picnic sites. We also visited a Masaai village and learned how the local Masai people live and how to make a fire.
Flaminia
IT
Visited:
June 2026
Reviewed: Jun 5, 2026
Email Flaminia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice little park, but I recommend the biking close to the zebras and gazelles.
Norbert
DE
Visited:
April 2026
Reviewed: May 5, 2026
Email Norbert | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We cycled the first 8 kilometres with our guide, which allowed us to really take in the stunning scenery. At the end, we went for a walk with him in the canyon and explored the hot springs.