Hell's Gate National Park Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Hell's Gate National Park, located in the Nakuru region of Kenya, is a stunning and unique destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park is known for its dramatic scenery, with towering cliffs, gorges, and rock towers, as well as geothermal hot springs and natural geysers. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bicycle, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and spotting a variety of wildlife along the way.
One of the most popular activities in Hell's Gate National Park is hiking through the Hell's Gate Gorge. This narrow ravine is a natural wonder, with towering cliffs on either side and a winding river at the bottom. Hikers can navigate the gorge, taking in the dramatic rock formations and perhaps spotting some of the park's resident wildlife, such as zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes.
For those looking for a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, rock climbing and abseiling are also popular activities in the park. The towering cliffs and rock formations provide a challenging and exhilarating playground for climbers, with routes suitable for all levels of experience.
After a day of exploring the park, visitors can relax and unwind in the Olkaria Geothermal Spa. This natural hot spring is the perfect place to soothe tired muscles and take in the surrounding scenery, while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.
Hell's Gate National Park is also home to the Olkaria Geothermal Power Station, which provides a fascinating insight into Kenya's sustainable energy efforts. Visitors can take a guided tour of the power station to learn about geothermal energy production and its importance in the region.
Nakuru
Hell's Gate National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore
Hell's Gate National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Olkaria. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Hell's Gate National Park
Learn when is the best time to travel to Hell's Gate National Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Bearded vulture
The bearded vulture, also known as the lammergeier or ossifrage, is a remarkable and distinctive bird of prey. It is the sole species within the genus Gypaetus and is often classified as an Old World vulture. Unlike other raptors, the bearded vulture's diet consists...
Birds
Thomson's gazelle
Thomson's gazelle, or *Eudorcas thomsonii*, is a familiar sight in East Africa, named after the explorer Joseph Thomson. Commonly referred to as "tommies" these gazelles are the most prevalent in the region, with an estimated population exceeding 550,000.
Mammals
Hyena
Hyenas, or hyaenas, are captivating carnivorous mammals belonging to the Hyaenidae family. Despite there being only four extant species, hyenas play a crucial role in African ecosystems. Intriguingly, although they are more closely related to cats and civets, hyenas...
Mammals
Hartebeest
The hartebeest, commonly referred to as the kongoni, is a remarkable African antelope with eight recognized subspecies, some of which are now considered separate species. These animals are quite sizable, standing just over a meter tall at the shoulder.
Mammals
Zebra
Zebras are fascinating African animals renowned for their striking black-and-white striped coats. There are three primary species: Grévy's zebra, plains zebra, and mountain zebra. Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern, which some scientists believe helps protect them...
Mammals
Nakuru